Whether you’re looking for an authentic local dish, gastronomic experience or fancy cafe, Bogota has it all. But what are the best places to eat and drink in Bogota? The choices are endless and there is nothing better than settling down in a restaurant or bar after a day full of impressions. These are my tips for some of my favorite and best restaurants and cafes all over Bogota Colombia.
Bogotá is a city I have been visiting for years and I always love coming back. The city is big and there so many great areas and restaurant options. This is a guide with tips for my favorite restaurants in Bogota, all places I visited myself. I hope this list is a nice starting poin for your trip in Colombia and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.
In downtown Bogotá you’ll find countless restaurants but are you looking for something special in a unique setting? Then make sure you reserve a table at Aquelarre restaurant. Aquelarre is all about mystery and witchcraft. The interior is very creative with hidden corners and cool decoration.
There are several dishes on the menu but most of all you want to book a surprise menu here. Chef José Bautista takes you on a journey through Colombian cuisine, playing with unusual combinations of flavors. Think of dishes with the cocoa fruit (not necessarily chocolate) and cheese but also ceviches with coconut cookie and seafood paste from the Pacific. Not over the top high end, but creative and very tasty. And only Colombian ingredients are used. Don’t forget to order one of the delicious cocktails. The bartenders make it really special.
Are you tea lover, just like me? Then you definitely want to go to Templo Te. Here you can drink different types of tea, all presented in a beautiful way. There are several places trhoughout in the city. I always spend a lot of time at Templo Te on the Parkway, a green strip in the Teusaquillo neighborhood.
One of the other great restaurants in La Candelaria in Bogota is Prudencia. Prudencia is a sophisticated lunch restaurant offering a modern take on Colombian cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Their tasting menu offering 7 courses is very popular, giving you the the chance to experience a variety of dishes, like lomo de res with local mushrooms or tartar de atún with a special twist. The menu changes every month. Keep in mind that Prudencia is not open for dinner.
If you love Italian cuisine, then make sure you reserve a table at Storia d’Amore, one of the best Italian restaurants in Bogota Colombia. This restaurant, located in the Zona T, consists of three floors with lots of light, space and decorations. There are lush plants hanging on the walls and flowers everywhere you look. In addition, you’ll find fun decor pieces like a car, Italian vespa and dripping candles.
Every dish is not only delicious, but also looks beautiful. As you walk past the tables, you can’t help but stare at the plates of others.
Restaurant tips for Bogota: Order one of the pastas here, they come and prepare it for you with a special show at the table.
I can’t resist recommending this place because I love Argentina. At Groso in la Candelaria, you’ll find Argentine delights like medialunas (sweet croissants) and alfajores (cookies filled with sweet). And you can even order the Argentine mate (tea) there.
On the Plazoleta Rosario there is Café Pasaje, founded in 1930. It is one of those places, where you go back into the past, because of its special historic atmosphere. Café Pasaje is a cafe that has always been visited by important politicians, artists, writers and journalists. The walls are decorated with historical pictures and objects. Drink a tea or coffee and feel like a real Bogotano!
El Cielo, founded by Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia, is probably one of the most high-end restaurants in Bogota Colombia. Be ready for a culinary tasting experience, where all your senses are going to be stimulated. You will wash your hands with chocolate (which you then have to lick off), you will be served dishes with dry ice and the bill is your dessert. Each dish is an artful presentation with locally sourced ingredients. With its recent Michelin Star accolade, El Cielo has solidified its place among the world’s best restaurants. El Cielo also has a restaurantt in Miami and Medellin.
On Calle 11, just around the corner of the Cathedral, you will find a few traditional restaurants in a row. The oldest restaurant, dating back to 1816 is called La Puerta Falsa, known for its ajiaco soup, a hearty chicken and potato soup, tamales and their freshly made chocolate con queso. Yes, you are reading this correct, cheese and chocolate, a famous dish in Bogota Colombia. You drop the cheese into your hot chocolate, and you will be surprised about the taste.
Everyone I take to El Son de los Grillos instantly falls in love. The food, the decoration, this place is one of the best restaurants in downtown Bogota Colombia. Large candles decorate the tables and flowers are everywhere. You will find typical Colombian dishes such as the soup Ajiaco, chicken, meat and fish dishes but also good pastas. The salmon teriaki is my all-time favorite.
Two other restaurants that I recommend in Bogota downtown are Dos Gatos y Simone and El Gato Gris. And that is not because of the names (I do love cats). Both restaurans offer good Latin Ameran, Colombian and Mexican food with a twist. The atmosphere is cozy and the menu offers options for everyone. If you are looking for a nice place for dinner or lunch after your sightseeing in bogota, make sure you check them out. They are located around the Chorro de Quevedo square.
There are so many good restaurants in Bogota and it is impossible to name them all. These are some of the places I like to visit myself and recommend frequently. If you have any tips that should not be missing from this list of Bogota restaurants, I am happy to learn about them.
Bogotá is the cosmopolitan capital of Colombia and for most travelers a first introduction to the country. The city has a lot to offer and you can easily spend a couple of days here. Curious? Discover my personal tips for the best places to visit and things to do in Bogota Colombia.
Are you looking for a nice hotel in Bogota? I like to stay in boutique hotels myself, but a traditional hotel in the city center can also be a good option. Here are some hotel tips for your stay in Bogota in different price ranges.
Looking for things to do in Bogota Colombia? Have a look below for interesting viator tours.
Did you enjoy reading this article about the best restaurants in Bogota and do you want to read more about Colombia? Check out the next articles with lots of inspiration and tips.
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