This is a charming, local experience. The server understood immediately my requirements and gave me 4 or 5 arepa suggestions. I had the mix of chicken and beef and it as delicious. And one serving was plenty. The shrimp ceviche was great. More of a shrimp in salsa. Give this place a try. This is the lovely local feel I miss when I travel.
There are a couple arepas that are gluten free, not as many as I expected but a few. Seems like they use soy sauce to cook quite a few menu items so definitely ask even if you think something seems like it would be gf. I had one of the ones they recommended for gf and it definitely didn’t have soy sauce and I didn’t get sick!
This was a fantastic little place that the owner went above and beyond to ensure that everything I ordered was safe for celiacs and he personally explained me the procedures he follows and was happy to answer all my questions (I had quite a few!). Basically, the only arepas that are out of limits are the ones with soy sauce in the meat preparation, so please be sure to mention that to your server when you say you have celiac, and they will explain what is safe because the menu isn’t marked as gf.
We ordered arepas and patacones. The patacones were fried in a fryer where the only other thing they fry is potatoes, so it’s safe. Both were super delicious! I strongly recommend this place and want to thank Arturo, the owner, for the great service! Be sure to stop by if you are in Cartagena!