3 Best Restaurants in Colombia

One of the forerunners of Medellín's gastro boom, Carmen serves fresh, inventive cuisine in one of the city's best settings, where clever design integrates the surrounding garden with the dining areas, and wood and exposed brick complement the green, airy style. Choose a seat in the glass conservatory, on the soothing patio with its central water feature, in the modern formal dining room, or in the upstairs salon, which has a clear view of the open kitchen. The dishes, while Colombian at heart, have plenty of Asian influence and contemporary flare---try the 12-hour cooked pork belly with a tamarind-and-cane-sugar glaze, sweet-potato puree, and charred Szechuan-style green beans with ginger and wild Colombian "mint" vinaigrette. Reservations are encouraged, and arrive early to grab a first-rate cocktail like the Purple Pussy (with violet-and-apple-infused gin), or the Too Old Fashioned (with whiskey, brandy, and apricot bitters).

Arguably one of Bogotá’s best fine-dining experiences, chef Leonora Espinosa's eatery was among the first to explore the potential of Colombia’s vast range of products, from the caiman pâté in an Amazonian pepper broth to giant ant bottoms (yes, ant bottoms) from Santander crusting a rare tuna steak. Espinosa forged bonds with isolated communities to incorporate flavors and ingredients previously relegated to obscurity, and combines them here using modern techniques. The 12-course tasting menu offers a glimpse of these far corners and really shines with its drink pairings, which range from well-chosen wines to cocktails with locally brewed liqueurs. The service is five star, and the space quietly impressive. For a more budget-friendly option, serving smart but traditional creole dishes, check out her second restaurant, Misia, just across the road.

With El Cileo, chef Juan Manuel Barrientes brings a highly conceptual, contemporary tasting menu to Medellín in a clean space with bare wooden tables that become the canvas for the 13 courses he calls "experiences;" a meal here is equal parts theater and dinner. The small portions are Colombian at heart, with an array of curious local ingredients. The experience won't appeal to all, but for those it does, expect quality avant-garde cuisine at a bargain prices. Look for branches in Bogotá and Miami.