COCINA DE PEPINA
For when you want to eat what's local and traditional to Cartagena (and the surrounding region) AND you also want to eat really well, you’d be hard pressed to find a better option than @lacocinadepepina . At the restaurant entrance, a sign, hand-painted by bazurto market icon “el runner” declares “no hay plato malo” (translation: there’s no bad dish) . We’ve put this confident challenge to the test time and time again, and we are yet to be disappointed.
This is honest-to-goodness, home-cooking style, stomach satisfaction. From the impressive platter of starters, the unmissable copa sísísí (a type of three-tiered ceviche), to main-meal soups (like the region’s famed mote de queso or the coconut-rich seafood stew) and rustic and delicious traditional plates such as farmhouse hen or salted beef. Every plate is indeed spot on. When washed down with seasonal local juices you don’t usually find on standard menus it makes for a uniquely local foodie experience.
All of this to say we encourage you to make a space in your Cartagena itinerary to lunch here.. although be warned: it's a tiny restaurant and they may not immediately have space for you! reservations aren't accepted, but a wander through Getsemani neighbourhood to kill time is never a bad idea. Once you've scored one of their covetable tables, your next problem will be how you can try all the delicious starters AND leave space for the worthwhile mains. It seems to be a common problem as positive google reviews reveal we're not the only repeat visitors.
What should I order?
Honestly, everything. The "bandeja de entradas" (platter of mixed starters), the copa si si si and the mote de queso are probably the most popular dishes.
Vegetarians? Vegans?
The aforementioned Mote de Queso makes a delicious vegetarian main. There are a couple of vegan-friendly starters and sides, namely cabeza de gato, boronia, patacones (tostones) and coconut rice and the Mote de Queso soup can be made without cheese.
Group friendly?
Difficult for groups larger than 4-6. Pepina is tiny and doesn't take reservations.
This is honest-to-goodness, home-cooking style, stomach satisfaction. From the impressive platter of starters, the unmissable copa sísísí (a type of three-tiered ceviche), to main-meal soups (like the region’s famed mote de queso or the coconut-rich seafood stew) and rustic and delicious traditional plates such as farmhouse hen or salted beef. Every plate is indeed spot on. When washed down with seasonal local juices you don’t usually find on standard menus it makes for a uniquely local foodie experience.
All of this to say we encourage you to make a space in your Cartagena itinerary to lunch here.. although be warned: it's a tiny restaurant and they may not immediately have space for you! reservations aren't accepted, but a wander through Getsemani neighbourhood to kill time is never a bad idea. Once you've scored one of their covetable tables, your next problem will be how you can try all the delicious starters AND leave space for the worthwhile mains. It seems to be a common problem as positive google reviews reveal we're not the only repeat visitors.
What should I order?
Honestly, everything. The "bandeja de entradas" (platter of mixed starters), the copa si si si and the mote de queso are probably the most popular dishes.
Vegetarians? Vegans?
The aforementioned Mote de Queso makes a delicious vegetarian main. There are a couple of vegan-friendly starters and sides, namely cabeza de gato, boronia, patacones (tostones) and coconut rice and the Mote de Queso soup can be made without cheese.
Group friendly?
Difficult for groups larger than 4-6. Pepina is tiny and doesn't take reservations.
KEY INFO
Address: Cl. 25 #9a-06 local 2, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar
Phone: 300 8565189 web: https://www.facebook.com/La-Cocina-de-Pepina-156202744467945/
Hours: Sunday and Monday Lunch only 12-4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday 12-4.30pm; 7-9.30pm
Address: Cl. 25 #9a-06 local 2, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar
Phone: 300 8565189 web: https://www.facebook.com/La-Cocina-de-Pepina-156202744467945/
Hours: Sunday and Monday Lunch only 12-4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday 12-4.30pm; 7-9.30pm