For 8 years, we have been researching and showcasing the importance of the cuisine and pantry of this region, working hand in hand with small producers, fi shermen, and artisans, consolidating all our research together with the Botanical Garden of Cartagena, biologists, and educational institutions.
Celele is considered one of the best restaurants in Latin America, having been awarded several recognitions over the years by the famous list “The Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants”. Currently ranking No. 6 on the list.
- In 2019, it was the recipient of the "Miele One To Watch Award" by The Latin America 50 Best Restaurants.
- In 2020, it ranked No. 49 on the list “The Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants”
- In 2021, Celele remained on the list and also received the "Gin Mare Art Of Hospitality Award".
- In 2022, it ranked No. 19 on the list “The Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants”
- In 2023, it ranked No. 16 on the list “The Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants”
- In 2024, it is currently positioned as No. 6 on the list “The Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants”
Jaime Rodriguez
- Creative Development and Research Chef
- Celele Restaurante / Proyecto Caribe Lab
At 37 years old, Jaime is recognized as one of the best chefs in Colombia with more than 17 years of experience, and positioned with three knives and with a special award as The Best Chef “Terroir” according to the list “The Best Chef Awards” 2024. Likewise, in 2023 he was ranked No. 75 of the 100 best Chefs in the world according to the same list “The Best Chef Awards”.
He is the owner and creative development and research chef of Celele Restaurant in Cartagena, Colombia, which is currently ranked No. 6 on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list. Since its opening, the restaurant has been recognized by this prestigious list in 2019 as One To Watch, in 2020 at No. 49, in 2021 with the Art of Hospitality award, in 2022 at No. 19 and in 2023 at No. 16.
Jaime is the founder of the Caribe Lab Project and has spent over 14 years traveling throughout Colombia to research its gastronomic culture and biodiversity, with the aim of sharing its importance with the world and inspiring his contemporary cuisine dishes.
Jaime is featured in the 2021 edition of Phaidon’s book “Today’s Special: 20 leading chefs choose 100 emerging chefs,” chosen by renowned Chef Virgilio Martinez.
In 2016 and 2020, he was the chef representing Colombia at Madrid Fusión, Spain. In 2011, he served as team captain at the Bocuse d’Or in Mexico, and in 2011, he represented Colombia at the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Chef World Competition in Turkey.
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
