The 33 Must-Visit Restaurants in Bogotá

This establishment's reputation extends beyond borders, and rightfully so. It specializes in grilled meats and traditional Colombian fare: Be sure to share dishes to enjoy arepas de choclo (sweet corn cakes), papas criolla (Colombian potatoes), chicharrones, lomo al trapo (cloth-wrapped grilled beef), and plátano maduro stuffed with cheese and guava. The atmosphere is lively with music, vibrant decor, and improvisational performances. If you're looking to celebrate, Saturday night is the peak time (and the hardest to reserve). The 45-minute trip to Chía is worth it for a truly unique experience, although the Bogotá location offers a close experience to the original.

This restaurant, perched on the 10th floor of an office building in the Cedritos neighborhood, offers a stunning view of Bogotá's hills, far from the usual dining spots. Each dish presents a delightful surprise, showcasing elegant plating and intricate flavors. Diners can enjoy unique pairings of Colombian ingredients, such as chipirones (baby squid) with sweet chile, chontaduro (peach palm), Andean chicharrón, turnip, and rocoto, or hearts of palm accompanied by avocado, peas, and tamarillo leche de tigre. The bartenders skillfully incorporate ingredients from Colombia's Guajira and Amazonas regions to craft innovative beverages.

On weekends, residents of Bogotá often escape to the countryside for some fresh air and leisurely lunches. Located just thirty minutes from central Bogotá, El Tambor serves as an upscale piqueteadero, a casual roadside Mytoury renowned for its grilled meat platters. The outdoor seating features large wooden stumps and expansive grassy areas perfect for lounging while enjoying a feast of morcilla, chorizo, grilled beef and pork, smoky corn, guacamole, sweet plantains, yuca, potatoes, arepas, chicharrones, chunchullo (fried beef intestines), longaniza, and plenty of beer to wash it all down. While there are three locations, the La Calera branch stands out as the favorite.

Chef Daniel Castaño is at the helm of several of Bogotá’s trendiest dining spots. At Julia, he dedicated a year to perfecting the art of pizza dough, leading to creations that are now hailed as some of the finest in the city. He generously tops his pizzas with buffalo mozzarella and a homemade sauce crafted from San Marzano-style tomatoes that he grows specifically for his restaurants.

Arepas are a fundamental part of the Colombian cuisine, widely available across the city. Both of Abasto’s locations—one in the welcoming Usaquén and the other in Quinta Camacho—are perfect breakfast spots to enjoy various types of arepas crafted from fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers' markets. Don’t miss out on their granadilla juice (a rare find), along with the palm hearts from Putumayo and the Santa Rosa de Cabal chorizos.

Masa is the ideal spot for a breakfast meeting, a midday snack, or a relaxing afternoon filled with coffee and pastries. Sisters Silvana and Mariana Villegas, who gained experience in various New York City restaurants, returned home to launch Masa, where their morning buns and doughnuts reflect that culinary journey. At lunch, try the turkey sandwich on raisin-nut bread, topped with bacon, avocado, cheese, and romesco, or opt for a customizable salad. The chocolate chip cookies, arguably the finest in Bogotá, are perfect with a cup of Colombian coffee. Located on Calle 105, this beautifully designed venue has received architecture awards and has been featured in numerous design publications.

This esteemed dining establishment has proudly served patrons for over 60 years, and its enduring excellence in food and service is truly remarkable. Begin your meal with a selection of tapas from the bar menu, then savor the cochinillo (suckling pig), paella, or tender lamb chops. The elegant dining room draws the city's elite, including politicians and celebrities alike.

They say the shoemaker’s child often goes without shoes. For many years, Colombia's coffeehouse scene has been quite limited. Recently, however, a wave of new third-wave coffee shops has emerged, including Azahar. Located in the spacious café in the Parque de la 93 area, baristas skillfully prepare various brewing methods using Colombian beans sourced from small to medium-sized farms.

Established in the early 1980s, this fast-casual chain has grown to over 50 locations in Bogotá, becoming a staple of Colombian food culture thanks to its high-quality offerings, reliability, and reasonable prices. The salads are hearty and delicious, while the selection of both savory and sweet crepes is vast. Their ice cream menu is particularly favored, with some locations featuring ice cream parlors either adjacent or integrated within the restaurant, showcasing seasonal flavors. The company also prioritizes hiring women who are the primary earners in their households.

Les Amis Bizcochería has a warm, homey vibe that feels more like visiting a friend than a bakery. The enticing aroma of fresh medialunas (Argentinian sweet croissants) greets you as you descend the stairs. Inside, a communal table showcases an array of pastries, cakes, and breads displayed on charming vintage plates. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast, a sweet treat, or enjoying afternoon tea alongside freshly baked goods.

With sister locations in Chile, Peru, and Argentina, the Bogotá branch of “Osk” thrives thanks to its superb cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and outstanding service. The menu showcases Nikkei cuisine, featuring dishes such as grilled shrimp in red curry-leek sauce and a whole fish marinated in soy, topped with crispy garlic, almonds, and Peruvian chiles.

This restaurant is named in honor of the 1950s home designed by renowned Colombian architect Guillermo Bermúdez. Recognized as an architectural heritage site, its interior boasts elegant mid-century decor, while the back terrace exudes a luxurious jungle ambiance, ideal for enjoying sunny afternoons. The menu leans towards Mediterranean; be sure to try the fried rice with oxtail, mussels, and tuna tartare. Conveniently situated on a popular dining street, it’s a great stop after exploring nearby boutiques or the Andino Shopping Center.

Renowned Peruvian chef Rafael Osterling has always maintained a connection to Bogotá. Nestled above Oficial, Romeo offers a scenic view of treetops, enhanced by its modern interior design. Standout dishes from Osterling’s Italian menu feature pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, ranging from the classic margherita to the indulgent Splendida topped with mortadella, stracciatella, tomato confit pesto, pistachio, and jalapeño. For antipasti, don’t miss the burrata with grilled grapes, romesco, and almonds; for primi, opt for the Bolognese and forest mushroom lasagnetta; and among the main courses, the pork tomahawk Milanese with mashed potatoes and a sprouts salad is a must-try.

Nestled in the bustling Zona T, this vibrant bar focuses on craft cocktails made from fresh produce. The skilled team utilizes nearly 100 different vegetables, herbs, and Colombian fruits grown in the bar’s own garden to craft a rotating menu of inventive drinks. Don't miss the Naturaleza, which combines viche (a Colombian spirit from the Pacific Coast), passion fruit, rice horchata, and honey, or the Daiquireando con Lulo featuring rum, lulo, ginger, and lemon.

Bandido nights are a highlight in the city. The management excels at booking jazz bands and cover performances that attract lively crowds every evening. While the French bistro cuisine is decent, the main draw is the vibrant atmosphere. Inside the restaurant, you’ll find El Enano, a cozy bar offering craft cocktails.

Harry Sasson is arguably the most renowned chef in Colombia. His eponymous restaurant, now thriving for over thirty years, is celebrated for its attentive service, consistent quality, inviting ambiance, and top-notch ingredients. Guests can look forward to straightforward, expertly crafted dishes that incorporate traditional Colombian cooking techniques, featuring a wood-burning oven and charcoal grill. Begin your meal with blue cheese pan de yuca and arepa de huevo, then move to the highlight: generous portions of meats such as the wood-fired sobrebarriga, a flank steak paired with arracacha, an Andean root vegetable. For sides, don’t miss the patacones with avocado cream (fried plantain), sautéed green beans with ginger and garlic, or spicy corn kernels in smoked butter. End on a sweet note with dessert and one of the delightful coffee options available.

Housed in a stunningly renovated 1920s residence, Chichería Demente stands out in La Concepción, a neighborhood more famous for auto parts than fine dining. This restaurant draws inspiration from piqueteaderos, casual roadside Mytouries specializing in grilled meats. The expansive open kitchen features a multitude of grills that prepare a variety of dry-aged beef cuts, pork tomahawks, and organic chicken seasoned with aguardiente and herbs. Vegetarian options abound, including salads, empanadas, and stuffed zucchini flowers, making it an ideal spot for large groups with diverse dining preferences.

Chef Pedro Escobar's culinary creations are influenced by his travels, particularly his time in Spain, evident in the tapas and small plates offered. However, the essence of Colombian flavors is infused into every dish. Indulge in the bravas criollas, which are potatoes filled with txistorra (a Basque sausage), or savor the yucca milhojas with siete cueros cheese and eryngii mushrooms. Don't miss the butifarra sausage tempura accompanied by a zesty lemon mayonnaise. Guests can also enjoy a selection from a distinctive and robust wine list, a rarity in Bogotá.

This plant-based restaurant boasts an unexpected vibe, eschewing the usual ferns and light wood for vibrant street art, punk band posters, black cushions, and neon lights, all set to the tunes of The Clash and Violent Femmes. Chef Denise Monroy prefers not to label her offerings as vegan, yet every item is entirely plant-based. Begin with the empanadas crafted from house-ground corn dough, filled with mashed potatoes and hogao (a tomato-onion sauce), followed by pickled papaya ceviche with cashew crunch. For your main course, choose either the mushroom risotto or the pear salad topped with micro-sprouts and nut-based feta. All ciders and kombuchas are house-made as well.

As one of Bogotá's pioneering spots for specialty coffee, Amor Perfecto offers a diverse range of brewing techniques. However, it’s much more than just a coffee shop. The establishment has played a crucial role in training some of Colombia’s finest baristas, and their micro lots are roasted on-site. At each of their five locations, skilled staff will prepare your drink while sharing the story behind each bean. The original location in Chapinero is particularly delightful.

With its bright sunlight and decorative potted palm trees, Café Bar Universal exudes a refined Caribbean ambiance, making it a favorite among locals in Chapinero. The menu artfully blends Mediterranean and Latin cuisines, featuring standout crudo (raw fish dishes) and ceviche, alongside vibrant vegetable dishes and salads. Main offerings include pastas, risottos, and shareable plates like a tender suckling lamb shoulder served with hummus. Don't overlook the fried criolla potatoes, a Colombian specialty, topped with parsley. While there’s a set menu, weekly specials highlight market-fresh ingredients.

Leonor Espinosa's inventive approach to reclaiming forgotten ingredients from Colombia's most remote regions has garnered her numerous accolades, establishing her as a trailblazer in contemporary high-end Colombian cuisine. The tasting menu at Leo, along with its unique fermented drinks and wine pairings, beautifully showcases the chef's technique, flavor, history, and aesthetic sensibility. The restaurant's new venue features striking modern architecture adorned with Colombian contemporary art. Additionally, La Sala de Laura, a cocktail bar run by Espinosa’s daughter Laura Hernández, focuses on cocktails crafted with in-house spirits that reflect various ecosystems, including páramo (alpine tundra), desert, and Andean forest. The bar also offers a lunch menu and three distinct tasting menus for dinner.

This contemporary bistro is renowned for its innovative and delectable dishes. Guests can enjoy a la carte selections on the first floor, while the second floor is dedicated to a tasting menu. Chef Álvaro Clavijo enhances local ingredients through smoking, fermenting, pickling, and dehydrating to create unique offerings such as granadilla with orejero seeds, cashew cream, and tiger milk; crispy tapioca pate accompanied by wild blackberry; and a dessert featuring pickled, grilled eggplant paired with ice cream. Keep an eye out for Clavijo's special collaborative dinners, previously showcasing chefs like Ana Ros from Slovenia's Hisa Franko and Elena Reygadas from Rosetta in Mexico City.

The dishes at the beloved Mesa Franca might seem straightforward, but they burst with flavor, vibrancy, and Colombian ingredients. Try the watermelon ceviche paired with crispy kale or the tender pork belly served with a peanut chile sauce, caramelized pears, and arugula. Don’t overlook the cocktails, and be sure to check out the evenings with DJs, perfect for a lively night out in Bogotá.

Since opening in 2017, Río has undergone a transformation with its new location in 2022. Surrounded by a lush garden, the spacious terrace invites diners, while the interiors showcase contemporary Colombian art. This cozy setting is perfect for a family lunch or dinner. Start with raw options like passion fruit tiradito paired with crunchy tomatoes or crab accompanied by corn, avocado, and carantanta (crispy toasted corn dough from the Cauca region). Many main dishes are grilled, including pork ribs slathered in guava barbecue sauce, with sides like grilled ripe plantains, miso vinaigrette leeks, or creamy corn rice.

For over 30 years, this traditional Bogotá chain has focused on cuisine from the Valle del Cauca region, along with various empanada styles from across Colombia. Their pipián is a true delight, featuring a filling of red potato, peanuts, achiote, onions, tomatoes, and garlic, served with a flavorful peanut chile sauce for dipping. You can also enjoy tamales with similar fillings, luladas (refreshing drinks made from the aromatic Colombian lulo fruit), and other regional dishes.

Nestled on a winding street in Chapinero, this inviting restaurant stands at the forefront of the new Colombian culinary movement, offering dishes inspired by the country's rich regional diversity, from the Amazon to the Pacific coast. Chefs Eduardo Martínez and Antonuela Ariza are dedicated to unearthing and celebrating native ingredients, creatively incorporating them into dishes such as plantain balls filled with crab meat simmered in homemade red curry, or braised beef served with Amazonian tucupí (a traditional sauce made from cassava and chile), lemon ants, fried cassava, and starchy flatbread.

After gaining experience in Europe and serving as sous chef at El Chato in Bogotá, chef Jaime Torregrosa takes the reins at Humo Negro. In this stylishly moody restaurant, he fuses native Colombian ingredients with techniques picked up during his travels, particularly in Japan. Dishes are crafted for sharing, like the mini taiyaki—potato croquettes with seaweed, mambe (toasted coca leaves) buttermilk, and Amazonian chile. Don't miss the grilled leeks paired with chontaduro (peach palm), amaranth, and cashew, as well as the pirarucu belly filet accompanied by camu camu and tucupi. Be sure to indulge in one of the ingeniously crafted savory cocktails before you leave.

For an authentic taste of traditional Colombian cuisine, visit Doña Elvira for lunch. Established in 1934, this restaurant features a modest exterior and a straightforward cafeteria-style interior. Its menu may be simple, but it showcases the essence of everyday Colombian fare. Sample the stuffed chicken necks, tender pork ribs, or the succulent braised flank steak. The original location is in the Galerías neighborhood, with a second venue in the city center.

If you're keen to discover Colombian produce—and you definitely should—Paloquemao is the ideal spot. This lively and colorful market is one of Bogotá's oldest, and while it’s a bit off the usual tourist track, it's worth the journey just to experience the stunning variety of local fruits. Arrive early for breakfast at one of the stalls offering arepas, lechona (stuffed pig with rice), tamales, or caldo de costilla (beef-rib broth), or savor a fresh juice at Jugos Doña Vero.

San Alberto is renowned for producing some of Colombia’s most acclaimed coffee from a single estate farm in the Quindio region. At their cafés, you can enjoy this specialty coffee in various forms, participate in a coffee baptism—a tasting lesson pairing coffees with rum or honey—or join a molecular coffee cupping, which offers an in-depth experience of flavor and texture (reservations recommended). The café next to the Gold Museum features a spacious and bright ambiance, making it a lovely spot to relax with coffee for a morning or afternoon.

This historic restaurant, established over 200 years ago, is just a block from La Plaza de Bolívar, Bogotá’s main public square, and stands as a cherished symbol of the city’s culinary heritage. Popular choices for breakfast or onces (the Colombian version of a snack or tea) include tamales, almojábanas (cheese bread), and hot chocolate served with cheese. If you visit for lunch, be sure to try ajiaco—the iconic soup of the city—and indulge in one of the many desserts available.

While exploring the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, be sure to enjoy lunch at Prudencia. This colonial French-style house has been beautifully renovated by renowned architect Simón Vélez, celebrated for his bamboo designs. Chef Mario Rosero, a Culinary Institute of America graduate from Los Angeles, employs his custom-designed grills and ovens to create dishes rich in umami. The frequently updated seven-course tasting menu always includes a vegetarian option, with everything from bread to butter crafted from local ingredients. Look forward to delights like turkey breast enveloped in chocolate and wood-fired, or watermelon tarama topped with house-made bacon or dehydrated eggplant.