Top 10 Restaurants in Colombia

Colombia: this beautiful country in northeastern South America is world-famous for incredible coffee, lush jungles and colorful cities full of life, dancing, music, art, and amazing food. The food is absolutely unparalleled! Colombia enjoys two coastlines; one on the Caribbean Sea, and one on the Pacific Ocean. This means that seafood is a real art in the coastal walled city of Cartagena, as well as in the whole country. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, only second to Brazil. You’ll be able to try new fruits, herbs, seafood, dishes, drinks, and more! Nature lovers, history buffs, beach bums, artists, and foodies alike will enjoy this tropical, mountainous haven. Our system knows exactly what you want to do all around Colombia! Follow your Custom Top 10 itinerary for the ideal time spent here. Let’s check out the top 10 restaurants in Colombia!

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No matter what your interests happen to be, Tripio can help you find exactly where you want to be at any given moment! We’ll always show you JUST the very best eats in town. From once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, to the most spectacular views around, to casual restaurants, to exclusive spots, we have recommended the best of the best food in Colombia here! Take advantage of these mouth watering, life-changing options available around the country.

Adventure in Colombia with the Tripio App and it will show you the secrets that await. Let Tripio do all of the tough work in planning your perfect vacation. Input your preferences and you’ll receive your own personalized custom itinerary of the best restaurants in Colombia. Before you know it, you’ll be traveling to places and trying food beyond your wildest dreams! 

1. Frenessi Restaurant & Experience – Bogota: Top 10 Restaurants In Colombia

Photo by @frenessibog on IG

Like Disneyland for adults! This restaurant is like nothing you’ve ever seen- more of an unforgettable augmented reality show than regular dinner. You’ll eat and drink while a 4k immersive show plays on screens surrounding you, the friendly staff serves, and chefs perform. They transport you to different worlds, while delivering the experience and engaging all the senses. Expect progressive, surprisingly yummy food. For example, the show at the time of writing includes 11 courses; 8 salty and 3 sweet. A mix of international, contemporary, Latin, and Colombian food, each course is accompanied by a cocktail or glass of wine.

The Frenessi experience is in Spanish, and remember to reserve your ticket beforehand. If you find yourself in Bogota, take advantage of this stunning 4k dining adventure; I think it’s one of the best things to do in Colombia! Found on the Tripio app.

2. Buena Vida Marisquería – Seafood in Cartagena

Foodies, this amazing gastronomy stop in Cartagena should be on your bucket list! Across the board, the menu at Buena Vida Marisquería is unmatched. It proudly serves seafood, Caribbean, and Colombian dishes, plus vegan options. Try the shrimp tacos and ceviche, to start. Unlike many traditional seafood restaurants, it has a chic design with a relaxed, cheerful and colorful atmosphere. Inspired by the Caribbean coast and the beautiful Cartagena de Indias. If you travel to Cartagena, stop by for a classy night.

This 5 star eatery also focuses on its extensive liquor and cocktail menu, accompanied by a reduced food menu with small dishes to share. Don’t miss out on the restaurant’s three floors, including a lovely rooftop bar to feel the breeze while you eat, drink, and enjoy one of the best spots in town! Vaccination proof may be required. This one is certainly worthy of being one of the top 10 restaurants in Colombia.

3. La Pampa Parrilla Argentina Restaurant – Medellín

Photo by @lapampaparrillaargentina on IG

Calling all meat lovers! This steakhouse is a winner if you’re visiting Medellin. They have excellent cuts of meat, both national and imported, all cooked in the Argentinian BBQ style. The wait staff are knowledgeable and they’ll be able to suggest something for your palette; the tastes are absolutely delicious! La Pampa Argentinian Restaurant offers gluten free options, absolutely top notch steaks and salmon, plus a large list of white, red, and rose wines to select from. It’s also suitable for families.

On many nights, you’ll find live music filling the air as you dig into your delicious meal. This restaurant remains one of the best things to do in Colombia, culinary-wise. It’s a worthy choice to end up on your Top 10 list if you love food and are on vacation in Medellin. Buen provecho! 

4. Mascabado Artisanal Kitchen and Teahouse: Top 10 Restaurants In Colombia

This neighborhood gem will blow your mind and make your stomach happy! Mascabado Cocina Artesanal y Casa de Té offers healthy food, and lighter options, a nice break from the heavy Colombian food. Try some fusion with a twist! Options such as gluten free corn arepas with chia, avocado, and bocconcini cheese, or the risotto with shrimp and lobster, coconut milk, zucchini, and Parmesan is mouthwatering. Mascabado has two desserts that are sugar free and vegan (can you say delicious carrot cake?) Find tons of special diet options (vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, healthy) and give your body the creative, clean food it craves.

Relax with chill cover band music in a beautiful outside seating area. Try their brunch or breakfast for a tasty omelet, oat pancakes, or salmon/avocado toast. Plus, they serve delicious Colombian coffee and even tea. Yummmm! Keep it fresh and make sure Mascabo Artesanal Kitchen and Teahouse is on your custom itinerary. Hands down in the top 10 restaurants in Colombia!

5. Pergamino Cafe: Medellín: Top 10 Restaurants In Colombia

Photo by @pergaminocafe on IG

Looking for a cafe with a chill atmosphere, Wifi, plus quick, fresh menu options? Pergamino Café is a craft roaster with 3 specialty shops in Medellin. They serve only the highest quality coffee from their own farms, or from allies in their producer program, nationwide. Coffee from Colombia is delicious, and at Pergamino Cafe, they roast three times a week to ensure that you get the freshest coffee possible, no matter on which day of your itinerary you go. They also serve fresh baked goods from a sweet local bakery, plus healthier options such as loaded salads. Sit and work, or have a nice conversation at this lovely little cafe in a cheerful neighborhood. While you travel in Medellin, stop by Pergamino Cafe to enjoy the magical coffee tastes and smells. Bring a book, work, or a friend… or just people watch from the great patio! 

6. Peruvian Restaurant – El Indio de Machu Picchu – Bogotá

This humble restaurant is extremely highly rated, and the chef has been making customers happy for over 25 years! The flavors, mixtures, seasonings, colors, and textures, are all pieces of the puzzle that owner and chef Cesar Augusto Fernández Vizconde brings together to play in the most amazing way. Service to the customer is also phenomenal; attentive and friendly. You’ll also get to see a personalized show to entertain. If you’re looking to try exquisite, high quality, creative Peruvian/South American food, put this restaurant on your bucket list and therefore. It’s for everyone; seafood, Peruvian, vegetarian friendly, and vegan/gluten free options. Call ahead and make a reservation at El Indio de Machu Picchu. If the reviews are any indicator, you’ll try some of the best food in Bogota, Colombia! It is no surprise that this restaurant features in the top 10 restaurants in Colombia.  

7. El Jardín De Las Delicias Restaurant – Manizales

If you find yourself in the southeastern area of Colombia, give El Jardín de las Delicias a try! It flies under the radar, but it has a creative, elaborate, and extensive menu. And super tasty food: locals and travelers alike adore this spot for their creative, daring dishes, and new takes on old Colombian recipes. Here, you’ll find something for every diet and preference (including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian) and each dish tells a story. Try different beer and appetizer pairings. The desserts are superb, we recommend the coconut cake. High end, but not fine dining, this restaurant takes great pride in dishing up beautiful, fresh Colombian dishes. El Jardín De Las Delicias is a suitable choice for a great vacation; enjoy!

8. Descortés – Bogotá

This up-and-coming restaurant in Colombia’s capital city is worth a visit, especially if you love stories of the high seas, legends of monsters, music, gold, and good wine; you could be a pirate yourself! This place will not only enchant you with its sophisticated ocean treasure vibe, the food also seems too good to be true. They have many delicious seafood and Mediterranean options. The whole experience is an exciting spectacle, from the decoration, to perfectly presented seafood, to skull-shaped cups. Feast your eyes and your stomach at this Instagram-worthy, little known restaurant and bar.

They have reinvented the whole seafood gastronomic experience, according to customers. Get into the festive mood with the most exquisite meals and fun drinks; oysters, desserts covered in gold dust, hot cocktails, and melt-in-your-mouth crab. The dishes’ sauces are incredible, too. If Instagram pictures of food are important to you, Descortés will probably make your Custom Top 10 list. Definitely a well-deserved honor. Make a reservation and let your pirate side flourish!

9. Tika Dogs Gourmet – Medellín: Top 10 Restaurants In Colombia

Photo by @tikadogsgourmet on IG

This charming local restaurant is a favorite alternative for lunch or dinner! It’s pleasant, has low prices, and the hot dogs are impressive. The size alone is an adventure, plus the array of ingredients available is almost overwhelming. Tika’s hot dogs are exquisite, and with many different fresh ingredients, you’ll have a unique and satisfying experience. Street food and portions in Colombia are often oversized and stuffed with goodies, but Tika Dog Gourmet takes it to another level: Tripio-epic level. The value for the price is extremely good, so while you’re in Medellin, try one of the most complete and tasty hot dogs ever! Definitely worthy of being in the top 10 restaurants in Colombia.

10. Piazza by Storia D’amore – Unicentro Cali

Located in the Unicentro Mall in Cali, this amazing restaurant serves pizza, Italian, seafood, and Tuscan food. Not to mention vegan and gluten free options. It’s a local favorite and has become a tourist attraction; it boasts great service, an excellent ambiance, lovely food presentation, and an impressive menu selection. All of their food is fresh and to die for, according to many reviews! Try the chicken paninis, salmon pasta, tomato soup, and Parmesan eggplant.

Don’t miss out on dessert, too; they have an extensive list of pastries and desserts, and the BEST tiramisu! Enjoy the ambiance and relax with a great selection of music. The staff at Piazza by Storia D’amore have a reputation for being very attentive, so set yourself up for success. Try out this delightful Italian spot, and be amazed… It’s one of the Top 10 restaurants in Colombia for a reason!

Craving more of Colombia, check out our blog on: The Best Little Known Adventures In Colombia

-Verena O’Malley, Tripio Guru

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