Marea By Rausch: A Cartagena Seafood Lover’s Dream

While you can get ceviche and tuna tartare at almost any restaurant in Cartagena, you won’t get the unbelievable dining experience found at the Marea By Rausch. Owned and operated by the famous Rausch brothers, Jorge and Mark, Older brother Jorge is no newcomer to the restaurant scene since he’s started his culinary education in Surrey, England many years ago and opened his first venue in Bogota, Colombia, the Criterión.

Literally translated, criterión means a principle or standard by which something may be judged, and this is exactly what you’ll receive in all of his restaurants, the highest quality of food set to the best of standards. Don’t just take our word for it, reviewers on Tripadvisors agree, one of them calling it “the best restaurant in Cartagena,” and “first class.”

They go on to rave, “The setting, on the water, just outside the old city walls looking back on the old town, is beautiful. A corozo (red, local berry fruit) cocktail to start, nice wine (with sweet wines available for pudding too) and amazing food – local flavours with a twist and not just seafood! Truly excellent and extremely reasonably priced for the quality of the food and ingredients.”

The setting and views are also not to be missed along with the cuisine, offers this visitor, “Love the setting on the water facing the clock tower and the ancient harbor of Cartagena. This was where the Spanish Galleons and the Slave ships docked a couple of centuries ago. I always have my favorite avocado tower with fresh crabmeat on top. Marea has great selection of food and wines.”

Brotherly Bond

Although younger brother, Mark, may not be as world-renowned as his older brother, Jorge, his philosophy on food remains the same, “Never prepare something that does not really fascinate.” His cooking style takes him back to ancestral recipes from his family including his Aunt Norma’s strudel that reminds him of the streets of Paris.

Some of their dessert selections tie into his Aunt’s skills with marmalades, jams and preserves when you consider the Black Forest Belgian Chocolate stuffed with cherries amarenas, a delicious syrup made from these fruits only grown in select parts of Italy. Don’t forget traditional favorites like Crème Brulée Vanilla and Chocolate Mousse with hazelnuts.

On The Seafood Side

Located on the waterfront, the Marea by Rausch is well known for their fresh seafood selections which include a plump lobster tail served with fettucine and a house sauce with truffles. Don’t miss their Mediterranean Bouillabaisse with a touch of saffron and or their Peruvian inspired Seafood Rice Caldoso served over rice smothered with a chili infused seafood sauce. Other traditional seafood favorites include Coconut Shrimp, also hinted with saffron. It’s served with coconut rice, dried fruit, mango, fresh hearts of palm, homemade jam and lemongrass.

Bring your appetite along with a particular palate that needs pleasing and you won’t be disappointed. Prices may bend your budget a bit, but reviews agree it’s worth every peso when it comes to this culinary treat.