ECONOMICAL RESTAURANTS BOGOTA PART 1
Perched high on a plateau in the Andes at close to 2,743 metres/9,000 feet, Bogotá is at a high point in more ways than one. Culturally, artistically and gastronomically, the Colombian capital has never had an atmosphere more energetic, especially as the country fashions a culinary identity on par with Peru or Mexico.
New chefs craft cuisine inspired by native ingredients and ancient recipes, focusing on sustainability. Streets abound with traditional restaurants and vendors offering empanadas, hearty soups, and grilled meats with sides.
Bogotá offers excellent, affordable Colombian food during lunchtime from 11:30 am to 3 pm. Bogotá has a burgeoning population and many people eat out for lunch. A traditional lunch includes soup, salad, a main meat dish with rice and sides, juice, and often dessert. In addition there are usually a couple options from which to choose. For dinner, explore local restaurants or enjoy Bogotá’s delicious street food options.
Bogotá has long been on the verge of culinary greatness. Chefs are reinventing Colombian classics, offering limitless culinary adventures for your taste buds in this high-altitude city.
Understanding Bogotá’s layout helps you explore its diverse and vibrant food scene. The city’s division into zones makes it easier to navigate and appreciate what each offers.
Starting in the north, Usaquén still possesses a small-town vibe, yet with a big city feel to it. Once a secluded 16th-century pueblo, this area became part of Bogotá in the 1950s, blending charm and cool vibes. Amid numerous antique shops, artisan boutiques and inviting bistros, there are also fine high-end restaurants. Usaquén will quickly become a favorite spot if you’re visiting Bogotá.
We work with and recommend booking flights with www.kiwi.com
Parque 93 is a posh urban oasis with global cuisine running throughout. Anchored by its namesake park, Parque 93 establishments are very much high-end and hip. This area offers top-notch international cuisine, mainly for those with less concern about budget.
Chapinero is the trendiest part of town with award-winning restaurants in abundance. Next to the popular Zona Rosa shopping district is the area where locals are most commonly found. Chapinero can be divided into Chapinero Alto and Chapinero Bajo, which is where all the cool people live and play. Zona G (Gourmet), so named for its concentration of highly regarded restaurants, bars and clubs is very fashionable.
Nogal and Quinta Camacho are under-the-radar enclaves with cool bars and restaurants. These small clusters near Zona G may not be full barrios but are worth exploring for their chic eateries. In Quinta Camacho, just two blocks from Zona G, young entrepreneurs have transformed historic homes into popular bars and restaurants.
Begin organizing your dream Colombian getaway right away by using our Plan My Trip page!
El Centro, is a historic area with authentic Colombian vibes with a traditional atmosphere. Downtown Bogotá can feel overwhelming with crowded streets, tourists, and street vendors, but it’s an experience worth having. Here you will find the city’s most traditional dishes for the most outstanding value.
From casual spots for comida de la calle (street food) to experimental takes on local classics, here are some amazing, affordable dining experiences in Bogotá:
80 Sillas
Calle 118 No. 6 A – 05, Bogotá
For those who enjoy good Peruvian cuisine, this is an excellent choice. The design of the restaurant is modern and sleek with a long bar and several dining areas on staggered levels. It resembles a high-end sushi bar (with reasonable prices), a smart choice for ceviche’s mainstream appeal.
The menu at this trendy Usaquén ceviche spot features a creative mix, from smoked fish to exotic fruits, in Peruvian classics.
The simpler creations are very tasty and very affordable. Try the tiradito (sliced fish with mango, soy, and ginger) and the fresh, delicious, and well-prepared octopus. A tremendous list of cocktails, made in front of you by the excellent mixologist.
Start creating your dream Colombian adventure by using our Plan My Trip page now!
Abasto Restaurant
Carrera 4 No. 66 – 46, Bogotá
For a refreshing, lighter meal, head to Abasto in Usaquén. Chef Luz Beatriz Vélez sources organic, artisan, and farm-fresh ingredients for her modern bistro-style dishes, thanks to her strong ties with local farmers.
The menu reflects the chef’s travels, with Mexican, Vietnamese, and Spanish influences in the recipes. When in season, look for the fantastically fresh trout or try the risotto-style rice dishes with shrimp or roasted vegetables. Somewhere between a coffee house and a restaurant, Abasto exudes a casual, farmhouse feel.
Downstairs, there is a comfortable fireplace with tables, while at the back there is a long table that can seat a good-sized group. Surrounding shelves are loaded with artisan products. The upstairs balcony has spacious, rustic wooden tables with deep couches to sink into if you are not dining and want to enjoy leisurely a wonderful, full-flavoured coffee. Tremendous value for relaxed dining.
Take the first step in planning your dream Colombian vacation by using our Plan My Trip page now!
Crepes & Waffles Arte-Sano
Carrera 5 No. 70A – 08, Bogotá, 110311
This unique chain of Latin American Spanish-style restaurants serves predominantly crepes and waffles, as well as the most delicious selection of ice cream desserts. There are locations all over the city, but this trendy new outlet in Zona G has taken the concept to a more refined, healthier level, without losing the guilty-pleasure angle.
It is great for breakfast when you can get a pumpkin pancake with artisanal granola and Greek yogurt accompanied by freshly squeezed juice. Later in the day, plunge into the ever-evolving range of savory crepes that are stuffed with everything from portobello mushrooms and asparagus to chicken curry or beetroot marmalade, goat cheese and sprouts.
There is also a large variety of vegan sweet and savory waffles, crepes, scrambled tofu, smoothie bowls, soups and salads as well as a vegan cheese board and vegan dishes for young people.
Take the first step in planning your dream Colombian vacation by using our Plan My Trip page now!
La Puerta Falsa
Calle 11 No. 6-50, Bogotá
Located just steps from Bogota’s Plaza de Bolívar, in the historic La Candelaria District is La Puerta Falsa, which translates to the False Door, is a small, no-frills restaurant that occupies an old colonial-era home. The restaurant has two levels of seating – the entirety of seating on the first floor consists of shared countertops while upstairs are a few small tables and some more shared dining space.
A well-loved restaurant and one of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in Bogotá, it steadfastly hangs on to its traditional values. This is not a flash, modern venue, the menu is limited, service is relaxed and there are no tacky souvenirs or other tourist trappings on display.
As for the menu, La Puerta Falsa is best known for its ajiaco soup and tamales, which are often ranked among the best in the city. The Ajiaco Santafereño is a cream and potato-based soup made of three different types of potatoes. It also contains half of an ear of corn and generous shreds of chicken and is served with a plate of avocado, capers, white rice and cream on the side.
Despite the soup being partly made of cream and potatoes, it tastes like a thicker, richer chicken soup broth and it is absolutely delicious. This dish is a must-try and is an amazing value. The Tamal Puerta Falsa is a huge tamal wrapped in banana leaves and made from a mixture of corn and rice flour. Inside is a hefty amount of chicken, peas, carrots and spices that really made this a true meal-sized dish and a delight to eat.
Another winner for sure. Also available are traditional sweets and chocolate completo, a traditional Colombian hot chocolate with cheese, buttered bread, and a biscuit. This is a wonderful choice to experience the best that Bogotá offers by way of traditional fare and at a very reasonable price. Opening hours are more or less from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but absolutely not set in stone.
Like to create or customize a fantastico package tour of Colombia? Use our Plan My Trip page to start planning your dream Colombian vacation now!