Colombia's Top 20 Restaurants?
According to 'Time Out Magazine'
Colombia's top 20 restaurants have nine in Medellín and one in neighboring Rionegro. This is a good list, however it's missing a few hidden gems.
Colombia’s top restaurants list:
1. Carmen. Cartagena/Medellín (Cra 36 # 10 A - 27 El Poblado)
This restaurant combines modern elegance with fresh Colombian ingredients, serving meals such as Pacific Coast ceviche and roast tenderloin with Andean potato gratin.
2. ElCielo. Bogotá/Medellín (Cl. 7D #43c36 El Poblado)
This location combines luxury and creativity, offering customers a sophisticated tasting menu inspired by Colombian biodiversity.
3. Leo. Bogotá
A modern and minimalist venue that celebrates Colombia's biocultural history, with tasting menus ranging from 7 to 13 dishes.
4. Platillos voladores. Cali
This restaurant combines Pacific Coast ingredients and international cuisine, resulting in interesting fusions like spring rolls made with a local vegetable, chontaduro, paired with spicy chili jam.
5. Elvia. Barichara
Their open kitchen showcases exquisite rural-inspired foods made with products from their own organic garden.
6. Ajiacos y Mondongos. Medellín (Calle 8 #42-46 El Poblado)
Specializing in traditional dishes such as ajiaco, a chicken and potato soup from Bogotá, and mondongo, a slow-cooked tripe soup.
7. Prudencia. Bogotá
It has a rustic atmosphere and an open kitchen, with dishes that include locally sourced ingredients prepared over long periods, like smoked meats and fermented vegetables.
8. Sambombi Bistró. Medellín (Cra 35 # 7-10 El Poblado)
Celebrates the exquisite simplicity of small foods for sharing, with a menu that changes every two weeks to keep things new and creative.
9. Mora Castilla. Popayán
A casual restaurant serving traditional dishes from the Cauca region in a relaxed, rustic setting.
10. Idílico. Medellín (Cl. 12 # 43d-21 El Poblado)
The menu includes Amazonian fruits, Andean potatoes, and Pacific seafood, emphasizing seasonal products and Colombia's climate diversity.
11. El Chato. Bogotá.
Combines world flavors with Colombian ingredients to create dishes like lamb served with coconut rice and white trout in phyllo pastry.
12. Restaurante In Situ. Medellín (Calle 73 # 51D-14 Jardín Botánico)
Offers a spacious, bright space in the middle of the Botanical Garden to enjoy a variety of dishes, from avocado gazpacho to tuna steak and ricotta ravioli.
13. Mar y Zielo. Cartagena
Sophisticated drinks and carefully prepared food inspired by many regions of Colombia are served in a chic, modern environment.
14. Alambique. Medellín (Cl. 10 # 43a-30 El Poblado)
A unique culinary lab serving shareable foods like slow-cooked crab stew and crispy pork ceviche, along with bohemian decor.
15. Restarurante José Fernando. Filandia
Warm, traditional Colombian cuisine like beef cooked in dark beer is served at this appealing restaurant, which is known for its multicolored walls and rich textures.
16. Celele. Cartagena
Aims to preserve and appreciate Colombia's Caribbean coast specialties, including goat kebab, lobster tartare, and coconut sorbet.
17. Oci.Mde. Medellín (Cra 33 # 7-21 El Poblado)
Inspired by Asian cuisine, combining its techniques and flavors with Colombian ingredients, offering slow-cooked meats and marinated fish dishes.
18. Casa M. Rionegro
Focuses on sourcing the freshest local ingredients, with monthly menu changes and meals carefully prepared against the scenic backdrop of the Andes.
19. Café Zorba. Medellín (Calle 8 # 42-33 El Poblado)
Known for its vegetarian pizzas, craft beers, and botanical cocktails, with a relaxed, outdoor atmosphere that attracts tourists and locals alike.
20. Batutto. Bucaramanga
Expertly created pizzas, risottos, and pastas, ideally coupled with special cocktails such as a Battuto Spritz, in a colorful and pleasant atmosphere.