Shrouded by decades of armed conflict, Colombia was once a place many avoided. Violence drove away local talent, and sectors like fine dining saw Colombians pursuing careers abroad. However, the 2016 Peace Treaty brought stability, tourism surged, and expatriates returned. Among them was chef Alvaro Clavijo, who came back to Bogotá after a decade overseas and opened El Chato, a restaurant that is now recognized as one of the world’s best.
Today, Colombia is a popular travel destination, known for its diverse landscapes, famous coffee, and renowned cuisine. Yet, according to Clavijo, tourists often overlook Bogotá, using it merely as a stopover. The capital, however, is Colombia’s culinary heart, blending flavors from every region, from cheesy arepas and barbecue to coastal seafood and Amazonian river delicacies. The city is also the center of the country’s most innovative cuisine.
“Bogotá has an incredible gastronomic offer that didn’t exist some years ago,” says Clavijo. With young chefs returning to start new projects and traditional eateries still thriving, the city offers an abundance of dining experiences. Below are some of Clavijo’s favorite places to dine in his hometown.
1. Best for Home-Style Dining with Big Portions: Tolú (Mamá Luz)
Clavijo is a fan of traditional Colombian food and the food markets, such as La Perseverancia, where fresh meats and produce are sold alongside affordable meals. One of his favorite spots is Tolú (Mamá Luz), a food stand in La Perse run by Luz Dary Collogo, who serves hearty, home-style dishes from Colombia’s Caribbean coast and the regions surrounding Bogotá. Highlights include shrimp ceviche, goat stew, and what Clavijo considers the best ajiaco (chicken and potato soup) in the city. Netflix’s “Street Food: Latin America” featured Mamá Luz for her soul-warming dishes.
2. Best for Traditional Colombian with a Twist: Mini-Mal
Mini-Mal is an experimental restaurant with a focus on traditional Colombian ingredients and techniques. While many neo-Colombian spots blend foreign influences, Mini-Mal remains committed to showcasing the country’s food heritage. Clavijo praises the restaurant for bringing Colombia’s indigenous ingredients and cooking methods to the forefront, without altering them. The menu features innovative dishes like “dog-ear” arepas and braised beef topped with Amazonian tucupí sauce and hormigas culonas (big-bottomed ants). Clavijo believes Mini-Mal has done more than any other restaurant to highlight authentic Colombian cuisine.
In Bogotá, where tradition meets innovation, Clavijo’s favorite spots reveal the city’s diverse and rich culinary scene, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
