Bogotá offers a great range of culinary choices encompassing Colombian, international and fusion cuisine and has earned the city the reputation as one of Latin America’s major culinary hotspots. Here are a few of the great internationally renowned restaurants but as their are many styles to enjoy eating and drinking I have including a broad range of options including the best sports bar, Irish pub and live house. The main areas are Chapineiro for the high end, downtown for traditional Colombian and the Zona Rosa for a wide variety of fun places.
Chapineiro- Financial District
This is the neighborhood I recommend to stay in and where most of the high end hotels are. It is safe, central and has a high concentration of great restaurants and shops.
El Bandido Bistro
El Bandido is a high-end brasserie with amazing French cuisine and cocktails in a cool environment. While the food takes center stage deservedly. There is live jazz and DJ’s spinning chill and lively tunes. This atmosphere along with a great friendly staff makes this my top pick for Bogota. Remember to check out the glamorous small back bar, Bar Enano, at the rear of the restaurant, one of the city’s hot spots. Calle 79b #7-12
Armadillo
Another high end restaurant with amazing Continental food and wine is Armadillo. A huge wine collection paired with a great menu. Known for their tasty salmon, laing and fillet steaks and for adding a Mediterranean and Asian flair to their dishes. The spiral staircase and fireplace give this place a classy, warm touch and make this restaurant a great experience. Carrera 5 #71A-05
City Center
This is the historic district so great place to grab lunch as you explore the sites and street art of Candelaria or museums.
La Puerta False (the False Door)
Founded in 1816, next to Plaza Bolivar, this historic cafe is where you go to try the local classics, cute and unassuming. Well known for its Ajiaco, Santafereno and Tamales. Calle 11 #6-50
Zona Rosa
When in doubt head to Zona Rosa. Zona Rosa is the nightlife hub in Bogota where you will find a wide variety of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and casinos going late into the night. Good for bar hopping and exploring. That said a few blocks outside Zona Rosa it gets dodgy so stay in the zone and keep your wits.
Andres DC
Andres DC is where you come to have fun. It is a Mardi grade type atmosphere. Live bands walking around, costumed dancers, a moulin rouge-ish dance show add to the carnival atmosphere and then when everyone is amped up the stage turns into a dance floor for everyone. With the extensive comfort food menu and cocktails this is where you go for some lively fun, especially with a large group. Cl. 82 ## 12 -21, Bogota
McCarthy's
More a rock bar than Irish Pub, big place to enjoy some beer and listen to rock music. Calle 81 #12-70
El Irish Pub
When you want that Irish pub feel, try this cute Irish Pub to relax and get your shepards pie or burger. Good beer menu. Carrera 12a #83-48. There is another one in Candeleria with a large outside garden at Carrera 3 #12-37
La Cerveceria
Great sports bar with large selection of beer and outdoor patio, this is place to watch your American football or European soccer. Carrera 12a #83-37
Yumi Yumi
Chill cocktail bar with tasty bites. Ac. 82 #12-76
BBC - Bogota Beer Company
You can see these all over the city. Comfortable place to stop in and try some local Bogota beer.
Conclusion
Bogota has experienced a culinary revolution and has many great places to eat. I have tried to include a cross section of places to eat and drink; high end, fun, Irish pub, live music and sports. I hope you can sample and enjoy. cheers. As always if you have some suggestions or comments please let us know.
