Medellín
Tradespeople sit shoulder-to-shoulder with sharp-suited business folk at this no-nonsense diner near Parque Poblado. It serves cheap and cheerful paisa…
Must-see restaurants in Colombia
Villa de Leyva
Busy with locals, this good unpretentious grill restaurant out on the Via Circunvalar serves up six cuts of beef, ribs and lamb alongside well…
Palomino
If you can prise yourself away from your dreamy Palomino beach shack, this semi-alfresco place between the main road and the beach serves the best pizza…
Medellín
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…
Cauca & Huila
A little way out of town, this unpretentious restaurant serves authentic traditional Italian plates, including a selection of homemade pastas. A taxi here…
Pereira
This upmarket open-air restaurant sits outside the city on top of a mountain overlooking the twinkling lights of Pereira. The food is for the most part…
Medellín
This 24-hour supermarket next to Centro Comercial Oviedo is a good place to stock up on provisions and has a good fruit-salad bar, which is a convenient…
Cauca & Huila
A local institution that's been overtaken by the town's other culinary offerings, El Fogón offers big portions of Colombian favorites and an excellent…
Providencia
A relatively low-cost outdoor option, this relaxed place does panini and seafood as well as the titular pizza. It's also one of the few places open on…
Leticia
A lifeline for vegetarians in these parts, Govindas serves set-price lunches and dinners from its yoga studio's terrace on one side of Parque Santander…
Manizales
Near the heart of the zona rosa, this popular restaurant is famed for its chicharrón, but also does great burgers and more filling meals – try the cazuela…
Medellín
Locals love this fashionable food hall in the Ciudad del Río area that is decked out like a traditional marketplace. While the ambience is fun, the plates…
Capurganá & Sapzurro
Facing you as you get off the launch from Capurganá, this fish restaurant is demonstrably popular, with locals and visitors alike crowding in. The set…
Plaza Minorista José María Villa
Medellín
This huge, bustling undercover market has more than 2500 stalls, selling mostly food. It was established in 1984 to remove hawkers from the streets. It's…
Medellín
This atmospheric Poblado eatery is popular for its flavorful Middle Eastern classics and Indian dishes. Make sure to try the flatbread baked fresh right…
Boyacá
On weekends this diabetes-inducing marketplace of sweetness opens up half a block from the church selling dozens of Iza's famous desserts, including…
San Gil
This cute little Colombian spot with a balcony overlooking the plaza is very pleasant for a tasty and cheap breakfast – arepas, eggs a few ways, espresso,…
Los Llanos
A comida corriente staple since 1967, this popular downtown choice dishes up traditional set lunch plates served by friendly waiters (in cowgirl outfits…
Armenia
An oasis in a city of slim pickings for herbivores, this long-running vegetarian cafe prepares an excellent lunch buffet (COP$10,500), as well as great…
San Gil
In a colonial-style corner house, this no-nonsense diner is a good choice for a cheap filling lunch; no wonder it's popular with rafting guides who you…
Puerto Nariño
Facing the sports grounds on Puerto Nariño's main street, this friendly place serves excellent grilled fish, as well as a vegetarian option. There's also…
Bucaramanga
A cheap and friendly vegan option in meat-loving Santander. It serves a varied lunch meal in addition to a snack menu (COP$1500 to COP$10,000). Also a…
Cali
For a cheap, tasty meal head to this atmospheric neighborhood grill in San Cayetano that serves barbecued beef, chicken or pork with salad and plantains…
Popayán
This busy little corner place near the Puente Humilladero sells a variety of snacks but locals come here for the homemade kumis – a rich, creamy yogurt…
Boyacá
A friendly little cafeteria serving a variety of good empanadas alongside filling burgers and other snacks. It's one of the few places in town you can…
Zona Cafetera
In a brightly painted house close to the plaza, this restaurant serves up burgers, trout and steak alongside a cheap and filling lunch special, which is…
Santander
On a corner of the main plaza, Bonanza is the most reliable restaurant in town and serves a variety of breakfasts and filling set meals but closes early…
Popayán
Popular vegetarian place serving cheap and tasty meals featuring a variety of mains including soy protein, lentil dishes and tofu alongside many vegetable…
Riohacha
Pepe serves up hunks of grilled meat over coals with huge sides of potato and salad on the main drag. It's Wayuu-owned, and the goat is particularly good.
Tolú
This simple restaurant serves up delicious, fresh fish and seafood as well as various meat grills. It's centrally located and very reasonably priced.
Manizales
Full-service supermarket in Cable Plaza for those who want to cook. Has a good self-service fruit-salad bar.
Around Medellín
This no-nonsense diner is popular with the locals thanks to its massive portions of well-prepared typical Colombian food. Bring an appetite.
Leticia
Facing Parque Santander, this friendly spot for a basic but filling breakfast of eggs, bread and coffee is a favorite with budget travelers.
Around Medellín
For a cheap feed, follow the crowd of locals to this simple diner on the main plaza. It serves big portions of traditional favorites.
Leticia
The best-stocked supermarket in town is a good place for self-caterers and anyone hoarding snacks for a jungle trip.
Boyacá
A small family run shop with very basic supplies. Upstairs there's a basic guesthouse and it also serves meals.
Medellín
This long-running seafood place serves a variety of delicious dishes in an unpretentious Caribbean setting.
Villa de Leyva
The Casa Blanca serves up hearty, no-nonsense meals at low prices. You'll rarely have to wait for a table.
Los Llanos
This friendly family-run cafe serves up good coffee and pastries and is a convenient spot for breakfast.
San Gil
Stock up on groceries at Autoservice Veracruz, the best supermarket in the center of town.
