Restaurants in Colombia
-
A
Crepes & Waffles
One of 35 Bogotá locations of this ever-busy chain – which employs women in need – we like this one best: a two-story brick home with sidewalk seats between Zona G and Zona Rosa. Like the others, it serves up veggie, meat and seafood crepes, plus irresistible ice cream–topped waffles (COP$5000).
reviewed
-
B
La Puerta Falsa
This is Bogotá's most famous snack shop – with displayed multicolored candies beckoning you into this tiny spot that's been in business since 1816. Some complain it's nothing but foreigners with their Lonely Planet guides these days, but don't buy it – there were no other gringos on a Saturday morning in September. The moist tamales and chocolate completo (hot chocolate with cheese, buttered bread and a biscuit; COP$5000) remain a Bogotá snack of lore.
reviewed
-
C
Salto de Ángel
Parque 93’s best location – a raised restaurant with cavernous rooms topped with bamboo poles and huge windows overlooking the park – the ‘Angel Falls’ is often full. It’s probably just as good for its setting and drinks (or an excellent slushy cantaloupe juice, COP$4000) as it is for its typical fare: steaks, salads, sandwiches, fajitas.
reviewed
-
D
Donostia
This hip restaurant run by five boyhood friends puts a Mediterranean twist on Colombian food - adding spices to lighten up its meals. Meat lovers will enjoy the chuleta de cerdo BBQ (pork ribs grilled with a special recipe native to Mompós). You can hear live music here on Wednesday.
reviewed
-
E
Restaurante Fulanitos
Fulanitos is a beautifully arranged, informal place which offers food typical of the Valle del Cauca in southern Colombia. It has excellent views.
reviewed
-
Andrés Carne de Res
Hang onto your hats. This legendary steakhouse blows everyone away – even repeat visitors – for its all-out-fun atmosphere with decent steaks and all sorts of surreal decor and designed gimmicks such as menus retracting from the rafters. For most, it’s more than a meal – but a leave-the-watch-at-home expanse of late-night rumba. Staff will get you on the floor if you resist joining in. The catch is that it’s out of town – in Chía, 23km north towards Zipaquirá.
reviewed
-
F
Donde Chucho
Serving the best seafood on the coast, and sitting on prime real estate on the newly renovated Parque Santander. Start with the signature salad (shrimp, octopus, calamari and manta smoked in olive oil) and move on to robaloau gratin (mozzarella and parmesan). Divine. If this place doesn’t fit your budget, go Monday to Thursday between 6pm to 9pm and enjoy cocktails at 2-for-the-price-of-1. Don’t miss it.
reviewed
-
G
Il Forno
Set in the middle of the zona rosa, this open-air Italian restaurant doesn't do gimmicks or discounts, just hearty food at a fair price. It serves pizza and sandwiches, lasagna and ravioli, and even steak. It may not be gourmet, but at this price, who cares?
reviewed
-
H
Café Colombo
On the top floor of the building also housing the Centro Colombo Americano, this minimalist spot serves up light meals along with stunning views of the city and mountains. Go for the set meal (COP$15,500), which changes weekly, or try the crepes, pasta, steak or trout. Its 10th-floor outdoor terrace is a great spot for cocktails early in the evening.
reviewed
-
I
La Casa de Socorro
This is a good little spot to try comida costeña, the typical food of the coast. It’s a casual spot with nice design touches like paintings on recycled walking planks, and the menu features staples like robalo (sea bass) smothered in cheese and garlic, along with more adventurous fare such as snail or turtle soup.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Snack Bars
Plenty of snack bars all across the old town serve typical local snacks such as arepas de huevo (fried maize dough with an egg inside), dedos de queso (deep-fried cheese sticks), empanadas and buñuelos (deep-fried maize and cheese balls).
reviewed
-
J
Pastelería Florida
Those needing a bit of pomp or history with their chocolate santafereño (hot chocolate served with cheese) should make the hike to this classic snack shop–restaurant (a legendary spot for hot chocolate since 1936), with uniformed waiters serving up a variety of cakes.
reviewed
-
K
Restaurante Hatoviejo
A favorite of Medellín's carnivores, this is the best place in the center for regional dishes such as plato montañero, an artery-clogging conglomeration of ground beef, eggs and fried pork skin.
reviewed
-
Tapas Macarena
Run by a Dutch/Colombian couple, this cool corner spot is tiny with a play on the usual tapas, including sautéed beef with Indonesian peanut sauce, and Dutch cheese plates. Plenty of Belgian beers too.
reviewed
-
L
El Burlador de Sevilla
Giant bulls' heads mounted to the wall stare down at you as you dine on some excellent Spanish treats, including paellas, tapas and jamónes (hams).
reviewed
-
M
Comida Mexican al Pastor
One of the few low-priced restaurants in Zona Rosa, this Mexican place with a bright yellow facade serves up nachos, quesadillas and tacos to hungry partygoers.
reviewed
-
N
L’ Jaim
This little bit of Israel transported to Bogotá serves great shawarma (chopped meat and veggies served with pita and hummus) plus felafel and baklava.
reviewed
-
O
Quinua y Amaranto
This sweet spot – run by ladies in the open-front kitchen – goes all vegetarian during the week (there's often chicken ajiaco on weekends), with tasty set lunches and empanadas, salads and coffee later on. A small section of coco leaves, baked goods and tempting chunks of artisanal cheese round out the homey offerings.
reviewed
-
Zarina
In-the-know locals vote this Lebanese joint the best eatery in town. There’s no shawarma, but you can enjoy a genuine felafel with tahini.
reviewed
-
Restaurante West View
This West View option looks ordinary but the food stands out. Try the filet of fish. The owner is planning some nifty coconut bungalows.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
P
La Bodeguita del Medio
Eat and drink under the watchful eyes of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro in this hard-core Cuban café de la revolución.
reviewed
-
Q
Restaurante Vegetariano Salud Vibrante
Your best bet for a cheap veggie meal in Cali. Staff makes its own soy milk and wholemeal bread. Also sells good veggie empanadas.
reviewed
-
R
Restaurante Vegetariano Sol de la India
Decent vegetarian grub near the La Merced complex.
reviewed
-
S
Restaurante Wok
One of the better Asian restaurants in the north.
reviewed
-
Cali Viejo
Set in the lush grounds of the Bosque Municipal, the city park adjoining the zoo, Cali Viejo shows off Cali’s Pacific roots. Seafood is the star here – try the cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew, COP$41,000) or lobster (COP$58,000) – but it also does a great sancocho (COP$20,000). Wash it down with a champú or lulada, or a shot of the homemade aguardiente. The dining room has no walls, letting a breeze blow through. If you’re coming here from the zoo, take a taxi or flag down a passing bus; the area is a bit isolated and, hence, a bit sketchy.
reviewed