Don’t be intimidated by the panther hologram eyeing you as you saunter up bustling U Walk to Hotel Cartagena. This place is the opposite of dark and moody. In fact, if you’re feeling down, head to Hotel Cartagena, and you’ll likely leave feeling a lot brighter – and definitely a lot fuller. Not a hotel, but a trendy restaurant, the eatery promises to bring the vibes of Cartagena along with “the finest Colombian fusion cuisine,” complete with some seriously Instagrammable décor.
Pretty much every eatery has Insta-appeal nowadays, but Hotel Cartagena’s colourful, jungle-inspired design still stands out with flowers, toucan wall art, supersized birdcages, feathered lamps and plants galore. The dimly lit, red-walled space is a mood brightener, before you’ve even met with the bubbly, knowledgeable staff or tasted those vibrant Latin fusion flavours.
Everyone is upbeat from the hostesses outside to wait staff inside the restaurant. They welcome you into the eccentric space, and ensure you’re looked after the entire time. They know the ins and outs of the menu, which is broken down into ceviche, empanadas, tacos, fish and seafood, meat and surprisingly maki and burgers. Shakers are frequently at work making the popular colourful mocktails.
Dishes come out of the kitchen as fast as the beats with flavours as bold as the wall art. A surprise mushroom and cheese empanada with slightly spicy yellow chili mayo will make meat eaters say “beef who”? The Brazilian picanha steak is another standout with staff even asking if we want more chimichurri. It’s this level of attention from servers that elevates the experience further.
Portions are generous and great for sharing. With brunch and business lunch menus, there’s also a lot to come back to.
If you somehow missed the peacock chair on your way in, be sure to snap a shot of yourself in it on the way out. You can’t take the chair home, but at least you’ll have the happy memories of your meal – and something great for the ‘gram.
Open daily, 1pm-2am. U Walk, An Nakheel, hotelcartagenariyadh.com (92 003 3801).
