Exploring the Culinary Scene of Bogotá, Colombia

Average bill: COP 45,000 – COP 112,500

If you are a fan of Japanese manga and anime or just love eateries with a creative approach, then Ramen House Club is a must-visit establishment during your stay in the capital of Colombia. Located in the historical downtown of Bogotá, it boasts a unique fusion of Asian and Colombian cuisine with a strong influence of Japanese culinary heritage. The restaurant also serves as a venue for live concerts and cosplay events and as a meeting point for anime fans.

The eatery is decorated with incredible anime-themed murals, and its staff is dressed up as characters from the “Dragon Ball” animation series. Multicolored furniture and other Japanese-style elements of the décor add to the fun and unique atmosphere of the place. The ambient music is also inspired by the soundtracks of popular anime works.

The menu is diverse and includes a variety of dishes like gyosas, sautéed rice dishes, woks, sushi, rolls, and ramen, with Toriyama ramen being the latest hit. The portions are generous, and the food is delicious and reasonably priced. The restaurant also offers a good choice of beverages, including soft drinks, soda, beers, cocktails, natural juices, wine, and tea. Cherry and spearmint lemonades, mulled wine, and sake are among the popular options.

Average bill: COP 45,000 – COP 112,500

El Rancho de Juliancho is a haven for those seeking an authentic Colombian culinary experience. Launched in February 2010, this dining place has been offering high-quality food ever since. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist center, the eatery allows diners to savor Colombian delicacies in an intimate and welcoming setting, complete with rustic interiors and traditional decorative elements. All of the chefs come from the town of Jardín in Antioquia, which ensures an unquestionably genuine gastronomic adventure.

The menu is diverse, with an English version available, making it accessible to non-Spanish speakers and tourists alike. Without a doubt, the star dish is the Bandeja Paisa, a quintessential Colombian meal served as a plate with an assortment of delights such as Colombian sausages, ground beef, rice, red beans, chicharrón (fried pork rinds), an arepa (corn tortilla), a plantain, avocado, and a fried egg to top it all off. Customers also rave about the mondongo, a slow-cooked soup prepared with diced tripe and vegetables. To quench your thirst, you can order the famous Colombian coffee, soft drinks, beers, or stronger beverages from the restaurant's fully stocked bar.

Due to its delicious food, upscale service, and inviting atmosphere, El Rancho de Juliancho has gained immense popularity among locals and tourists and has even been visited by Colombia's ex-president and his kids, who enjoyed the food and requested their father revisit.

Average bill: COP 112,500 – COP 225,000

Mesa Franca is an innovative eatery renowned for its trendy ambiance and delightful cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on cultivating a welcoming vibe, adding to its image as a place of research and constant creation. In 2021, Mesa Franca moved to a new location in the Chapinero neighborhood, where the convergence of light, hip music, delicious food, and good drinks made the restaurant even more appealing.

One of the things that sets Mesa Franca apart is its hoguera de leña (wood fire), which puts a unique smoky twist on the dishes and pays homage to Creole cooking traditions. The cuisine is mainly Colombian and Latin American, with a focus on farm-to-table bistro dishes. Chef Ivan Cadena's Arucanian farm upbringing inspired much of the menu, which features such notable delicacies as beef heart with horseradish and guava vinegar and braised local mushrooms with potato puree and hazelnut chimichurri. Mesa Franca is also vegetarian-friendly, with options like watermelon ceviche and goat cheese salad with lettuce.

The bar in the restaurant is just as vital. The cocktail list is deliberately brief but creative, incorporating local variations on classic drinks. The Negroni, made from gin, vermouth, and Campari, is a must-try. The Chichiperro Pepino is also noteworthy, featuring cucumber extract, mint, and chichiperro chili pepper, along with mescal. In addition, guests are offered a variety of soft drinks, beers, liqueurs, and a carefully chosen wine list.

Average bill: COP 58,700 – COP 103,900

Takuma Cocina Show is a restaurant that pays tribute to its Japanese name by providing the best Teppanyaki dining in Colombia, when guests are offered a unique experience to watch chefs cooking on an iron griddle in front of them. In addition, diners can enjoy the Chinese hot pot technique, which is the live preparation of traditional ramen. Such personalized culinary shows make people protagonists of the memorable cooking process that involves all five senses.

The restaurant serves more than 32 different roll varieties, ranging from traditional to creative ones like the octopus rolls and the unbeatable Takuma and Samurai rolls. Among other delectable dishes are tuna poke, shrimp ceviche, Norwegian salmon tempura in Fuji sauce, and Florentine lobster pasta. For dessert, try Lychee Passion, which is an exotic tempura fruit stuffed with caramel and strawberries and topped with condensed milk. There are also child-friendly options, such as fruity sushi free of animal protein.

In addition to its fantastic food, Takuma Cocina Show also offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages like lemonade and ginger tea. The Pine Apple Margarita, the Free Cuba cocktail made with Coca-Cola, white, and Angostura rums, Thousands Demons brandy, Olmeca tequila, and Hendrick’s jin are just a few names on the list to choose from.

Average bill: COP 136,300 – COP 318,000

Bistro El Bandido in Bogotá is a unique venue with a magical atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and a great bar that will conquer all guests. The facilities are optimal, with eclectic and kitschy décor that adds to the lively atmosphere of the place. The back terrace is an ideal setting for relaxing with a mojito in hand. The venue also boasts live music and strong drinks, making it a vibrant bar scene in the city. An unbeatable selection of beverages includes tequila and mezcal, scotch whisky, rum, beer, wines, and soft drinks. The cocktail menu is rich in classic and creative options, with such varieties as the Moscow Mule, the Siete Cabras, and the Mojito Julep.

Those looking for lunch will find here a wide choice of dishes, including sandwiches, hamburgers, creamy pumpkin soup, salmon with hollandaise sauce, and boeuf bourguignon with rice. There are also vegetarian options, such as grilled vegetables with pickled eggplant and artichoke ravioli with napolitana sauce and parmesan. For dessert, guests can choose between crème brûlée, profiteroles with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, and cheesecake with berry sauce.

Do you enjoy trying local food or do you prefer international cuisine while traveling? What traditional Colombian dishes would you like to try while in Colombia? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.