🍽️ Best Restaurants in Medellín: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites You’ll Love

Looking for good restaurants in MedellĂ­n?

Whether you’re a traveler, digital nomad, or local, Medellín’s food scene is overflowing with incredible flavors, inspiring stories, and true hidden gems that you won’t find on typical tourist lists.

We asked our Medellín Community to share their absolute favorite restaurants, places they keep returning to for unforgettable meals. Here’s what they had to say.

🍹 Salón Centro: A Favorite Near La Playa

Discovered by many through Instagram, Salón Centro is a casual spot that’s earned a loyal following among locals living near La Playa. Fans say every dish they’ve tried has been consistently excellent.
📍 Centro

🌿 Aula: Comfort Food in the Heart of Medellín

Aula is quickly becoming a Medellín favorite for simple yet satisfying comfort food. Locals can’t get enough of the grilled cheese, vegan hamburger, crispy fries with aioli, and lemon pie. Pair it with a maracuyá soda or coconut lemonade for the full experience.
📍 Laureles

🌄 Mirador El Encanto: A Medellín Restaurant With Views & an Incredible Story

Located in one of Medellín’s highest neighborhoods, Mirador El Encanto offers breathtaking views of the city. But what truly makes it special is the owner’s story. Displaced by violence as a teen, he worked tirelessly to build this restaurant from scratch. Now, it’s a bustling weekend spot that employs many locals. Must-tries: vegan burger and traditional chocolate con queso.
📍 Upper hills of Medellín, above more typical tourist routes.

🌯 Crunchies Medellín: A Ghost Kitchen Favorite

Crunchies Medellín (@crunchiesmedellin) is one of the city’s best ghost kitchens, winning hearts with its buffalo chicken crunch wraps and perfectly seasoned fries. Locals discovered it through Medellín foodie Facebook groups and swear by its flavor.
📍 Belén, delivery across Medellín.

🥩 Parrilla Bar Nogales Barbecue: Medellín’s Family-Run Steakhouse

Parrilla Bar Nogales Barbecue is a true Medellín hidden gem. Run by a family where the father — once a chef in NYC’s top restaurants — leads the kitchen, the son manages the floor, and the mother hosts with warmth. One local summed it up perfectly:

“I’ve been there at least 10 times and never had anything that was less than a 9/10. Favorite dish? Definitely the ribeye.”
📍 Belén

🥩 Gabo: Unmissable Braised Flank Steak in Medellín

Another standout recommendation was Gabo, a cozy MedellĂ­n spot known for its tender, richly flavored braised flank steak. A local who lived nearby made it a regular hunt.
📍 Poblado

🥟 Mama Panda: American-Chinese Comfort in Laureles

Mama Panda in Laureles is where owner Andrew Lee brings his family’s Baltimore restaurant recipes to Medellín. Locals rave about the Hong Kong wonton soup, honey walnut shrimp, and General Tso chicken. Sports fans also love it. it has big screens for watching games.
📍 Laureles

🥪 Bella Panini: Medellín’s Underground Sandwich Spot

Even though it’s currently order-only, Bella Panini has quickly become a Medellín legend for gourmet sandwiches with premium ingredients. Keep an eye on them as they grow into a full dine-in space.
📍 Laureles, delivery across Medellín

🌱 Saludpan: Medellín’s Farm-to-Table Favorite

Saludpan is a top pick for locals who crave fresh, local produce — often grown in the restaurant’s own garden. It’s beloved for its cozy, welcoming feel. Go for the daily menu or try their gluten-free crepes.
📍 Laureles

🥑 Alambique: Amazonian-Colombian Fusion in Manila

Located in the Manila district of El Poblado, Alambique stands out for blending Amazonian ingredients with Colombian classics. Dishes like the brisket and perfectly prepared avocados are consistent crowd-pleasers.
📍 Manila

🐷 Merlí Rooftop: Medellín’s Daily Colombian Specials

Merlí Rooftop (@merli.rooftop), perched above a local school, serves fresh Colombian plates that change daily. Expect two soups, multiple sides, and meats like beef, pork, chicken, and chicharrón. Locals swear by the chuleta valluna — a breaded pork cutlet served with rice, fries, and salad.
📍 Poblado

🍽 Sambombi Bistrot: Provenza’s Elegant Yet Approachable Dining

Sambombi Bistrot in Provenza is a quiet haven for anyone looking for high-quality cuisine without the fuss. The menu changes regularly based on what fresh local ingredients are available, so each visit brings a new experience. A community member discovered it while searching online for Medellín restaurants that celebrate local produce — and left thoroughly impressed.

📍 Provenza

❤️ Why Medellín’s Food Scene Stands Out

From powerful stories of resilience to innovative takes on Colombian comfort dishes, Medellín’s restaurants are full of heart and flavor. Whether you’re searching for the best vegan burger, a beautifully cooked ribeye, or a creative local tasting menu, these hidden gems guarantee a memorable meal.

🔗 More to Explore in Medellín

💌 Have a Favorite Medellín Restaurant?

Send us your recommendation! We’re always adding new local favorites to help everyone discover the best restaurants Medellín has to offer.