Top 5 must-visit restaurants in Medellín, Colombia

El Poblado, Medellín’s swanky neighborhood, proudly wears the title Milla de Oro or Golden Mile, a nod to its ritzy atmosphere and numerous high-end establishments and nightclubs. One gem you can't miss there if you're aiming for a gourmand dinner is Restaurante La Provincia. Since 1993, it has been a culinary cornerstone, watching the city's food scene evolve through the years. The ambience channels a serene seaside villa vibe, blending whitewashed walls with wooden decking. It oozes creativity with bright paintings, whimsical flower-shaped lamps, and a green backdrop.

La Provincia dishes out Mediterranean cuisine with occasional oriental twists. Actually, this spot might become your top pasta destination in Medellín, as the chefs honor traditions by crafting it from scratch. Relish their sorrentinos with crab and saffron-infused cream, fettuccine with prawns, mushrooms, lemon, fresh basil, and olives, or go for tortellini with feta, caramelized onions, and luscious cheese sauce paired with Italian prosciutto. Otherwise, sample shrimp ceviche, salmon steak with zesty lemon butter and mini capers, or aromatic langoustines with ginger and lemongrass curry in coconut milk. Vegetarian delights abound too, from crispy artichoke with chipotle sauce to intricate fazzoletti accompanied by spinach, kale, stracciatella, apple slices, and candied walnuts.

Sorrentinos with crab — 69000 COP

Salmon steak — 86000 COP

In the same district, not far from Parque de El Poblado, Carmen invites you on a journey through Colombia's biodiversity. With its commitment to sustainability and nature-inspired ethos, this restaurant acts as a bridge between farmers, artisans, fishermen, and foodie souls. Part of Grupo Carmen and founded by the dynamic duo of Rob Pevitts and Carmen Angel, this place has caught eyes far beyond the country’s borders. In fact, hailed as one of the prime places for local cuisine, it snagged a spot in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants in 2021. Nestled within an authentic structure with high ceilings, the venue boasts modern and stylish interior, blending brick walls, sturdy gray concrete columns, a striking wooden bar, and a glass patio area evoking the ambiance of a greenhouse.

If you're up for a full-on culinary adventure, the chef's seven-course tasting menu with wine pairing is a must. Imagine dry-aged Pacific coast fish with Meyer lemon, fermented coconut tiger’s milk, and yuca crisp; prawn & mussel chorizo, Andean corn fritter, Caribbean crème fraîche & palm berry; or Colombian beef tongue with black relish, purple corn tortilla, and pickled kohlrabi. And there's a vegetarian degustation set too, not compromising on taste, while the illustrated cocktail lineup is worth a closer look. Dive into the smoky goodness of chipotle & panela infused Olmeca Altos Plata tequila, mezcal, grilled lime liqueur, and tamarind purée, or savor the rich complexity of Chivas Extra 13, macerated in cocoa nibs, corozo wine, orange marmalade, and fernet. 

7-course tasting menu — 499000 COP

Café Zorba is a beloved local haunt known for its welcoming, family-style atmosphere and laid-back vibe, where you can unwind on the terrace with friends, enjoying beer and comforting bites. The charmingly simplistic setup, adorned with twinkling fairy lights that sprinkle magic at night, sets the stage for expertly prepared cuisine. Zorba’s specialty lies in thin-crust pizzas, available in both white and red-based varieties. Particularly renowned are their delightful vegan options, such as spinach and pistachio with caramelized onion, whipped macadamia cream, and balsamic or kale with toasted almond and lemon. Regulars rave about the café’s hummus paired with laffa bread made from cashew milk, a combination that's sure to keep you coming back for more.

Please note that they start serving those star creations after 5 PM. Before then, enjoy a lunch selection showcasing sandwiches, salads, lentils, and green beans. And at any time of day, treat yourself to a refreshing homemade lemonade or a cup of velvety coffee with decadent Bavarian cake. By the way, in the evening you can catch live music perfectly complemented by a lineup of Bipolar brews.

Houmous — 27000 COP

Basil pizza — 44000 COP

PESQUEIRA is an absolute must-visit for any seafood lover. Founded in 2011 by a major player in Colombia's fish industry, they've reeled in the gold standard from the MarViva Foundation, a rare accolade in the country, ensuring their treats are sustainably sourced and socially responsible.

The decor complements the oceanic theme with its playful elements, including sailing ropes, mismatched chairs, and vibrant wall art. Taking a seat feels like settling onto a ship's deck, where you can peruse PESQUEIRA’s raw bar offerings, such as Cartagena shrimp cocktail with sriracha, ceviche of prawns, squid, and octopus or fresh catch bathed in passion fruit and sweet chili. If you're dining with friends, don't miss out on their shareable plates — parrillada Poseidón lives up to its name, boasting a variety of ocean treasures enhanced with Caribbean cheese and the house's special coconut-based sauce. Other menu highlights feature creamy fisherman's consomé, seared filet with finely chopped herbs, tomatoes, and green mango, and exquisite lobster from the Upper Guajira, poached in coconut butter, cilantro, and rum. To complement such a gourmet meal, consider pairing it with a glass of Ramón Bilbao Verdejo from D.O. Rueda or Mar de Frades Albariño from D.O. Rías Baixas.

Parrillada Poseidón — 129000 COP

Deep-fried seasonal fish — 39900 COP

Jardín Botánico tops every Medellín must-do list, and for good reason — this stunning 14-hectare oasis provides an amazing escape into nature. Tucked away in the picturesque Patio de las Azaleas, there's a charming restaurant that makes the visit even more enjoyable. Contrary to what you might imagine at first, Restaurante In Situ isn’t solely designed for tourists; it’s dedicated to enhancing one of the country’s most important botanical gardens, a gem of Medellín’s cultural heritage.

Having lunch here is pure pleasure, surrounded by lush greenery, rich woodwork, light tile floors, and intimate al fresco nooks that invite you to unwind in style. Expect a menu bursting with international flair and creative touches, offering a decent variety from plant-based plates to expertly prepared meats. Think tomato or avocado cream soups, red tuna salad, pasta with shrimp, spinach ravioli, prime short rib asado, tenderloin smothered in cheese fondue, tilapia ceviche, and more. Even if you're just swinging by for a caffeine & dessert fix with the backdrop of birdsong, get ready to be delightfully surprised by the harmonious flavors. Savor the moment with panna cotta infused with lemongrass essence, adorned with walnut crumble, and finished with a tangy limón mandarino reduction or Colombian mountain chocolate served alongside velvety French vanilla ice cream.

Average bill — 82500-206400 COP

When visiting Medellín, prepare for a versatile and fulfilling journey that leaves you with that bittersweet feeling when it's time to say goodbye. From exploring museums to riding the Metrocable and savoring local specialties, this city serves up endless adventures. Does this destination sound intriguing to you? And if you've already been there, feel free to share your tips and must-visit spots in the comments section!