Must-see restaurants in Santander

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…

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…

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…

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…

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's finest dining option is an elegant open-air affair with phenomenal views over the canyon of Río Suárez. The gregarious Spanish owner prepares…

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…

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…

An extremely popular and consciously retro cafe doing made-to-order, mostly vegetarian dishes. Choose from wraps, rice and pasta in Mediterranean, Indian…

A branch of Bucaramanga's famous steakhouse.

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

An upmarket Italian place serving big portions at reasonable prices. You'll find good pasta dishes, including excellent lasagna, as well as quality pizzas…

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,…

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,…

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…

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…