Sampling the Food in Medellin
This is by no means a comprehensive list of the amazing food you can sample in Medellin. The food scene is second to none. I have provided some of the highlights and/or places that I tried and are located in areas where restaurants are plentiful and easy to access by foot or short taxi ride.
D’andre — Breakfast & Lunch
I have to start this by saying, “I am a big fan of D’andre’s”! It provided the perfect jump off point to start my day. The restaurant was always filled with a lively mixed crowd of locals and ex-pats. Inside and outside open-air seating allow you to take in the vibrant neighborhood vibes. You can speak Spanish with the waitresses who are hardworking, kind, and always quick with a smile or you can strike up a conversation with the many foreign English speakers who are visiting or call Medellin their home. They serve a wide range of authentic Colombian food: slightly grilled (crispy) buttery Arepas filled with succulent beef and bacon with a side of rice and beans that explode with salty herbaceous flavors. Delicately constructed fluffy omelets jam-packed with slabs of mozzarella cheese or if you are in the mood for crispy waffles encircled by sliced strawberries papaya and cantaloupe; then this restaurant is the place for you.
La Octava Maravilla
This restaurant was suggested to us by a local and it did not disappoint. La Octava Maravilla is located in the mountains of Medellin approximately a 30-40 cab ride from Poblada. The journey to get there is in of itself an adventure as you weave your way in and out of city traffic leading to narrow winding streets through the steep mountainside. Once you arrive, a staircase lined with eclectic memorabilia and giant pig lead into an outdoor/indoor open air panoramic view of Medellin. It is absolutely breathtaking. You also have the opportunity to walk to the cliff’s edge where they have large sunflower platform hanging over the edge of the cliff which sets the stage for an epic view and legendary photographs. Oh and on a side note, the food is authentic Colombian food at its best.
Barrica Cerveceria Brewery
In a small Colombian bar, I hear the words of flash dance “what a feeling” bounce off the walls. Heads bounce in rhythm, rain cleanses the streets and soul, I am happy. This bar near serves a selection of beers on tap, has a free video game console to play on a big screen TV for all the patrons, and juicy burgers.
Medellin Provenza aka “The Park”
Located in Poblado within the area known as the “Park”. If I was to provide a specific location, it is near D’Andrea or input Yacky Chan Japanese restaurant into your online maps app.
The Park affectionately obtained this nickname for its multiple blocks of bars, restaurants, and shops that coexist in a cordoned off neighborhood for foot traffic only. Music permeates throughout, police are ever present, lush vegetation and trees provide ample shade from the sun and rain, and outdoor/indoor seating is the norm. It is an area where a young hip crowd mix with the tourists to relax, drink and talk along the walkway. At night it turns into a massive discotheque/party. Fun is the name of the game in this neighborhood!
A sampling of restaurants in the “Park”
Yacky Chan Japanese
The menu consists of mild to zany fresh sushi rolls along with a wide assortment of Japanese and local beers.
Volcano Burger and Pizza
Located near Yacky Chan’s, they serve massive single and double decker hamburgers. One unique menu item that must be tried is the aptly named “fucking papas fritas”. I ordered the burgers and after observing the thin crust pizza’s being served; I was happy with my selection.