ECONOMICAL RESTAURANTS MEDELLIN OUTSIDE POBLADO & LAURELES
In a previous blog on Medellín, we concentrated on the barrios of El Poblado and Laureles, which are the ones most favored by visitors. However, there is much more to Medellín and here we will concentrate on affordable dining options in other areas of this majestic city.
There are some highly appetizing dishes that originate from the Paisa region of Colombia, consisting of the Antioquia Department, which of course centres on Medellín, Caldas, Risaralda and Quindio.
Among those that stand out and are national favourites are Bandeja Paisa, Sopa de Mondongo and Cazuela de Frijoles.
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Bandeja Paisa
If you were to have only one opportunity to dine on a Paisa dish on your visit to Medellín, then it should undoubtedly be Bandeja Paisa. An overflowing platter of food will appear, consisting of white rice surrounded by a variety of different meats and side dishes, including chicharrón (fried pork belly), sausages, carne molida (minced meat), red beans, platano maduro (fried plantains), arepa, avocado, and topped off with a fried egg.
Originally from the Paisa region, its name reflects this origin. Today, people find it throughout Colombia, and many consider it a national dish.
Sopa de Mondongo
This traditional Colombian recipe features a tripe soup made with sliced beef or pork tripe, slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs like carrots, peas, onions, and cilantro. Mondongo is a hearty soup served with white rice, arepa, avocado, and often a banana on the side. Totally delicious.
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Cazuela de Frijoles
Cazuela de Frijoles is a hearty Paisa dish made with Antioquian beans, chicharrón, and chorizo, creating a flavorful medley.
Traditionally served with a side plate of white rice, avocado, plantains and an arepa.
Traditional Colombian Fare
Restaurante Hatoviejo
Usually, it is not great news when a restaurant becomes a tourist favorite, however, Medellín’s most famous traditional Colombian restaurant, Restaurante Hatoviejo, has not permitted its notoriety to ruin a success story and it continues to do what it has been doing so brilliantly since it first opened its doors in 1982. A magnificent colonial house high on the side of the mountain peering down onto the city, Hatoviejo serves traditional Colombian culinary fare that is unparalleled.
The setting in Las Palmas beside the Hotel Intercontinental is probably the best venue, although they have added some additional locations throughout the city. There is a restaurant downtown and a couple of smaller locations in a few high-end shopping malls.
The traditional cazuela de frijoles is a highlight, along with many other stunning specials on the menu. The Bandeja paisa is exceptional, for which you need to have a hearty appetite.
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Ajiacos y Mondongos
One has to admire a restaurant that offers just three options for its guests. This surely is a sign that something exceptional awaits. Two of the three are, as the restaurant name suggests, Ajiaco and Mondongo, while the third is a Frijolada, a traditional bean potpourri that comes with chicharrón, shredded meat, avocado, rice with crisps sprinkled on top of the Frijolada.
This tradition of such a limited menu has been offered since 1991, with little or no change since then. This delightful restaurant has been welcoming celebrities visiting Medellín for years. This quintessential Paisa eatery, close to but not in Parque Poblado, offers the best Ajiaco in town.
This traditional Bogotá broth is made with fresh chicken, two types of potatoes, sweetcorn, capers, cream, rice, and avocado.
The third option is Sopa de Mondongo, a slow-cooked tripe soup, typically beef or pork, with vegetables and herbs. All three are wonderful traditional Colombian dishes and thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying, at a very affordable rate. The restaurant has relatively recently opened a second, smaller location in Laureles and now too at the downtown Olaya Herrera airport.
El Rancherito
To be upfront, El Rancherito is a chain of restaurants, perhaps the largest in Antioquia, but this fact does not distract from the quality of the food or the great value. It is an excellent operation and well worth visiting.
El Rancherito serves traditional food from all regions in Colombia with very hearty portions. They excel at the local cuisine from the Antioquia region.
This is a go-to place for a great Bandeja Paisa while visiting Medellín and a perfect place for any visitor to soak up the Paisa atmosphere at full bore. El Rancherito restaurants will typically be very busy with Colombian families, have a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and many times have live music in the evenings. Don’t be surprised if the table next to you gets up for some salsa dancing—after all, this is Medellín! There are various locations spread throughout the city, but the one at Las Palmas is maybe the best.
International Flavours
Mezcla Restaurant Bar
For a relaxing, luxury experience filled with European deliciousness, wonderful drinks and a warm ambiance in Medellín, look no further than Mezcla.
French dishes are on offer here. Cooks at Mezcla provide guests with tasty salmon, tapas and ceviche. Nicely cooked French crepes, croissants and ice cream make a very favorable impression. Using only the best quality ingredients in a well-thought-out and focused menu, serving premium cocktails and hosting local music and cultural events, Mezcla delivers an intimate but exciting experience that is strangely addictive. It is easy to find Mezcla thanks to its great location. The pleasant staff are welcoming and make this an exciting place. Prices at Mezcla are very attractive.
After one evening here soaking up its vibrant energy and dining on its delicious food, you will feel the urge to return. It is the sort of place that draws visitors as well as locals. Mezcla is an excellent place for lunch as well as an intimate dinner venue.
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Ritwal Mesa y Mística
Far from the hustle and bustle of central Poblado, in Alto de los Balsos, there is the wonderful Ritwal. The restaurant is made up of small wooden pagodas perched high in the mountains. It offers stunning views of the city and the Aburrá valley. It is a breath of fresh air, quite literally and gives the unique feeling of being in the country yet still close to the big city that one experiences in Medellín.
Given the altitude, ensure you have a jacket or jersey for cover if you have dinner reservations, as it can get chilly at night. From lunch to dinner, the menu at Ritwal is hugely varied. Despite being slightly pricier than other mid-range options in Medellín, the quality and presentation of the dishes are impeccable.
The brunch, available from 10 am to 2 pm, is unmissable. Totally amazing. Caramelized banana and honey pancakes or the Italian mortadella sandwich with burrata as a savory option will enamor the soul.
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