San Gil
What isn't good here? In a moody, candlelit courtyard you'll find this US-UK operation thrilling homesick travelers with a surplus of American-portioned…
Must-see restaurants in Santander
Bucaramanga
Often touted as serving the best steak in the whole of Colombia, this traditional parrilla (grilled-meat restaurant) run by a team of brothers is all it's…
Bucaramanga
A diverse selection of gourmet plates from faraway lands awaits at this small but seriously hip restaurant run by talented young chefs. Among the options…
San Gil
This popular, word-of-mouth favorite is the best Colombian restaurant in town. You can taste the extra love in the fantastic set meals – seven or so to…
Barichara
This fairly elegant one-man Italian show is run out of the home of an amicable Roman chef. Though the menu is limited (some raviolis, cannelloni, gnocchi,…
Barichara
Barichara's finest dining option is an elegant open-air affair with phenomenal views over the canyon of Río Suárez. The gregarious Spanish owner prepares…
San Gil
Located in the village of Valle de San José on the way to the Juan Curi falls, this place is famous for its chorizo sausage cooked in guarapo (fermented…
Barichara
Colombians love their crispy thin-crust 'pita' pizzas, and the pies at this semi-alfresco place with its open kitchen and exclamation marks of artsy decor…
Barichara
An extremely popular and consciously retro cafe doing made-to-order, mostly vegetarian dishes. Choose from wraps, rice and pasta in Mediterranean, Indian…
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…
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…
San Gil
You wouldn't expect to find the best pizza in town at a gas station on the highway, but this bright new place delivers with a variety of delicious…
Barichara
The best local restaurant – unpretentious and not pandering to tourists; indeed, not pandering to anyone much. No matter. The key here is the food: 15 or…
San Gil
The curious and brave should elbow their way through the narrow aisles of this scrappy covered market, where you can grab comida corriente (daily set…
Bucaramanga
An upmarket Italian place serving big portions at reasonable prices. You'll find good pasta dishes, including excellent lasagna, as well as quality pizzas…
Bucaramanga
Lebanese-descended Colombians do a commendable job at this clean-cut Middle Eastern spot that's just a step above fast food. Felafel, shawarma, kibe,…
Bucaramanga
Colorful, cute and happening, this build-your-own ceviche and salad spot is a great escape from meat, rice and yuca. There are six predetermined choices,…
San Gil
Fairly new, the simply named Coffee House has elevated itself into one of San Gil's best places for breakfast (available all day), with everything from…
Barichara
In a large courtyard decorated with bric-a-brac, this reliable cafe serves decent paninis, burgers and salads with solid tunes on in the background. Grab…
Bucaramanga
One of the better set-meal spots you'll come across in Santander, this very popular, very clean corner restaurant dishes out a few choices daily,…
Santander
The most reliable restaurant in town, Chinantoca serves up very good roast goat and other typical dishes in the fresh internal courtyard of an old…
Santander
A fine restaurant that serves big plates of typical hearty food in colonial-style surroundings.
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,…
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…
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…
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…
San Gil
Stock up on groceries at Autoservice Veracruz, the best supermarket in the center of town.
Barichara
Typical Colombian bakery: stuffed donuts, fat ham-and-cheese croissants, yummy milhojas (creamed puff pastry slathered with arequipe, a caramel-like…
San Gil
San Gil's biggest supermarket is located in the Centro Comercial El Puente across the bridge from the center.
