Top 20 Restaurants in Colombia, According to Time Out Magazine

Colombia has a rich gastronomic tradition, offering hearty and popular dishes in its restaurants, such as bandeja paisa, ajiaco and sancocho. Thanks to the diversity of the country, there are many more wonderful fusions to try in addition to the classics. Here are 20 of Colombia’s best restaurants, as listed by El Tiempo (Time Out).

Colombia’s Top 20 Restaurants

Carmen (Cartagena and Medellin)

Headed by one of Colombia’s most respected chefs, Carmen Angel, this restaurant operates a branch in both Medellin and Cartagena. It prides itself on fresh ingredients and dishes that bring in ceviche from the coast along with beef tenderloin and Andean potato au gratin.

El Cielo (Bogota and Medellin)

El Cielo, like Carmen, runs two branches, one in Medellin and one in Bogota. The restaurant is owned by the first Colombian chef to receive a Michelin star, Juan Manuel Barrientos. The restaurant is known to be one of the most luxurious in the country, offering a 12-course tasting menu and wine pairings, all inspired by the country’s diversity.

Leo (Bogota)

This restaurant presents a more relaxing and altogether cosier feel for guests, inviting them to celebrate Colombia’s heritage with chef Leonor Espinosa. In Leo, the country’s traditional products are mixed with Latin-inspired beverages.

Flying Saucers (Cali)

Flying Saucers or Platillos Voladores, thrills its diners with a combination of Pacific ingredients and flavors infused from international cuisine. Highly recommended are the spring rolls made with peach palm and served with hot bell pepper jam.

Elvia (Barichara)

This restaurant invites its guests to enjoy the unique experience of an open kitchen, where they can watch their delicious, rurally-inspired dishes (which come from the restaurant’s own organic garden) being prepared.

Below is the remainder of the list of Colombia’s top 20 restaurants, according to El Tiempo.

Ajiacos & Mondongos, in Medellin.
Prudencia, in Bogota.
Sambombi, in Medellin.
Mora Castilla, Popayan.
Idilico, in Medellin.
El Chato, in Bogota.
In Situ, in Medellin.
Mar y Zielo, in Cartagena.
Alambique, in Medellin.
Restaurant Jose Fernando, in Filandia.
Celele, in Cartagena.
Oci.Mde, in Medellin.
Casa M, in Rionegro.
Cafe Zorba, in Medellin.
Battuto, in Bucaramanga.