While you’re visiting Colombia, you must try the local fayre. Here is a list of the 10 best restaurants in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, where you can try out the national cuisine.
Fulanito
Fulanitos serves pretty much every Colombian food dish under the sun. The restaurant focuses specifically on Colombian dishes from the Valle del Cauca region, of which Cali is the main city. Some examples are heart hen stews (sancocho de gallina) and delicious tropical fruit slushies (lulada). Located in the historical neighborhood of La Candelaria, here you can soak up a bit of the local atmosphere while you enjoy local cuisine. Address: Calle 9, Bogotá, Colombia, +571 352 0173
Andres Carne de Res
Although the place is mainly famous for its Argentine style barbecue and crazy party atmosphere, Andres Carne de Res actually started out serving typical Colombian cuisine and the majority of dishes on its menu are still classic Colombian dishes. The colorful decor shouts Colombian culture through and through. Catering for a mix of local and foreign clientele, Andres Carne de Res is a great location to sample not just Colombian food but also hospitality.
La Bodega de Abasto
Located in northern Bogotá, slightly further out than you would normally travel, La Bodega de Abasto is well worth the journey. Locally sourced ingredients and a menu inspired by local produce results in healthy fresh dishes bursting with individuality and flavor. As well as a restaurant, La Bodega de Abasto acts as a market shop where the customers can purchase all of the fantastic produce they have sampled in the menu’s creative array of dishes. Address: Calle 120A No. 3A-05, Bogotá, Colombia, +571 620 6252
Restaurante de Santa Clara
Restaurante Casa de Santa Clara is located right up the Monserrate Mountain, in Usaquen, northern Bogotá. With an amazing view of the capital, Casa de Santa Clara offers a whole range of traditional foods from every corner of Colombia, making it a great place to get a feel for the different flavors and foods of the country. Address: Paseo Bolívar estación funicular Cerro de Monserrate, Colombia, +571 281 9270
Pasteleria Floria
If you’re after typical Colombian food you have to try a classic Bogotano breakfast, called chocolate Santafereño. This breakfast combination consists of hot chocolate accompanied by cornbread and white cheese. The city’s famous Pastelería Florida, established in 1936, is always busy and does the best chocolate breakfast in the city.
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La Puerta Falsa
Restaurant, French
La Puerta Falsa, established in 1816, is unmissable in any search of traditional Colombian cuisine. It offers a small menu with just a few classic items, including the famous chocolate con queso (chocolate and cheese) and some absolutely delicious tamales. If you’re after something a bit more hearty, this is a brilliant place to try ajiaco, one of Colombia’s most popular national dishes.
Doña Elvira
This is a real local food find in Bogotá. If you want to try authentic Colombian dishes, head down to Doña Elvirawhere you can try all the Colombian classics, from empanadas to stomach stew, called mondongo. With over 80 years of experience, this much-loved local spot is popular with locals and tourists in search of traditional recipes.
Paloquemao Market
Market, Street Food
You can try fancy restaurants, but one of the most authentic places to eat real Colombian food is at Paloquemao Market. Completely awash with exotic fruit and local cooking, you can sample an delicious juice from one of the stalls, have a classic almuerzo corriente (daily special for lunch), and even try the much loved yet slightly squeamish treat of fried ants.
Pan Fino
Pan Fino is a little local café where travelers and locals alike can snack on typical style pastries for breakfast. This tiny shop churns out coffee for an enormous crowd every day of the week. This is the number one spot in the city to sample pan de bono, a sweet cheesy pastry.
Arcobaleno
Restaurant, Mediterranean
For a twist on traditional Colombian cooking come to Arcobaleno. A beautifully designed restaurant, Acrobaleno is the love child of Colombian chef Catalina Mojica and Italian chef Simone de Cia, so here you can expect a combination of traditional Colombian dishes with Italian cuisine. Their food is inventive and fresh, making this the best place to try high-quality typical foods with a difference, once you’ve tried all the classics.