Colombia’s culinary scene is rapidly growing and maturing. While basic restaurants still have to raise their game, the mid-to-top end of the scale is emerging onto the international scene with ambition and pride.
With growing food scenes, of course, comes restaurants that are just as much about the experience as the food, and there’s nothing quite like the combination of eating and entertainment. Here’s our top 5 picks for unusual restaurants in Colombia:
El Cielo, Medellín
Shrouded in secrecy, El Cielo is a molecular dining experience with a difference. We won’t say too much since that’d ruin the surprise, but basically the evening consists of different ‘food moments’, which keep you entertained throughout. A little on the pricey side and the food is experimental, therefore sometimes doesn’t quite hit the spot, but overall the experience is one worth having.
Andres Carne de Res, Chía
Andres Carne de Res
Quite unlike anywhere you’ve eaten before, Andres Carne de Res is a huge, sprawling restaurant covered in kitsch design and featuring costumed performers. The food is exceptional, if expensive by Colombian standards, and the atmosphere of the place makes it unforgettable. If you’re in Bogotá for just one night, there’s only one place you should go.
Portal de Cocora, Salento
Looking over the spectacular surrounding valleys of Salento is Portal de Cocora. The restaurant may not be anything fancy in itself (although the trout is great), but the views if offers are remarkable and make the delicious, locally sourced trout meal all the more special. The only place to eat when visiting Salento.
La Jugueteria, Bogotá
La Jugueteria, La Macarena
Blending a child’s bedroom and the Chucky movie series might not seem like a great idea to some, but in La Jugueteria they wear their kookiness on their sleeves. Child’s toys adorn the walls and floors, giving the restaurant a playful atmosphere. The menu is reasonably-priced and delicious.
Tramonti Restaurant, La Calera, Bogotá
Tramonti Restaurant
Just outside the city, on the La Calera hills, is Tramonti restaurant. Although this Swiss-style chalet offers great food at reasonable prices, Tramonti restaurant makes its way onto this list by virtue of its fantastic views. Since it’s high up in the hills, you’ll be eating with views comparable to Monserrate (or perhaps even better). Check out more information on Tramonti over at Off2Colombia’s list of Bogota restaurants.
Got any more you think should be on the list? Let us know in the comments!
One of the coolest places to eat is Luna near Andino Mall. But, it is only cool if you sit inside the old chimney, also called the lovers nest.. Fun
Thanks for this article… I will be sure to check them out on my next trip back!
I 0ahve only heard about one of these resturants…
Only 5 places? no way. As one of my german friends said. The best Colombian food is the one you find in a very authentic Colombian house. That one cooked by some friend’s grandmother the one who comes from the very old Colombians recipes and traditions, yes I talk about Tamales, good arepas, the many sopas they have and much more.
we dined at tramonti on valentine’s night. the food was quite good and the view just as great.
Garcias Nachos is an incredibly fun and delicious Mexican restaurant located in the heart of the Zona Rosa. It has authentic Mexican food and is cooked by a Mexican from Oaxaca named Ignacio Garcia. Just 2 blocks from Andino.
just came from there !!! those chics love americans but U get hodenud to much by people asking for money and trying to sell U shit !!! and every cab driver asked us if we wanted coke, weed, or a piece of ass !!! LoL