Restaurante Interno in Cartagena was a pioneering culinary establishment with a profound social mission, operating within the San Diego women's prison until its closure in 2019. This unique venue offered an unparalleled dining experience where female inmates, under the guidance of culinary professionals, prepared and served upscale Caribbean fusion cuisine. The restaurant was a cornerstone of Fundación Acción Interna, an initiative dedicated to providing vocational training and second chances for incarcerated women, fostering their reintegration into society upon their release.
The ambiance was thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and trendy atmosphere, featuring hot pink decor, lush botanical murals, and rustic-chic wooden tables, effectively transforming a correctional facility courtyard into a vibrant dining space. Guests embarked on a gastronomic journey while contributing to a transformative social project, making every meal a testament to hope and rehabilitation. In 2018, Restaurante Interno in Cartagena was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the '100 Best Places in the World' for its innovative concept and impact. While the Cartagena location is no longer operational, the 'Interno' project by Fundación Acción Interna continues its mission with a new restaurant opened in Bogotá in 2020.