In Bogotá, a new generation of talented chefs have blessed the city with an array of dining options. Here you’ll find both simple local fare and sophisticated restaurants melding global influences with traditional Colombian ingredients. Here are eight top choices that reflect the city’s offerings and are great choices for families.
## A Culinary Journey Through Bogotá: Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Delicious Discoveries
Colombia’s cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re indulging in authentic street food from a bustling vendor or savoring a meticulously crafted meal at a gourmet establishment, your taste buds are guaranteed to embark on an unforgettable adventure. The culinary landscape is incredibly diverse, with classic dishes like *ajiaco*, *puchero santafereño*, and *sancocho* stews each boasting a unique combination of meats, vegetables, and potatoes, reflecting the regional variations and local preferences.
When it comes to finding the perfect dining spot, **Bogotá** offers a wealth of options. The picturesque cobblestone streets of the **La Candelaria** neighborhood beckon with their bohemian cafés, exuding charm and creativity, and romantic restaurants, perfect for a special evening. Venturing further north, you’ll discover the **”Zona G”**, a true epicenter for gourmet dining, where culinary innovation thrives. However, exceptional restaurants, catering to a wide range of budgets, are scattered throughout the city, ensuring that every palate and preference is catered to. Many of these establishments are particularly well-suited for families, offering menus and atmospheres that will delight both children and parents alike. The restaurants highlighted here have been carefully selected to provide memorable and enjoyable dining experiences for the whole family, making your trip to Colombia even more special.
## Mercado de Paloquemao: A Sensory Explosion
The **Mercado de Paloquemao** is a sensory feast. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant colors and energetic atmosphere of **Paloquemao**, one of **Bogotá’s** oldest and most expansive markets. This bustling hub offers a truly immersive experience, where you and your children can easily spend an entire day exploring the diverse array of exotic fruits on display. From the intriguing *cherimoya*, known for its bubblegum-like flavor, and the creamy *guanabana*, to the tangy *lulo* and the petite *mamoncillo*, the sheer variety is astounding. Even after a full day of sampling, you’ll only scratch the surface of the market’s bountiful offerings.
These delicious fruits are not only available for tasting but can also be enjoyed in the form of freshly squeezed juices or blended into refreshing smoothies at the market’s celebrated **Jugos Doña Vero**. This beloved juice stand is a local institution, renowned for its expert preparation and the quality of its ingredients.
To truly experience the essence of **Paloquemao**, consider an early morning visit when the market is at its most vibrant. The stalls come alive with activity, and vendors serve comforting breakfasts, including hot *arepas* (corn cakes) and *caldo de costilla* (beef rib broth). Later in the day, you can indulge in *lechona* (stuffed roast pork), served with rice, beans, and an assortment of traditional accompaniments. For adventurous kids (and adults!), **Paloquemao** also presents the opportunity to try roasted *hormegas culeñas* (fried ants). They are surprisingly palatable, with a flavor reminiscent of salted roast peanuts. Don’t knock it until you try it!
**Location:** Avenida 19 #25-04, Santa Fé, **Bogotá**
## Restaurante Casa San Isidro: Dining Amongst the Clouds
Imagine dining amidst the clouds, with panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see. This dream becomes a reality at **Restaurante Casa San Isidro**, a unique culinary destination perched atop **Cerro de Monserrate**. The very journey to the restaurant is an adventure in itself, as you ascend via a scenic cable car ride, a feature that will undoubtedly excite children.
The restaurant itself is housed within a charming 1920s-era mansion, complete with a sprawling terrace. Whether you choose to dine indoors or outdoors, the views are nothing short of sensational, provided the clouds don’t obstruct your perspective.
The menu at **Restaurante Casa San Isidro** showcases an array of local classics, with dishes such as *ajiaco* (chicken soup), *bandeja paisa* (meat platter), and locally caught trout taking center stage. The restaurant is also known for its signature lamb chops, a dish that consistently receives rave reviews. A personal favorite is the succulent chicken in passion fruit sauce, served with fragrant coconut rice and a refreshing tropical salad. French culinary influences are also present, evident in the inclusion of some familiar international dishes. To complement your meal, the restaurant boasts an impressive wine list, featuring selections from around the world.
**Location:** **Cerro de Monserrate**
## Andrés D.C. and Andrés Carne de Res: A Theatrical Dining Extravaganza
If you only have time for one restaurant experience in **Bogotá**, make it **Andrés D.C.**, a legendary steakhouse located in the **El Retiro** shopping center in the upscale **Zona T** neighborhood. This is no ordinary restaurant; it’s a multifaceted destination that seamlessly blends dining with entertainment. Part restaurant, part circus, this industrial-themed, four-story establishment is an experience that defies description and simply must be witnessed firsthand. As you savor your meal, roving clowns and improv actors will grace your table, adding to the lively and whimsical atmosphere. The menu itself is a veritable tome, spanning 75 pages and featuring a diverse selection of dishes. Kid-friendly options abound, including the ever-popular *plátano maduro relleno de queso y bocadillo* (baked plantains stuffed with cheese and guava). For a more casual experience, **La Plaza de André**, a food court featuring various fast-food outlets, is located on one of the shopping center’s levels.
Once you’ve been thoroughly impressed by **Andrés D.C.**, consider venturing beyond the city limits to experience the original and even more extravagant **Andrés Carne de Res**, situated north of **Bogotá**, in **Chía**. The 45-minute drive is well worth the effort. This sprawling complex is a labyrinth of dining rooms and dance floors, offering a thrilling dining experience that’s a captivating blend of *Alice in Wonderland*, *Beetlejuice*, and *Pirates of the Caribbean*. Children are particularly well-catered for, with a dedicated zone featuring a climbing wall, stilt-walking lessons, painting classes, clowns, and a playground.
**Andrés D.C. Location:** Calle 82 #12-21
**Andrés Carne de Res Location:** Calle 3 Norte #11A-56, **Chía**
## La Puerta Falsa: A Taste of Tradition
For an authentic taste of Colombian cuisine, look no further than **La Puerta Falsa** (The False Door). This historic, compact restaurant, located just steps from **Plaza de Bolívar**, is a beloved institution among locals. It provides an intimate setting to delve into the flavours of the region. Introduce your children to the comforting flavors of *ajiaco*, a thick soup brimming with chicken, potatoes, and corn, served with a side of avocado, white rice, and a delectable Colombian *tamale*.
**La Puerta Falsa** is also a prime destination for experiencing two classic **Bogotá** breakfasts: *huevos pericos* (eggs scrambled with tomatoes and onions and served in a skillet) and *chocolate santafereño* (a hot cocoa drink accompanied by a chunk of white cheese and spongy cheese bread called *almojábana*). Children will delight in dipping their bread and cheese into the chocolate, just like the locals do. Round out your meal with a refreshing fresh fruit juice, with *mora* (raspberry) being a particularly popular choice. Notably, the late Anthony Bourdain, host of CNN’s “Parts Unknown,” famously lauded **La Puerta Falsa’s** chicken-and-pork *tamale* as a “thing of beauty.”
**Location:** Calle 11 #6-50, **La Candelaria**, **Bogotá**
## Julia Pizzería: A Slice of New York in Bogotá
When it comes to pleasing children, pizza is always a winning choice. In **Bogotá**, **Julia Pizzería** stands out as a top contender, with multiple locations throughout the city. The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Daniel Castaño, who honed his pizza-making skills during a stint in New York City. His brick-oven-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas are crafted with a special sauce made from tomatoes he cultivates himself. Due to its popularity, arrive early to secure a seat; all three locations are considered among the hippest and most sought-after eateries in town.
**Locations:** Calle 119B # #6-31, Usaquen; Calle 85 #12-81; Carrera 5 #69A-19, **Zona G**
## Restaurante Temático La Juguetería: A Toy Story Come to Life
Just when you think you’ve encountered the most imaginative dining experience possible at **Andrés Carnes del Res**, you stumble upon **La Juguetería**, a wonderfully quirky restaurant nestled in the bohemian **La Macarena** district, conveniently located near the **Museo Nacional**. The restaurant’s name, loosely translated to “Game Place,” aptly describes its interior, which is adorned from floor to ceiling with dolls and toys. From Star Trek figures and model aircraft to pedal cars and a giant Hulk figure, the sheer volume and variety of toys is staggering. This is one meal that children will remember for years to come, while parents will be transported back to their own childhoods.
The menu at **La Juguetería** features a diverse range of options, from soups and salads to *churrasco* (grilled meats) and seafood. A dedicated kids’ menu includes familiar favorites such as fish sticks, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese. To satisfy sweet cravings, there are irresistible desserts like strawberry cheesecake and meringue with fruits and Chantilly cream. Bring an old toy to donate, and you’ll receive tickets for a free food item. The restaurant is a popular choice for local families celebrating birthday parties, so reservations are highly recommended.
**Location:** Calle 27 #4A-03, **La Macarena**, **Bogotá**
## Crepes & Waffles: A Colombian Success Story
With nearly 100 outlets, including approximately 50 in **Bogotá**, **Crepes & Waffles** has earned its reputation as one of Colombia’s most successful restaurant chains. The restaurant specializes in a wide array of delectable crêpes, featuring fillings such as vegetables, meat, and seafood. The shrimp in curry sauce crêpe, served in a bowl with a basket of bread, is a particularly popular choice. The French onion soup also consistently receives high praise.
In addition to crêpes, **Crepes & Waffles** is renowned for its signature ice-cream-topped waffles and refreshing tropical fruit milkshakes. Ice-cream cones, frozen cappuccinos, and an extensive list of other treats are also available. Beyond its culinary offerings, **Crepes & Waffles** is a company with a social conscience. The founders, who started the restaurant as students, are committed to employing single mothers and other women in need who have families to support. This dedication to social responsibility provides an additional reason for you and your children to indulge in the restaurant’s sweet and savory delights.
**Location:** Locations throughout Colombia.
B-374