20 BEST Restaurants in Colombia (So Many Fresh And Exciting Flavors!)

The country of Colombia is a bountiful place overflowing with nature, culture, and excellent food! This famous country has plenty to explore and a beautifully diverse food scene. You can find excellent high-end Italian restaurants and authentic Colombian street food oftentimes in the same neighborhood!

With a tropical climate and access to the sea, restaurants in Colombia are filled to the brim with fresh ingredients and flavorful spices. European and South American culinary influences are common here, so you can easily find some comfort or adventure dishes everywhere you go. And with locations within every price range, great food is easily accessible to all visitors!

Whether you are visiting Medellin, Bogota, or Cartagena, you are guaranteed to find incredible restaurants of all price ranges. Follow along to learn about the most popular and delicious cuisines to try during your time in Colombia.

1. La Pampa Parrilla Argentina

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Address: Cra 33 #8A-11, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 45205187 |

As one of the top-rated locations in Medellin, you are sure to have a wonderful time enjoying some of the greatest steaks around! The Argentinian flavors will engage your senses and inspire you to further explore South American cuisine. There are several locations in Medellin, making it a convenient place to grab a delicious dinner.

What to Eat at La Pampa

The steaks are a bit of an obvious go-to, but the Filete de Salmon Fresco is a great option if you are looking for something less heavy.

Why Should You Eat Here?

This spot has great food with a lovely upscale and casual setting, making it perfect for family lunches or an evening out with friends. Although some of the steaks can be a bit expensive, their large menu allows one to find other delicious and affordable dishes.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$$
• Specialty Dish: Baby Beef Parrilla
• Cuisine: Argentinian Steakhouse

2. Storia D'amore

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Address: Cra. 13 #82-36, Bogotá, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 313-3320501 |

As the premier Italian restaurant in Bogota, Colombia, Storia D'amore would make an excellent spot to add to your Colombian vacation! Whether you want a simple sandwich for lunch or a decadent dinner spread, you will not be disappointed at Storia. There are a few locations spread across the city, so you do not need to travel far for a great meal here.

What to Eat at Storia D'amore

By all accounts, Storia D'amore has the absolute best Tiramisu in the city. So if this is your favorite dessert you must try it out!

Why Should You Eat Here?

The head chef of Storia D'amore originated in Milan, Italy, so you know that the food is authentic and delicious! There is a diverse menu here, but not too large that the quality is watered down. This is a highly rated restaurant but not the most expensive. Making it a great place for a date night or special event during your stay in Bogota!

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Burrata Caprese
• Cuisine: Italian

Related Read: Best Time to Visit South America

3. El Arsenal: The Rum Box

Credit: El Arsenal: The Rum Box

Address: 24 #8b-19 Calle Arsenal #8b-19, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 300-8110700 |

If you are in Cartagena, Colombia you can't miss El Arsenal aka The Rum Box! Located right on the bay, this restaurant is perfect for an afternoon meal or evening drinks. The chefs take traditional Colombian cuisine and decorate it with a modern flare, making it a great place to try out these flavors in an up-scale environment.

What to Eat at El Arsenal

The Plaintain Baskets are the perfect combination of tradition and nuance, as sweet plantains encase soft pork belly and fresh local cheese.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Taking a modern twist on classic Colombian dishes, the food is beautiful and intriguing. Well-crafted dishes and excellent rum are the staples of this restaurant, but the service is very accommodating to foreign visitors and language barriers! Making for a perfectly delightful experience and an adventure for your tastebuds.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Sea Bass in Passion Fruit Sauce
• Cuisine: Colombian

4. Mezcla Creperia

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Address: Cl 11A #43d-60, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 42059513 |

If you are looking for a neat breakfast place on the southern side of Medellin, you should certainly check out this Creperia. With delicious sweet and savory crepes you can enjoy a gentle morning on their garden patio, or grab a quick bite to eat as you start your day!

What to Eat at Mezcla

If you want to try the best flavorful blend at this restaurant,the Crepe la Noruega (a savory salmon crepe) is the way to go.

Why Should You Eat Here?

This place is a bit small, but a great breakfast spot. The crepe hotspot is highly rated due to the quality of the food and charming atmosphere. It is very popular to visit in the morning, but it also makes a great late-night snack stop! Additionally, it is very affordable and can be used as a cheap and delicious meal during your visit.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $
• Specialty Dish: Crepe Flambe
• Cuisine: French

Related Read: 20 BEST Cities To Visit In Colombia

5. Viva La Viva

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Address: Cra. 45 #114-44, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 601-7443466 |

If you are looking for the most luxurious dinner in Bogota, Viva La Vida should be your first stop. This Japanese restaurant comes from the mind of Spanish, Michelin Star, and two Repsol Suns holder Felix Jimenez. His goal was to create a spiritual sushi experience for everyone who walks in his doors, and many agree he has fully achieved this dream!

What to Eat at Viva La Viva

The Just Like a Mushroom ( Solo Como un Hongo) is a beautiful little desert with a white chocolate shell painted like a red mushroom, which is simply too pretty and adorable to pass up!

Why Should You Eat Here?

This is a truly sensory experience with an incredible ambiance, beautiful food presentations, and perfect flavor profiles. The chef & staff truly take pride in their work and ensure everyone has a wonderful experience. If you are looking for an all-around top-tier experience in Bogota, this is the place to go.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$$
• Specialty Dish: Mixed Paella
• Cuisine: Japanese

6. Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop

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Address: Cra. 6 ##3472, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 322-3061025 |

Buena Vida, or Good Life, is the perfect place to evening alongside the Colombian coastline. With perfect foods for filling dishes or light evening snacks this spot has incredible food and innovative drinks at very reasonable prices. If you are looking for a great seafood dinner or a lively evening at a rooftop bar, this is the spot you want to visit.

What to Eat at Buena Vida

Take advantage of the Caribbean Sea with Mac & Sea dish, filled with fresh pasta, cheese, crab, and shrimp!

Why Should You Eat Here?

Buena Vida is in a popular tourist area and has an excellent rooftop area to enjoy the Cartagena sunset. The food is delicious whether you are wanted a quick snack or a full meal, and the nightlife scene has music and happy hours throughout the week. All of which makes it a great place to wind down in the afternoon or crank it up at night!

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Buena Vida Catch of the Day
• Cuisine: Caribbean

7. The Market

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Address: Cl. 1a Sur # 43A-83, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 604-4443636 |

The Market is located in the Marriott Medellin as an up-scale restaurant open to hotel guests and others. The normal meals are said to be a bit average, but the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch is not to be missed! This is a convenient spot to eat if you stay at this hotel or the surrounding area.

What to Eat at The Market

The Colombian Breakfast dish is the perfect way to begin your morning with nutrition and hearty foods to give you energy for the rest of the day.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Most of the high reviews for this spot are for their Sunday Brunches. The weekly Sunday brunch is all you can eat for four hours and is full of delicious dishes and drinks. They have live music and a large food selection to choose from during brunch, but their regular menu has exquisite dishes such as their specialty below!

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Cannelloni Florentine Pasta
• Cuisine: International

8. Restaurante Peruano

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Address: Cra. 10 #72-32, Localidad de Chapinero, Bogotá, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 318-6352377 |

You will find many Peruvian restaurants in Colombia, but Restaurante Peruano is the best in Bogota! With excellent foods that break from the mainstream cuisines so far and a casual atmosphere, you can explore South American cuisine at a great price. Visitors also report great service and accommodating staff!

What to Eat at Restaurante Peruano

The Chicharron de Pescado is a delicious buttery fried fish appetizer that will hang in your dreams for years to come!

Why Should You Eat Here?

This is a great place to try different South American cuisine and make sure your stomach is happy. They offer authentic Peruvian flavors, and dishes, and even import Peruvian sodas to try! Tourists to the area love this spot as an affordable and casual restaurant to grab a delicious meal during a day of activities.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Aji de Gallina
• Cuisine: Peruvian

9. Restaurante 1621

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Address: Calle del Curato, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 311-4912308 |

Attached to the Hotel Santa Clara, Restaurante 1621 in Cartagena is one of the best fine-dining experiences in the city. Their ever-changing menu is fresh and exciting, and their 10-course meal might just be the best of your life. It is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a special event nearby the beach.

What to Eat at Restaurante 1621

The Chef's 10-course meal has a setup where you pick a few of your own dishes from a small list, in order to ensure a delectable and enticing meal made just for you.

Why Should You Eat Here?

As one of the best restaurants in the area and with a superb ambiance, you are guaranteed to have a lovely evening at Restaurante 1621. Their menu is limited but still allows some choice which is special in a restaurant of this level. It is located near the beach so afterward you can take a walk on the Caribbean shores.

• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Cost: $$$$
• Specialty Dish: Red Snapper
• Cuisine: Contemporary French

10. Ammazza Gin Garden

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Address: Cra. 76 #73b - 39, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 318-2826404 |

The Ammazza Gin Garden is a great casual Italian restaurant located near the Parque de Laureles in Medellin. It has delicious and classic Italian dishes with a few Colombian twists hidden within its menu. It is central to a highly popular area and a perfect stop for lunch or dinner if you are nearby.

What to Eat at Ammazza

The fresh octopus in the Pulpo Casserole is deliciously seasoned and a great option for Italian seafood lovers!

Why Should You Eat Here?

The food is great at Ammazza and its location is convenient for tourists, so you will not have to go out of your way to find a nice spot to eat. It is quite affordable with stylish modern decorations. If you love gin they have a large selection of high-quality products you are sure to enjoy!

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Pasta Rissotto
• Cuisine: Italian

11. Irreverente

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Address: Ac. 82 ##12-72, Bogotá, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 315-4089086 |

Irreverente is a great spot for a quiet afternoon or to partake in some Bogota nightlife. With the first two floors set for meals and the third floor set as a bar, you can visit this delicious restaurant no matter what you are in the mood for. The fusion cuisine is an elegant and delicious option for a fancy night out, and the innovative cocktails are perfect for evening drinks!

What to Eat at Irreverente

One of Irreverente's best appetizers is the Gyozas de Chicharron, which combines the Asian dumpling style with a classic Latin American filling!

Why Should You Eat Here?

If you are in Bogota and looking for a delicious evening out, Irreverente should certainly be on your list. Visitors report that the service is stellar and the food is worth every penny you pay! The upstairs cocktail bar is chic and classy, and a great place to dance the night away or try out some expertly crafted cocktails.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$$
• Specialty Dish: Pork Belly Main Plate
• Cuisine: Mediterranian

12. El Burlador Gastrobar

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Address: Carrera 3 # 33-88, Calle Santo Domingo, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 310-4532436 |

If you like to enjoy unique cocktails, cheeses, and meats, an afternoon at El Burlador Gastrobar would be perfect for you. This small industrial-style bar is ideal for enjoying a few evening drinks or enjoying an afternoon cheese tasting. It is centrally located in the tourist area of Cartagena and is perfect for causally stopping by while you are enjoying the Caribbean air.

What to Eat at El Burlador

If you are in the mood for elaborate and decadent meat, the Acorn-Fed Iberian Lamb Leg is brought to your table and sliced right in front of you for a great tableside experience!

Why Should You Eat Here?

The cocktails and charcuterie-style food offered here make it a great place to grab some delicious light snacks during your trip to Cartagena. But they additionally have excellent full meals for moderate prices. Making this spot very versatile for whatever cravings come your way.

• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Burlador Fish Fillet
• Cuisine: Mediterranean Seafood

13. Della Nonna Milla de Oro

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Address: Cra. 43A #3 Sur - 86, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 604-3583597 |

Della Nonna Milla de Oro is a great casual Italian restaurant located in the central tourist hotspot of Medellin in Colombia. It is the perfect spot for a quick lunch or an affordable family dinner. With excellent appetizers such as Fried Mozzarella and reliable pizzas, this is a safe option if you are not in the mood for an expensive meal or Colombian flavors.

What to Eat at Della Nonna Milla de Oro

The Pollo Fiorentina is a creamy pasta sauce with breaded chicken and sauteed vegetables, a perfectly balanced Italian dish that is sure to satisfy your stomach and your tastebuds!

Why Should You Eat Here?

This is a delicious, flexible, and highly rated eatery that is perfect if you want some familiar food in a timely manner. It is a nice yet casual Italian restaurant with a variety of dishes from burrata appetizers to creamy risottos. It is located near lots of hotels, which also makes it quite convenient to grab some food on the way back to your room.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Envoltini de Pollo
• Cuisine: Italian

14. Capitalino Restaurant

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Address: Cl. 24a #57-60, Bogotá, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 601-6541234 |

Capitalino Restaurant is cleverly named after its location in the capital of Colombia, and serves an upscale version of their national foods! You will find a variety of other dishes at this star restaurant, but the Colombian dishes have been perfected to give you the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What to Eat at Capitalino

The Empanada Snack is the perfect appetizer to give you a great taste of South American flavors stuffed inside a deliciously flakey crust!

Why Should You Eat Here?

The dinner and lunch options can be a bit small, but it means that the quality of each dish is higher than in other restaurants. Nearly every review praised the sauteed vegetables and desserts at Capitalino Restaurant, as well as the breakfast buffet. This restaurant does not stand out too much from the others, but if you are in the central area of Bogota and looking for a satisfying meal this is the spot to visit.

• Yelp Rating: 5 star
• Cost: $$$$
• Specialty Dish: Salmon with Curry Sauce
• Cuisine: Colombian

15. Persepolis Gastrobar

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Address: Carrera 2 9 161 Bocagrande Av. San Martín Cartagena BOL, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 300-7868146 |

As the most unique location on this list, Persepolis Gastrobar is a must-see if you are in Cartagena and looking for fresh cuisine to try. The Persian food at this restaurant is both authentic and beautifully presented, making it the perfect spot to try new dishes if you have gotten a bit tired of Caribbean seafood!

What to Eat at Persepolis

The traditional Persian dessert of Baklava with homemade Ice Cream on top is so flakey and delicious that you will want to ask for seconds.

Why Should You Eat Here?

This spot is a casual place to eat on the Bocagrande strait of Cartagena, making it conveniently placed next to many of the hotels and beaches you are likely to visit. Persepolis is certainly the only of its kind in the area, with belly dancer performers on the weekends and traditional Persian dishes to enjoy.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Lomo Atash
• Cuisine: Persian

16. Malanga de Tropico

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Address: Calle 38 no 79-46, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 3117823084 |

As one of the best seafood spots in Medellin, Malanga de Tropico is a beautiful spot central to the city that you will certainly want to try out. This restaurant intentionally pays tribute to the Caribbean cultural influences in Colombia and reflects that in the attention placed on their dishes. With a beautiful and welcoming ambiance, it is a perfect spot to enjoy all that the country has to offer.

What to Eat at Malanga

If you are looking for something absolutely unique and delicious, try the Cremoso Carbonero Arroz. It comes with salmon in chimichurri sauce, coconut risotto, and squid ink calamari.

Why Should You Eat Here?

This spot is beloved by tourists and locals alike, so it is a great spot to immerse yourself in the culture of Medellin and enjoy some delicious food. The building has wonderful decorations and a large menu for you to choose from. They are also located in a very central part of the city, so you do not need to drive out of your way to find it!

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Pulpo Parillado
• Cuisine: Caribbean

17. Seratta Gourmand Restaurant

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Address: Cra. 45 #114-44, Bogotá, DC, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 601-7443466 |

Seratta Gourmand is a fashionable European style eatery with a blend of cultural flavors to try and innovative cocktails to fall in love with! It is more on the expensive side for a casual dining experience, but a great place to stop for a light lunch or some classy evening drinks.

What to Eat at Seratta Gourmand

The Lobster Mac n Cheese is both delicious and familiar to visitors of this restaurant, with the creamy cheese sauce and fresh lobster flavors blending perfectly together in every bite.

Why Should You Eat Here?

If you are on a vacation to Bogota and want to feel luxurious at every meal, this is where you go when you do not have plans. It is a classy spot with excellent food and drinks to enjoy throughout the day. You can simply sip the perfect gin cocktail or indulge in some delicious seafood dishes. As a highly rated and reliable place, it is a great safety restaurant if another plan falls through!

• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Cost: $$$$
• Specialty Dish: Pulpo Nativo
• Cuisine: European

18. Montesacro Resto Bar

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Address: 11 Segundo Piso, Cl. 33 #04, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 605-6581165 |

The Montesacro Resto Bar is the perfect blend of modern tastes, excellent food pairings, and influential Colombian flavors in Cartagena. The cocktails are highly praised and all of the dishes have glowing reviews. As a great place for dinner or drinks, you might want to add this spot to your list if you find yourself in need of classy and delicious food!

What to Eat at Montesacro Resto Bar

The elegant surf n turf at this restaurant comes in the form of the delicious Sirloin and Scallops, which may just be the most decadent combination for this dish yet!

Why Should You Eat Here?

Montesacro has a great setting for a fun evening out or a relaxed lunch, of course with delicious food to go along! They have indoor and outdoor dining as well as regular live musicians. And with food that has excellent quality for its price, this is a great way to wind down in style from your day at the beach.

• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Cazuela Caribena
• Cuisine: International Fusion

19. Kabuki Cocina Peruana y Japonesa

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Address: Barrio Provenza, Cra 33 #8A-11, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, ANT, Colombia | Phone Number: +57 301-4704009 |

When considering well-paired cuisine fusions, you may not think of mixing Peruvian and Japanese flavors. But Kabuki Cocina in Medellin masters the innovation of combining these two different cultural flavor profiles. Here, you will find sushi and ramen alongside flavorful paella all fit with beautiful presentations. It is an affordable and cute restaurant that is great for a quick sushi meal as you go about your day!

What to Eat at Kabuki

The Pescado a la Chorrillana is the perfect example of Peruvian and Japanese fusion at Kabuki Cocina and an excellent dish to have in mind before you visit!

Why Should You Eat Here?

Medellin prices can get quite expensive in tourist areas, so this is a great option if you are looking for delicious food that is not too expensive. They have a very simple Japanese design set up with nice outdoor seating, with friendly staff that can often speak English! The perfect stop for a quick and delicious bite without having to drop a lot of money for it.

• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Sushi
• Cuisine: Peruvian, Japanese

20. Petronio Cocina de Autor

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Address: Carrera 22 # 84-99, Bogota 111211 Colombia | Phone Number: +57 300-7688226 |

This is one of the places that sneak of up on people with their quality food and amazing environment. Petronio is a Colombian restaurant in the capital of Bogota offering the brilliance of Colombian flavors paired with beautiful presentations. It is a great spot for lunch or dinner and is located near Parque El Virrey in a central part of the city.

What to Eat at Petronio

The El Saladito Coastal is a delicious way to try out Colombian flavors and comes with cheese from Doña Fausta's farm, coated in panko, with paprika, corozo, and coconut chutney.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Visitors say that the chefs at Petronio are storytellers and bring your senses on a wonderful journey as you eat your meal. It is also said that the desserts are phenomenal, so if you are a sweet tooth you will not want to skip that part of the menu. With convenience to the popular areas of Bogota and a gentle outdoor seating area, this is a perfectly accommodating spot to enjoy your time in the city with a delicious meal.

• Yelp Rating: 5 stars
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Creme de Antano
• Cuisine: Colombian