I spent several weeks in Medellin, staying in Envigado, Laureles and Poblado. While most of the gringos spend time in Poblado, there are many great restaurants around Medellin. Check out my favorite restaurants in Medellin on your next trip!
Be sure to read my top tips of things to know before traveling solo to Colombia!
There are several locations throughout the city, but the Poblado spot might be the most accessible for tourists. They offer local favorites like mondongo (tripe) and the typical antioqueño dish of chicharron, beans, egg and avocado. I love the ajiaco (a chicken soup with corn and potatoes) or the cazuela de lentejas (a loaded lentil bowl that is sure to fill you up).
La Matriarca in Manila (about 10-minute walk from the Poblado metro station) offers an extensive menu of paisa dishes. A favorite of locals, this spot is usually quite busy for lunch and dinner. On the weekends, they are also open for breakfast and have live music in the evenings. I enjoy their chicharron and fish dishes, as well as the large menu of juices and non-alcoholic fruit sodas.
Not a Colombian restaurant, but Olivia serves up some amazing Italian food. There are several locations, but the ones in Laureles and Poblado are probably the go-to spots. I love their risottos (or cauliflower risotto) and lasagna, though the pizzas and salads are also tasty. It’s a great date spot and they accommodate large groups well.
If you are looking for a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, look no further. This spot in Laureles has a great outdoor patio and a wonderfully diverse vegetarian menu. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian (like me) you will leave full and sated. Try any of the bao buns or bowls. The desserts are also delectable.
This is a great spot for healthy bowls and salads. They offer a dozen different combinations, or you can create your own custom bowl. I love the Caribe Bowl. They also have sandwiches, wraps and salads, as well as plenty of vegetarian options. There are several locations throughout Medellin; most are found at the malls, so they are a great spot to take a break while you shop!
If you are looking for some great city views in a more upscale environment, this is the spot. At night the city twinkles below you. The restaurant has great fire columns to keep you warm in the cooler mountain air. The steak and seafood were excellent and a great atmosphere for a night out.
There are several great taco spots in Medellin, but this one might be my favorite because of their sauces! They offer individual tacos, burritos and quesadillas. The nachos are good too. I love the chili salt-rimmed mango lemonade too. It’s a cheap spot with multiple locations around the city.
This spot in Laureles offers bagel sandwiches, smoothie bowls and big breakfast plates! The smoothies and juices are a great addition. They also have sandwiches and salads for lunch with a large, covered patio and Wi-Fi.
As a Southerner traveling for a while, when I discovered this cute café, I almost died. They have cheese grits and chicken n’ waffles. Enough said. But really the pancakes, omelets and full breakfast menu will have you skipping lunch. If you need a little taste of the South, be sure to check out this sweet café.
How can you come to Colombia and not enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee? This café is one of the best in the city offering rich (read super strong) coffee, fresh pastries and breakfast/lunch options. Honestly the secret winner is the chocolate brownie croissant. It’s heavenly and a nice addition to the strong coffee. Colombians think adding sugar or milk to a coffee is a grave sin, so you may need the sugar pastry to offset it! 😊 They also have Wi-Fi, making it a great spot for digital nomads to get some work done.
I know most tourists will spend time in Laureles and Poblado, but enjoy these hidden gems and must visit spots. From traditional Colombian fare to innovated fusion cuisine, discover these best rest restaurants in Medellin. Buen provecho!
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