Bogotá has become one of Latin America’s most exciting culinary destinations, drawing international attention for its innovative restaurant scene.
The Colombian capital hosts everything from avant-garde fine dining featuring native Colombian ingredients to historic establishments serving traditional ajiaco soup and tamales.
Whether you’re seeking molecular gastronomy experiences, live-fire cooking in intimate dining rooms, or authentic Colombian comfort food near Plaza Bolivar, this city delivers unforgettable flavors across neighborhoods like Zona G, Chapinero Alto, and Zona T.
Best Neighborhoods for Eating Out in Bogotá
Before diving into specific restaurants, knowing where to wander makes all the difference.
Zona G (the “G” stands for gourmet) in Chapinero Alto is Bogotá’s gastronomy hub, packed with fine dining establishments in historic red-brick mansions.
Just south, Zona T thrives as the entertainment district with trendy dining spots and nightlife.
For something more relaxed, Usaquén’s cobblestone streets charm visitors with its Sunday flea market and artisan shops alongside upscale restaurants.
The historic center near Plaza Bolivar along Calle 11 offers casual restaurants serving authentic Colombian classics in colonial architecture settings.
Leo
Best For: Indigenous ingredients and biodiversity focus
Chef Leonor Espinosa earned the title of Latin America’s Best Chef in 2017, and her flagship restaurant Leo showcases why.
The Ciclo-Biome menu celebrates native Colombian ingredients you won’t find elsewhere – think Santander ants with albacore, caiman crocodile, pirarucu Amazonian fish, and even capybara.
Located in central Bogotá, this avant-garde restaurant ranked #76 globally in 2025.
The drink pairings deserve equal attention, featuring fancy fruit blends and Colombian coffee infusions curated by sommelier Laura Hernández-Espinosa.
It’s a biodiversity-focused culinary innovation that turns indigenous ingredients into unforgettable tasting menu experiences.
Opening: Lunch and dinner service daily
Atmosphere: Sophisticated fine dining with indigenous Colombian artistry and contemporary elegance throughout intimate space
Menu Highlights:
- Albacore with Santander ants
- Caiman crocodile preparations
- Pirarucu Amazonian river fish
- Capybara dishes
- Oro miel pineapple dessert
- Fancy fruit blend pairings
Harry Sasson
Best For: Live-fire cooking and steak specialties
Named after its chef-owner, Harry Sasson occupies a stunning 106-year-old red-brick mansion in Zona G.
The restaurant is dedicated to live-fire cooking with steak specialties, seafood, and Japanese-style robata taking center stage – though you’ll also find pizza, pasta, and paella if you fancy something different.
The original house features warm, intimate dining rooms, while a spectacular steel and glass atrium covers the spacious rear patio and open kitchen.
I still remember the Memo-style beef filet with asparagus – perfectly flame-grilled.
This Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants alumnus combines architectural heritage with culinary mastery.
Opening: Dinner nightly, lunch select days
Atmosphere: Elegant mansion setting with glass atrium, open kitchen, and warm romantic lighting for special occasions
Menu Highlights:
- Memo-style beef filet with asparagus
- Japanese-style robata selections
- Fresh seafood preparations
- Wood-fired pizza
- Pasta dishes
- Traditional paella
El Cielo
Best For: Molecular gastronomy and sensory experiences
Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia has built something extraordinary since opening the original El Cielo in Medellín’s Parque Lleras in 2006.
The Zona G neighborhood location arrived in 2011, bringing molecular gastronomy and multi-sensory dining to Bogotá.
This restaurant appeared on Latin America’s 50 Best from 2013-2015, then expanded internationally to Miami (2015) and Washington DC (2020) – the latter earning a Michelin star in April 2021, making it the first Colombian restaurant with this honor.
The salmon with tropical fruit sauce exemplifies their creative presentation and innovative techniques.
It’s gastronomic excellence with consistent quality that’s stood the test of time.
Opening: Dinner service, reservations required
Atmosphere: Multi-sensory fine dining space with theatrical presentation and innovative design creating memorable experiences
Menu Highlights:
- Salmon with tropical fruit sauce
- Molecular gastronomy tasting menu
- Creative Colombian flavor combinations
- Sensory dessert experiences
- Wine pairing selections
- Interactive dining elements
Andrés Carne de Res / Andrés DC
Best For: Vibrant atmosphere and live entertainment
This legendary steakhouse opened in 1982 in Chía (about an hour north) and has become a Colombian cultural institution.
The sprawling establishment transforms into a weekend nightclub, attracting everyone from students to celebrities.
Can’t make the drive? Visit Andrés DC in El Retiro Shopping Center in Zona T – a more convenient 4-story location.
The thick menu book contains dozens of Colombian classics and traditional dishes.
Since “res” means beef in Spanish, ordering steak is your safest bet.
Honestly, you come here for the atmosphere and live music as much as the food.
Make reservations if you want your own table rather than communal seating!
Opening: Daily lunch and dinner service
Atmosphere: Eclectic vibrant space with live music, colorful decor, and energetic crowd creating festive party environment
Menu Highlights:
- Traditional Colombian steaks
- Classic beef preparations
- Fresh tamales
- Ajiaco soup
- Colombian comfort dishes
- Weekend live music performances
El Chato
Best For: Seasonal ingredients and modern techniques
Chef Alvaro Clavijo trained in Barcelona before working at legendary restaurants like Noma in Copenhagen and Per Se in New York City.
He opened El Chato in 2017 in the Zona G Chapinero Alto district, and it’s made a progressive leap from #21 in Latin America (2018) to #2 in 2023, just behind Lima’s Maido.
The contemporary restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, creating ingredient-driven dishes with modern techniques.
That banana mille-feuille with corn ice cream and salted caramel ganache? Absolutely terrific.
The intimate lighting creates a romantic setting perfect for date night, though I wished for slightly brighter ambiance to fully appreciate the beautiful plating.
Opening: Dinner service Tuesday through Saturday
Atmosphere: Intimate romantic lighting with contemporary design perfect for special occasions and thoughtful conversation
Menu Highlights:
- Banana mille-feuille with corn ice cream
- Seasonal ingredient tasting menu
- Local supplier partnerships
- Creative vegetable preparations
- Salted caramel ganache dessert
- Colombian wine selections
Criterion
Best For: Classic tasting menu experiences
Chef Jorge Rausch trained in the UK before returning to Colombia and opening Criterion in 2004 – one of the first restaurants in Colombia offering a tasting menu option.
Today, you’ll find both a classic menu featuring signature dishes from 16 years of history and a seasonal menu showcasing current inspirations.
I opted for a la carte during my dinner experience and loved the goat cheese watermelon salad.
Chef Rausch has become a television personality through MasterChef Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador.
His brother Mark, a Canada-trained pastry chef, rounds out the Rausch Brothers culinary empire of ten restaurants across Colombia plus a thriving catering business.
Opening: Lunch and dinner daily
Atmosphere: Refined elegant dining room with professional service and sophisticated ambiance for business and celebrations
Menu Highlights:
- Goat cheese and watermelon salad
- Signature dishes from 16 years
- Seasonal tasting menu options
- A la carte selections
- Mark Rausch pastry creations
- Fine wine pairings
La Puerta Falsa
Best For: Traditional Colombian comfort food
Established in 1816, La Puerta Falsa (“The False Door”) holds the title of Bogotá’s oldest restaurant.
Located along Calle 11 east of Plaza Bolivar in the historic center, this small establishment serves classic Bogotano food – ajiaco chicken potato soup, hot chocolate with cheese, and fresh tamales.
There’s often a wait and limited seating, but it’s absolutely a worthy experience for authentic Colombian comfort food.
Prices cater to locals, making it a bargain for travelers.
Anthony Bourdain featured La Puerta Falsa in his Parts Unknown Colombia episode, and I completely understand why.
Whenever I’m in Bogotá, I make time for that incredible hot chocolate and cheese combo.
Opening: Daily morning through early afternoon
Atmosphere: Historic casual setting with local charm and authentic Colombian character from 1816 establishment
Menu Highlights:
- Hot chocolate with cheese
- Fresh tamales
- Ajiaco chicken and potato soup
- Traditional almojábanas
- Colombian pastries
- Local coffee
Prudencia
Best For: Farm-to-table contemporary Colombian cuisine
Prudencia embraces a farm-to-table philosophy with contemporary Colombian cuisine built around locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.
The seasonal menu changes regularly, highlighting regional flavors and Colombian terroir through vegetable-forward dishes and quality protein options.
I appreciate their sharing plates concept – it’s perfect for trying multiple creative preparations in one sitting.
The intimate atmosphere balances casual elegance with a relaxed environment, while the natural wine selection and creative cocktails complement the thoughtful preparation beautifully.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
This neighborhood restaurant represents the new wave of ingredient-focused dining that’s putting Bogotá on the global culinary map.
Opening: Dinner Tuesday through Saturday
Atmosphere: Casual elegant neighborhood spot with relaxed vibe and intimate tables perfect for sharing creative plates
Menu Highlights:
- Vegetable-forward sharing plates
- Locally sourced proteins
- Seasonal menu changes
- Natural wine selection
- Creative cocktails
- Sustainable ingredient focus
Crepes & Waffles
Best For: Family-friendly casual dining
This beloved Colombian chain appears throughout Bogotá with multiple locations in shopping centers and neighborhoods.
Don’t let the “chain” label fool you – Crepes & Waffles maintains reliable quality and has become a popular local institution.
The extensive menu covers sweet crepes, savory crepes, waffle varieties, and excellent ice cream offerings at affordable prices.
It’s particularly family-friendly dining with quick service and a casual atmosphere.
I’ve found it perfect for breakfast options or when you need convenient dining between sightseeing.
The all-day menu means you can satisfy crepe cravings anytime.
While it won’t win culinary awards, it’s an accessible, consistent experience that locals genuinely love.
Opening: Daily all-day service available
Atmosphere: Bright casual family-friendly space with quick service and comfortable seating for all ages and group sizes
Menu Highlights:
- Sweet and savory crepes
- Belgian waffle varieties
- Premium ice cream selection
- Breakfast all-day options
- Salad combinations
- Coffee and beverages
WOK
Best For: Accessible Asian fusion cuisine
WOK brings accessible Asian fusion cuisine to Bogotá with locations including Zona T.
The menu mixes Thai influences, Chinese dishes, and sushi offerings alongside noodle preparations and rice bowls.
Think pad thai, coconut curry, stir-fry dishes, and spring rolls in a contemporary setting with fast-casual dining service.
They offer solid vegetarian options and reasonable prices that make it popular for lunch specials.
The modern interior creates an urban dining atmosphere without pretension.
While purists might quibble with the mixed cuisine styles, WOK delivers consistent flavor variety and fresh ingredients cooked in traditional wok style.
It’s a reliable choice when you need a break from Colombian food.
Opening: Lunch and dinner daily
Atmosphere: Modern urban casual space with fast service and contemporary design perfect for quick satisfying Asian meals
Menu Highlights:
- Pad thai noodles
- Coconut curry preparations
- Fresh sushi rolls
- Stir-fry rice bowls
- Spring rolls appetizers
- Vegetarian-friendly options
