If you know me, you know that I love a good meal and Colombia was no exception. It also helps that I had a private tour guide (my partner is from Colombia) that knew what to eat and which places to skip. This post covers different cities and towns across Colombia, but it’ll give you a good idea of what type of food or experience to expect when traveling through this culinary-centric country. If I had to pick one meal from the list below that was superior above the rest, it would be La Mar. Honestly, one of the best meals that I have had while traveling. The breakfast at the W Bogotá is a close second. Their breakfast has been the best hotel breakfast experience that I have had throughout all of my travels. With that said, the sushi, Lomo Saltado and ceviches that I tried at La Mar were truly exceptional which help me grant it with the top spot. The takeaway from this post, if you are traveling to Colombia, treat yourself to a great meal or two.
Hotel Campestre La Tata (shown above)
If you are looking for a campesero-style dinner that is authentic to this region of Colombia, make sure to grab a bite at the restaurant in the Hotel Campestre La Tata in Montenegro. Tucked deep in the department (the same as a state to us) of Quindío, the quaint hotel offers a true local experience with some of the most delicious cuisine in the immediate area. Dinner was exceptionally inviting with empanadas de carne, tostones and an arepa con queso.
If you only have one chance to eat dinner while in Bogota, you have to make it to La Mar. The Peruvian / Asian fusion restaurant in the Usaguén neighborhood (a foodie hotspot) boasts an impressive variety of ceviches and seafood while also offering traditional Colombian dishes like Pescado a la Meunière, Ají de Gallina and Lomo Saltado. The aesthetics are minimal and moody adding to the overall vibe of this dining experience.
Recinto Gastronómico y Artesanal
If you can make it out to Salento, make sure to stop by the Recinto Gastronómico y Artesanal located in the town square. You’ll have plenty of options when it comes to dining with a mall-style foodcourt in the center with local vendors on the perimeter.
There are plenty of reasons to visit the Termales el Otoño hotel in Manizales – Caldas. I’ll leave the hotel details for another post, but the meals alone are reason enough. The Lomo Saltado for lunch is a must try boasting a hearty amount of perfectly seasoned beef and potatoes. The pasta Carbonara dish for dinner was a suprise hit! I know it is not your typical Colombian dish, but it came highly recommended and for good reason.
This restaurant is quite kitschy and overwhelming, to say the least, but it is a must-try if visiting Colombia. The theme is more is more and the over-cluttered walls are proof. The boisterous staff makes the entire experience theatrical with skits, musical performances and dance breaks. However, the food does not disappoint. Try the tostones, the mazorca asada and the limonada de coco. A must try! No, but for real. Order one!
Breakfast buffets seem to paint a drab picture for most which is understandable. Hotel breakfast in the States is underwhelming. However, the W Bogotá crushes all pre-conceived notions and delivers one of the best… correction: the best hotel breakfast experience that I have EVER had. The fresh juices (mind-blowing) the arepas de choclo, huevos al gusto, bandeja paisa and carimañola are incredible!
Buen provecho!
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