Where indigenous wisdom meets contemporary technique, Celele Cartagena transforms Colombia's Caribbean coast into an extraordinary culinary laboratory. Chef Jaime Rodríguez's groundbreaking restaurant emerges from Proyecto Caribe Lab, a pioneering research initiative that documents disappearing indigenous ingredients and ancestral recipes, creating one of Latin America's most distinctive fine dining experiences.

Founded in 2018 in Cartagena's historic Getsemaní neighborhood, Celele represents Chef Rodríguez's decade-long journey exploring Colombia's Caribbean biodiversity alongside local communities and indigenous peoples. This research-driven philosophy has earned remarkable recognition, propelling the restaurant from Latin America's 50 Best newcomer to its current position at No. 6, while securing the 2025 Sustainable Restaurant Award and Chef Rodríguez's three Knives from The Best Chef Awards with special "Terroir" distinction.

The cuisine celebrates rare ingredients found nowhere else: orejero tree seeds transformed into sweet paste, guaimaro maya nuts, pomarrosa malay apples with rosewater notes, and wild jumbalee fruit. Ninety percent of ingredients originate from the Caribbean coast, with seventy percent from wild harvests. Signature dishes include the acclaimed Celele de Cerdo—confit pork terrine with preserved sweet peppers, Caribbean beans, and aromatic pork broth—alongside Caribbean flower salad with pickled cashews and passion fruit dressing. The innovative fish salpicón features yam and coconut béchamel with local cheese crumble, while desserts showcase La Sierra Nevada chocolate with tropical forest crumble and borojó gel, or the remarkable yuca leaf and mambe cake served tiramisu-style with hibiscus sorbet.

The intimate colonial-style space prioritizes ingredient storytelling over opulence, creating an immersive educational experience where each dish narrates cultural heritage. Service combines refined hospitality with deep knowledge, transforming dinner into enlightening exploration of Colombian Caribbean traditions. The thoughtful beverage program features regional craft beers, Colombian fruit cocktails, and fermented spirits that complement the menu's unique flavor profiles.

Celele reservations should be secured well in advance through their website, as this 2019 Miele One To Watch Award winner continues attracting international culinary travelers. For discerning diners seeking authentic cultural immersion through exceptional gastronomy, Celele offers an unparalleled window into Colombia's extraordinary Caribbean biodiversity.