Echoes from Our Kitchen

Discover what critics and our guests are saying about the culinary revolution taking place in the heart of Getsemaní.

sambal bistro caribeno menu con cocteleria

A Commitment That Goes Beyond

Every mention, review and award reinforces our core promise: to offer a fine dining experience where exceptional service meets an inviting atmosphere. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of culinary technique and turn every visit into an unforgettable memory.

The New York Times logo

Squeeze into a Narrow Restaurant (Sambal in The New York Times)

The petite Sambal, on a busy Getsemaní street, is easy to miss but a neat travelers’ find. Its narrow space belies a full-throttle menu of well-presented takes on local favorites, including ceviche topped with fried squid (50,000 pesos) and oxtail tacos (30,000 pesos). Service is attentive but the ambiance is low-key. An open kitchen allows you to smell your meal before you see it. Don’t skip the soursop cheesecake (28,000 pesos), one of the restaurant’s creative flavor combinations. Reserve the window seat for an entertaining view of passersby and the neighborhood’s legendary street art. Read more at: nytimes.com

Sambal Bistro on Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2024 award
Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2025 award

We Received TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award! Thank you for your support!

We are proud and excited to announce that Sambal received TripAdvisor’s prestigious Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. This recognition places us among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide and reflects our commitment to excellence in hospitality and gastronomy. We sincerely thank all our guests and valued customers for their continued support and thoughtful feedback, which helps us improve every day. This award belongs to you as much as it does to us, and we are delighted to share this achievement with you. It strengthens our commitment to offering a high-quality dining experience with exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere. We will continue working to exceed your expectations and create unforgettable moments for every guest.

Press & Blog Articles

Beyond the Violence: The New York Times Highlights Food from Montes de María
19Aug

Beyond the Violence: The New York Times Highlights Food from Montes de María

Chefs design fine-dining dishes made with agro-organic produce and with…

‘Sambal’: The Caribbean Now Tastes of Reconciliation
19Aug

‘Sambal’: The Caribbean Now Tastes of Reconciliation

In an interview with EL HERALDO, the creators of the…

Sambal and Celele: Cartagena’s Two Signature Restaurants
19Aug

Sambal and Celele: Cartagena’s Two Signature Restaurants

Sambal Bistro is a new restaurant in Getsemaní, Calle Media…

The Art of Pairing Caribbean Cooking with Local Agroecological Produce
19Aug

The Art of Pairing Caribbean Cooking with Local Agroecological Produce

At Sambal Bistro we combine contemporary Caribbean cooking with local…

Getsemaní: The Neighborhood That Brings Sambal Bistro to Life
19Aug

Getsemaní: The Neighborhood That Brings Sambal Bistro to Life

At Sambal Bistro we blend Caribbean flavors, the atmosphere of…

The Magic of the Caribbean in Every Dish: Bringing Biodiversity to the Table
12Aug

The Magic of the Caribbean in Every Dish: Bringing Biodiversity to the Table

At Sambal Bistro, Caribbean cuisine has a remarkable story to…