Colombia is a country known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. From street food to fine dining, there’s something for every palate in Colombia’s diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re a foodie looking for a new adventure or just looking for a delicious meal, Colombia’s restaurants offer a taste of the country’s unique flavors and traditions. So pack your appetite and let’s explore the top restaurants in Colombia for an adventurous culinary experience.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Colombia:
1. Leo Cocina y Cava (Bogotá)
Leo Cocina y Cava is a renowned restaurant located in Bogotá’s trendy La Macarena neighborhood. The restaurant offers a tasting menu that highlights Colombia’s culinary diversity, using local ingredients to create innovative dishes. With a sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive wine list, Leo Cocina y Cava is a must-visit for any food lover.
2. Carmen (Medellín)
Carmen is a trendy restaurant located in the bustling city of Medellin, Colombia, known for its innovative cuisine that blends traditional Colombian flavors with international influences. The restaurant offers a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and creative presentations. Carmen’s menu changes regularly to showcase the season’s best ingredients, and dishes often feature unexpected flavor combinations and playful presentations. The restaurant has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named one of the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America.
3. La Cevichería (Cartagena)
La Cevichería is a popular seafood restaurant located in the heart of Cartagena’s old town. The restaurant’s specialty is ceviche, a dish made from raw fish marinated in citrus juice and spices. La Cevichería’s ceviche is considered some of the best in Colombia, and the restaurant’s casual atmosphere and affordable prices make it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner.
4. El Cielo (Medellín, Bogotá, and Miami)
El Cielo is a highly regarded restaurant in Medellin, Colombia, known for its innovative, contemporary cuisine that combines traditional Colombian flavors with modern culinary techniques. The restaurant’s menu is constantly evolving, using locally-sourced ingredients to create unique dishes that showcase the diverse flavors of Colombia. The elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant adds to the overall dining experience, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
5. Harry Sasson (Bogotá)
Harry Sasson is a highly regarded restaurant located in Bogotá, Colombia. It offers a unique fusion of Colombian and international cuisine, prepared with the highest quality ingredients and expert culinary techniques. The restaurant’s modern and stylish ambiance provides an upscale and sophisticated dining experience, with impeccable service that complements the outstanding food. The menu features a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, all expertly crafted and beautifully presented. Harry Sasson is a must-visit destination for foodies and those looking for an exceptional culinary experience in Bogotá.
6. Marea by Rausch (Cartagena)
Marea by Rausch is a renowned seafood restaurant known for its inventive and flavorful dishes using fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans and offers a mix of traditional and contemporary seafood dishes. The elegant and sophisticated atmosphere combined with excellent service and a carefully crafted wine list make Marea by Rausch a top dining destination in Bogotá.
7. El Candelario (Bogotá)
El Candelario is a cozy restaurant located in Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria neighborhood. The restaurant’s menu features traditional Colombian cuisine, with a focus on dishes from the Andean region. El Candelario also has a charming atmosphere and affordable prices, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
8. El Boliche Cebichería (Barranquilla)
El Boliche Cebichería is a seafood restaurant located in the coastal city of Barranquilla. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including ceviche, fried fish, and seafood stews. El Boliche Cebichería also has a casual atmosphere and affordable prices, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner.
9. La Brasa Roja
La Brasa Roja is a Colombian restaurant chain that specializes in rotisserie chicken, served with sides such as French fries, plantains, and salad. The restaurant offers a casual dining atmosphere, with a menu featuring traditional Colombian dishes, as well as other Latin American favorites such as empanadas and arepas. With multiple locations throughout Colombia, La Brasa Roja is known for its flavorful and juicy chicken, cooked to perfection on a rotating spit over an open flame.
10. Salvo Patria
Salvo Patria is a cozy and stylish Italian restaurant located in Bogotá, Colombia. The restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine, featuring homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the best ingredients available. The intimate setting and attentive service create the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Don’t miss the chance to taste their delicious dishes paired with a selection of Italian wines.
11. Restaurante 1621
Restaurante 1621 is a high-end restaurant located in the luxurious Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel in the heart of Cartagena, Colombia. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on modern French cuisine, featuring dishes that blend Colombian and French flavors. The elegant ambiance, attentive service, and beautifully presented dishes make Restaurante 1621 an ideal spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list featuring local and international labels.
12. Ouzo
Get ready to indulge in a culinary experience like no other at Ouzo! The name is synonymous with quality and it’s easy to see why. With a focus on using only the freshest and best ingredients available, whether it’s meat, seafood, fruits, or veggies, they bring a true Mediterranean flavor to your table with their unique twist.
Discover the different regions of the Mediterranean with every bite. Imagine savoring pan-seared octopus with feta cheese or enjoying “Arni Sto Fuorno,” a mouth-watering Greek roasted lamb with orzo. And that’s just the start. Don’t forget to try the succulent pork with pepperonis and capers or the house specialty pizza cooked to perfection in their hand-built wood-fired brick oven. You won’t be able to resist the creamy gruyere, summer squash, arugula, serrano jam, and black truffle honey combination.
Ouzo isn’t just about the food, it’s the entire experience. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is attentive. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel the care they put into every ingredient and technique. So come on over to Ouzo, and get ready to be transported to the Mediterranean.
13. La Vitrola
La Vitrola is a vibrant and popular restaurant located in the heart of the historic district of Cartagena, Colombia. Known for its lively atmosphere and delicious cuisine, La Vitrola offers an extensive menu of traditional Caribbean and Colombian dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and flavorful rice dishes. The restaurant’s decor is eclectic and charming, with vintage photos and colorful murals adorning the walls. With its prime location and buzzing ambiance, La Vitrola is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the vibrant culinary and cultural scene of Cartagena.
14. Ocio
Located in the trendy El Poblado neighborhood of Medellín, Ocio is known for its creative cocktails and inventive fusion cuisine. The restaurant’s eclectic menu features dishes that draw inspiration from all over the world, and the lively atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.