Where to eat in Medellin?
Medellin has a wonderful variety of food options, all throughout the city. You can find Colombian restaurants (obviously), Thai restaurants, Peruvian restaurants, vegetarian restaurants, and much more. Each barrio in the city seems to have a restaurant or two that stand out, which is great, because it gives you the chance to explore outside of El Poblado.
El Poblado
It makes sense to start with restaurants in El Poblado, though, because chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re planning to stay in one of GoToMedellin’s apartments in the district. The neighborhood has a great selection of restaurants to choose from. Walking up Calle 10, you will see businesses likeMondongo’s, Peru Mix, Medellin Beer Factory and Tapas 10 Restaurante. A plate at one of these restaurants will cost you anywhere between 15,000 and 27,000 pesos (roughly $5-10).
Parque Lleras is surrounded by restaurants and bars. To name just a few, there areAy Caramba, Hooters, Royal Thai and more. Royal Thai offersMedellin’s only authentic Thai cuisine. It’s abit more expensive than other places nearby – a plate there can cost between 25-40,000pesos ($9-14). If you are looking for good, authentic Indian food, walk over to Curry on Calle 10B. Across from Curry are twocompeting Italian restaurants, both equally good.
Mi Habana on Calle 9, one street over from Calle 10, is the place to find great Colombian food. Although you can find that anywhere in Medellin, Mi Habana’s food is perfect for a Sunday hangover. As their name probably indicates, they also serve amazing Cuban food.
For a fancier and more upscale dinner experience, you will want to visit Carmen. The restaurant is ranked No.1 in Medellin. At Carmen, plates start at around 40,000 pesos ($14).
Laureles
In Laureles, you can find some of the same restaurants asin El Poblado, such as theSushi Lightchain. Sushi Light is one of the most popular sushi restaurants in the city. Their two-for-one Tuesday night special has really helped their popularity to grow. They also have locations in El Tesoro Mall, Santafe Mall, and La Estrada.
A new French restaurant, Paris Paris, opened in Laureles and has been doing good business for more than a year. Paris Paris offers authentic French food at a price that anyone can afford, and also providesdelivery, and catering for special occasions.
There are a lot of Mexican restaurantsaround Medellin. Milagros Restaurante is one that visitors should definitely try. The colorful, two-story restaurant offers quality Mexican food, though the cost of a plate there is a bit higher than at other Mexican restaurants in Medellin, ranging from 25-40,000 pesos.
Finding a good burger in Medellin, if not in all of Colombia, can be difficult. However, you can get oneat Chef Burger. With two locations, in Laureles and El Poblado, Chef Burger gives great value, serving juicy burgers and a side of fries at a low price. The outdoor patio is a perfect spot to sit with friends and have a bite to eat before a night out.
Envigado
Outside of Medellin, you will findthe small town of Envigado. Quieter and more peaceful than the city, Envigado has a large number of great restaurantsto visit.
Barbacoa Burger & Beer in Envigado is a much better option than Chef Burger. With prices rangingfrom 10-20,000 pesos, you can get a great burger and delicious milkshakes for surprisingly little money.
Anthony Bourdain featured Brasarepaon his show No Reservations. It’s atypical Colombian restaurant, serving traditional Colombian dishes at normal Colombian prices. Brasarepa is not afraid to use every inch of the plate – the portions are massive, each one is almost enough for two people. TakeAnthony Bourdain’s suggestion and visit Brasarepa.
Smokehouse BBQ is another great place to enjoy some tasty ribs. Roughly two years old, this restaurant has really improved since opening day. Their BBQ ribs are meaty and fall right off the bone, and their pulled pork is just as impressive. Try the BBQ platter to get a taste of everything.
Go out and enjoy
There are a ton of options forrestaurants in Medellin and Envigado. The biggest problem you’ll face will be deciding where to go! Follow our suggestions and you’re sure to enjoy great food while staying in Medellin.