Must-see restaurants in Colombia

  • Restaurante de la Escuela Taller

    Bogotá

    This great lunch hot spot is tucked away inside a culinary (among other skills) workshop for disadvantaged youth and feels like a find. Dining here in the…

  • Mesa Franca

    Bogotá

    Colombian chef Iván Cadena evokes the come-one, come-all banquet-style of his Araucanian farm upbringing at this hot Bogotá newcomer, a beautiful example…

  • Central Cevicheria

    Bogotá

    This large, high-concept cevicheria is insanely popular with the upscale Bogotá set. Choose your fish (octopus, shrimp, mixed seafood etc), then add one…

  • La Puerta Falsa

    Bogotá

    If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Maybe that’s why, after two centuries, the 'False Door' is still successfully knocking out the same one-page menu,…

  • De Una Travel Bar

    Bogotá

    With a menu written on a suitcase hung on the door and well-thumbed travel books scattered within, it's no surprise that this cafe is a travelers'…

  • Madre

    Bogotá

    You'd never notice this hip pizzeria and bar from the street – it's tucked away within an unassuming shopping plaza that does little to catch anyone's…

  • Salvo Patria

    Bogotá

    This Chapinero Alto stalwart of coolness and quality helped pioneer Bogotá's now well-established farm-to-table food scene (local producers are listed on…

  • Insurgentes Taco Bar

    Bogotá

    Occupying a former Chapinero Alto mansion now split between two restaurants, hip newcomer Insurgentes is a high-design, good-time taco bar that draws a…

  • Home Burger

    Bogotá

    What some say is the pinnacle of Bogotá's off-the-charts burger wars, hipster-ish Home Burger eschews gourmet nonsense for down-home simplicity: folks…

  • Pastelería Florida

    Bogotá

    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…

  • La Xarcuteria

    Bogotá

    Originally started by an American-Colombian chef who might very well be to blame for Bogotá's now-saturated gourmet burger game, La Xarcuteria does proper…

  • Mistral Panadería Artesanal

    Bogotá

    Situated in the chic and arty Chapinero Alto neighbourhood, this small French-style cafe is the real deal (even French tourists give their stamp of…

  • La Tapería

    Bogotá

    To the delight of those in the know, delectable tapas such as cherry tomatoes wrapped in blue cheese and bacon with a balsamic reduction are churned out…

  • Quinua y Amaranto

    Bogotá

    This sweet spot – run by women in an open-front kitchen – offers tasty set lunches, as well as empanadas, salads and coffee. Fare is all vegetarian during…

  • Ceviche with Lime

    La Cevichería

    Cartagena

    A once little-known spot prized by locals, La Cevichería was given ample publicity in an episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations in 2008. Cue the…

  • De/Raíz

    Bogotá

    This stylish plant-based bistro was born out of the upstart owner's MBA thesis project and is seriously steeped in fostering relationships with local…

  • 80 Sillas

    Bogotá

    Usaquén’s busiest spot is all about putting a modern spin on traditional ceviche, set in a redone colonial farmhouse on the southwestern corner of the…

  • Guerrero

    Bogotá

    Guerrero is a trendy-ish sandwich joint in Quinta Camacho that does a mouthwatering menu of gourmet sandwiches (a fantastic burger, fried trout, chicken…

  • Café de la Peña Pastelería Francesa

    Bogotá

    Colombians run this fabulous French-style bakery, but you'd never know it. They make some of the nicest pan de chocolate, éclairs and almond croissants in…

  • Di Lucca

    Bogotá

    Locals unanimously gush over this smart trattoria and its soothing prices. Pizza, pasta and risotto rule. Great food, low bills, fun crowd and open on…

  • Papaya Gourmet

    Bogotá

    This bright and extra cozy hole-in-the-wall travel cafe dishes up burritos (COP$10,000 to COP$13,500) and tacos (COP$9500 to COP$12,500) as vehicles for…

  • Restaurante Las Cruces

    Barichara

    Encased in one of Barichara’s larger colonial mansions, this venerable cooking school offers its student-prepared food in a spacious garden patio with…

  • Narcobollo

    Bogotá

    Here the sunny Caribbean coast comes to the cold mountains in the tasty form of fried deditos de queso (cheese fingers; COP$1900), bollos wrapped in…

  • El Ciervo y El Oso

    Bogotá

    Located in the charming neighborhood of Quinta Camacho, the stylish El Ciervo y El Oso – meaning 'the deer and the bear' – caters for both vegetarians and…

  • Caffé Lunático

    Cartagena

    There’s nothing remotely looney about this artsy little spot in the hosteling hub of Gestemaní that pays homage to Amy Winehouse in a head-and-shoulders…

  • Shagú

    Minca

    The gastronomic high point of Minca can be found inside Minca Ecohabs and is open to all comers. Chef Salvador brings a cosmopolitan touch to the menu,…

  • El Santísimo

    Cartagena

    A family-friendly restaurant that won’t scare off romantic couples, Santísimo indulges in a bit of creative recycling. The chandeliers are made from empty…

  • Les Amis Bizcochería

    Bogotá

    More an extended living room than a coffee shop, Les Amis has a homey atmosphere that begs for quiet, intimate conversations, interrupted only by a deep…

  • Espíritu Santo

    Cartagena

    In a city full of tourists, Espíritu Santo is where you come to meet the locals – hundreds of 'em in one sitting. (The restaurant is small from the…

  • Quintal

    Cartagena

    This innovative addition to Cartagena's eating scene is in a converted building facing the thick stone walls of Getsemaní. It offers a friendly gourmet…

  • Chantonner Delikatessen

    Bogotá

    Once a small tienda (shop) selling cigarettes and sweets, Chantonner Delikatessen is now a popular lunch hangout for those attracted to the house…

  • Cabrón

    Bucaramanga

    For an upmarket take on typical Santanderean flavors, head to this hip corner restaurant with a fresh semi-open dining area and streetside terrace. The…

  • In Situ

    Medellín

    For a semiformal dining experience in a lovely natural environment, look no further than this bright restaurant on the grounds of the Jardín Botánico. The…

  • Oh Là Là

    Cartagena

    This fabulous addition to Getsemaní's increasingly varied and interesting dining options brings a slice of Gallic culture to Cartagena's hippest…

  • La Fonda Antioqueña

    Armenia

    A block from Plaza de Bolívar is this fine paisa restaurant. It serves lovingly prepared traditional fare, including bandeja paisa and, on weekends,…

  • Wok

    Bogotá

    Choosing your dish at this hip chain with a social and environmental bent is agonizing: excellent Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Cambodian dishes…

  • Restaurante Deep Blue

    Providencia

    Not only do its waterfront tables have gorgeous views towards Cayo Cangrejo, this upmarket place also boasts a very impressive and inventive menu, taking…

  • Café Colombo Credenza

    Medellín

    This top floor bistro is all neon lights and frosted glass, with a soundtrack that's about a decade behind its now image and an ambitious menu that often…

  • Capital Cocina

    Bogotá

    Prepare to fight for tables at this quaint cafe serving a few takes on simple Colombian comfort food – fish of the day, pork chop, steak, grilled chicken …

  • VG-TAL

    Bogotá

    Located on a quiet street a few blocks from El Retiro shopping mall, this restaurant offers relief to serious herbivores. Take your pick from the likes of…

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