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Cartagena’s waterfront provides the setting for Cuarentaytrés, a hospitality concept shaped around the food, flavours and drinks of Spain’s south-east. Its main venue, Espacio Cuarentaytrés, sits on Muelle Alfonso XII, combining a contemporary restaurant with an events space overlooking the Mediterranean.
The wider experience is closely tied to Licor 43, the Cartagena-born liqueur produced by Zamora Company. That connection continues at Experiencia 43, the dedicated visitor centre at the brand’s production facilities in Los Camachos.
Dining Along Cartagena’s Waterfront
Cuarentaytrés occupies a waterfront position close to Cartagena’s centre, with the terrace and outdoor areas making the most of the Mediterranean setting.
The concept is rooted in the region. Local produce, Cartagena specialities and Mediterranean cooking shape the restaurant, while the drinks programme draws on the wider Zamora Company portfolio. It works equally well for a long lunch, dinner or drinks by the water.
Cartagena Flavours at the Table
The kitchen carries Pablo González’s endorsement, a Murcia-born chef whose Cabaña Buenavista holds two Michelin stars. At Cuarentaytrés, he works with Cartagena chefs Adrián Costa and Pedro Ortega on a menu built around local ingredients and regional flavours.
The opening dishes establish that focus quickly. Ensaladilla 5 de 43 is one of the restaurant’s signatures, while Cartagena salted meats and other local specialities reinforce the connection to the area.
Bluefin tuna from Fuentes is another key ingredient, appearing across the menu in different forms, including Arroz de Atún Rojo Fuentes.
Rice, Fish and the Grill
Rice is one of the menu’s strongest sections. Options include A Banda Paella with Cuttlefish, Monkfish and Mussels, Iberian Pork Presa and Cartagena White Sausage, Local Vegetable Rice and Red Tuna Rice ‘Fuentes’. There is also Teriyaki Chicken Fideuá with Eel and Cherries.
Fish varies with the market and season. More composed dishes include Lenguado with beurre blanc, sautéed gnocchi, onions and grey mullet roe. The catch of the day can also be prepared a la Murciana or a la Cartagenera.
Meat dishes are more substantial. Glazed lamb shoulder with its jus and patatas al ajo cabañil is designed for sharing, while the beef selection includes tenderloin Stroganoff, a 500g beef sirloin, and a one-kilogram matured beef chop. Goat ribs with young garlic and pine nuts add another regional note.
The menu is broad enough for sharing but remains anchored in Cartagena and Murcia, which gives the restaurant a clear sense of place.
Wine and Cocktails by the Water
Cuarentaytrés has a dedicated wine cellar, with sommelier guidance available for pairings.
The cocktail list was developed by mixologist Manel Vehí using spirits from the Zamora Company portfolio, with Licor 43 naturally prominent. Ginger 43 is one of the signature serves, while the drinks offering also includes the Asiático, Cartagena’s traditional coffee drink made with condensed milk, brandy and Licor 43.
For a lighter visit, tapas, Cartagena salted fish and marineras can be paired with drinks on the terrace.
Inside Experiencia 43
The Licor 43 story continues at Experiencia 43, located at the production facilities in Los Camachos. The visitor experience focuses on the history, ingredients and production of the liqueur.
The Masterclass Tour is the most comprehensive option. It includes an organoleptic tasting of Licor 43 Original, a sensory introduction to its ingredients, a guided visit through the museum and production plant, a cocktail workshop and a tasting of different Licor 43 varieties with sweet and savoury accompaniments. The experience lasts around two and a half hours.
The shorter Premium Tour includes the museum and production-plant visit, an organoleptic tasting of Licor 43 Original, two classic Licor 43 cocktails and a tasting of the wider Licor 43 range with snacks. It lasts around one hour and 45 minutes.
The Masterclass is adults-only, while minors may join the Premium Tour subject to the visitor centre’s conditions and advance consultation.
The filling line does not operate on weekends or public holidays, although this stage of production is still explained through audiovisual material during the tour.
Shop 43 and the Wider Zamora Collection
Shop 43 extends the experience into the wider Zamora Company portfolio. Alongside Licor 43, the selection includes wines and spirits from names such as Ramón Bilbao, Mar de Frades, Cruz de Alba, Lolea, Martin Miller’s and Zoco.
For those visiting Experiencia 43, it provides a convenient final stop after the tour.
Celebrations by the Mediterranean
Cuarentaytrés also hosts weddings, birthdays and corporate events, with its waterfront setting and restaurant programme carrying into private celebrations.
For destination weddings, Cartagena’s historic port setting and regional gastronomy give the venue a strong local identity.
Making Cuarentaytrés Part of a Cartagena Stay
The restaurant and Espacio Cuarentaytrés are on Muelle Alfonso XII, close to Cartagena’s historic centre and waterfront. Experiencia 43 is on Calle Silicio in Los Camachos, where Licor 43 is produced.
The two work best as complementary experiences. Experiencia 43 provides the background to the liqueur and its production, while the waterfront restaurant places that story within a broader expression of Cartagena’s food and drinking culture.
Cuarentaytrés is particularly suited to travellers looking for a strong connection to the destination. Local rice dishes, Fuentes bluefin tuna and Cartagena specialities establish that at the table, while Experiencia 43 adds context around one of the city’s best-known exports.
Location: Calle Muelle Alfonso XII, S/N, 30201 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
