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If there's a place full of ingredients, recipes, and a variety of food, it is definitively Colombia. Its geographic location allows each region to have its own food techniques and delightful traditional dishes. Medellín is no exception. As a thriving and bustling metropolis, the "City of Eternal Spring" has developed a vibrant food scene, making it worthy of an entire article from CNN Travel: “How Medellín Became Latin America’s Hot New Dining Destination”. You can now find almost any type of food imaginable in this mountain valley. New restaurants are popping up, offering everything from delicious street food and traditional Colombian cuisine to high-end dining experiences. Here, we’ve listed our top 5 restaurants in Medellín. We highly recommend you to visit at least one during your stay.
La Provincia
Restaurant, Mediterranean/European/Seafood, $$$
La Provincia is one of Medellín's long-standing romantic, exclusive, and sophisticated restaurants. For over 20 years, it has established itself as one of the city's highlights and is considered an icon by many. It is known for its exquisite seafood preparation. They offer an interesting Mediterranean menu with fusions of authentic ingredients and fruit. Each dish is prepared by professionals and it is classified as a first-rate gastronomic reference.
Outside, they have a small garden with tables in a relaxed and fresh space. Its modern and elegant atmosphere is ideal for family, as well as corporate or business dinners. The staff is outstanding and well-informed, delighting both national and foreign diners with the best of Mediterranean cuisine.
Recommendation: Try the Tomato and Shrimp Soup from the Ivory Coast. For the main dish, the Salmon Steak with shrimp skewers, salmon, and fresh fish with oriental sauce, and for dessert, the basil ice cream and red wine strawberries.
Helpful Information: Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12 PM – 3 PM, 7 PM – 12 AM
Sun: Closed
Address: Carrera 42 #3 Sur-81, Centro Empresarial Milla de Oro, Local 303
Image source: https://eventsite.com.co/medellin/restaurantes/la-provincia
Mondongo’s
Restaurant, South American, $$
Mondongos is one of the most famous “classic” Colombian restaurants in Medellín. The restaurant offers generous portions of authentic local cuisine and attracts a lively crowd of local diners. To get an authentic feeling, visit the restaurant on Sundays at lunchtime when it is full of Colombians and the atmosphere is electric.
In October 1976, the founders had the idea of creating a small and cozy restaurant. They envisioned a unique place to bring families together. Shortly after, their restaurant turned into one of the most recognized restaurants in the city. Based on this success story, almost 20 years later, the idea of founding a second restaurant in town materialized.
The restaurant has a 13-course menu serving traditional Colombian food like Ajiaco and the classic Bandeja Paisa. For meat lovers, try the house specialty of sopa de mondongo, a bowl of soup accompanied by avocado, fried plantain, and arepas. The restaurant is located in El Poblado on Calle 10 – right in the heart of everything.
Helpful Information: Opening hours: Sun: 11 AM - 8 PM
Mon - Wed: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Thu - Sat: 11:30 AM - 10 PM
Address: #38-38 Calle 10, Zona Rosa, Medellín, Antioquia
Image source: https://www.tripadvisor.ie/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g297478-d1862119-i250307970-Mondongos-Medellin_Antioquia_Department.html
Carmen
Restaurant, South American, $$$$
Carmen is one of the most famous upmarket restaurants in Medellín. Carmen Angel and Rob Pevitts, an American-Colombian couple, are the soul of this innovative establishment. These two passionate chefs have managed to merge contemporary cooking techniques with the essence of local and Colombian ingredients - a restaurant committed to quality that offers a unique menu in Colombia. It is modern with a cozy and warm atmosphere.
They serve sophisticated international cuisine with a heavy Californian influence. The house specialty is the 7-course chef's tasting menu, always prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has an intimate dining room overlooking the open kitchen, a conservatory, and an inviting patio perfect for enjoying some craft cocktails. Reservations are essential in the evening.
Helpful Information: Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12 PM - 2:30 PM
Mon - Sat: 7 PM - 10:30 PM
Address: Carrera 36 # 10A-27 El Poblado, Medellín
Image source: https://www.tripadvisor.co/Restaurant_Review-g297478-d1820198-Reviews-Carmen-Medellin_Antioquia_Department.html
Alambique - Kitchen Lab & Bar
Restaurant, South American/Fusion, $$$
Alambique is a hidden gem in Medellín, known for its unique fusion of South American flavors and modern culinary techniques. Located in El Poblado, this eclectic restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with rustic-chic decor, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The rooftop terrace adds to its charm, providing a cozy setting to enjoy their innovative dishes and craft cocktails. The menu changes regularly, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative presentations. Alambique’s ever-evolving menu and artistic presentation make it a must-try for those seeking a unique dining experience in Medellín. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed meal or a special occasion, Alambique delivers an unforgettable experience.
Helpful Information: Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12 PM - 10 PM
Fri - Sat: 12 PM - 11 PM
Sun: Closed
Address: Calle 10A #38-25, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Image source: https://vivirenelpoblado.com/wp-content/uploads/articulo-buena-mesa-01-696x461.jpg
In Situ - Botanical Gardens Restaurant
Restaurant, South American/Colombian, $$$$
At In Situ, fine dining comes with a side of the beautiful garden, as the restaurant is located in Medellín’s Botanic Garden. The place has an open-air atmosphere in the middle of the botanical gardens, one of the city’s quietest spaces. Quality, excellent service, and a delicious menu - In Situ has reinvented Colombian cuisine. The food can’t be classified as typical or Creole. Each of the 37 dishes on the menu combines the homemade touch of grandmothers with aromatic plants from their own garden and Colombian ingredients.
In Situ is directly operated by the Botanical Garden of Medellín. When the Botanical Garden underwent its transformation, it decided to manage its food and beverage area. In Situ opened its doors in May 2008, offering over 10 years of experience in serving delicious dishes.
The restaurant also offers a picnic basket which you can buy for either 61,000 or 70,000 COP. The picnic proposal includes the loan of a tablecloth and the basket for food, designed for two people. At the end of the picnic, you must return the basket to the restaurant. Orders must be made at least two days in advance via email: reservas@jbotanico.org.
Their author menu is very creative and features a wide variety of pasta, seafood, meats, and appealing salads. Our recommendation is the Salmon in sesame crust with black beans and tahini sauce. A post-meal walk through 40 acres of exotic orchids and a famed 50-foot-tall Orchideorama floral structure is also a must.
Helpful Information: Opening hours: Restaurant Sun & Mon: 12 PM- 4 PM
Tue - Sat: 12 PM - 4 PM, 6:30 PM - 10 PM
Picnics in the garden Mon - Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM
Address: Calle 73 # 51D-14, Antioquia, Medellín
Price Ranking:
- Starters: 15,000 - 24,000 COP (US$4 - $7)
- Main courses: 32,000 - 61,000 COP (US$10 - $19)
- Desserts: 14,000 - 19,000 COP (US$4 - $6)
The mountain valley of Medellín offers perfect conditions for growing a lot of produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold across the city, from modern grocery stores to mercados. You will find some of the best tasting produce in this city. If you think of yourself as a foodie or simply enjoy multiple dining options when you travel, Medellín is your place to be. Schedule a trip here and be sure to come hungry. There are lots more surprises awaiting you. Cheers.
Sources:
For those interested in exploring the city, don't miss the chance to book a City Tour in Medellin. For a more in-depth culinary experience, consider a Gastronomic Tour of Medellin.
