Discover the rich flavors of Colombia without leaving Miami at these popular restaurants
READ MORE
More Latin American dining options
Expand All
The gastronomy of Colombia is as diverse as its people, its culture and its regions. From the Pacific Ocean to the depths of the Altiplano Cundiboyacense, each region boasts its own ingredients and characteristics that make its recipes unique.
Luckily for residents of South Florida, you don’t have to travel to savor Colombia’s culinary traditions.
Here are restaurants that blend the indigenous, Spanish, African and Arab influences of Colombian cuisine so that you can enjoy its diversity in Miami:
Manantial Market
The colorful decoration of this cozy restaurant will make you feel like you are in Colombia. Load up on a heavy breakfast to start your day on the right foot.
Choose between the bistec a caballo (pan-fried steak topped with a fried egg), tamal valluno (tamales) or a calentado (beans and rice with meat or sausage adorned with a fried egg). Later in the day they serve a variety of typical lunch items, desserts and breads. If you want something to go, order a box of frozen empanadas to fry at home. If you are feeling nostalgic, there is also market to stock up on Colombian knick knacks. Manantial Market also offers shipping service to Colombia.
6778 W Flagler St., Miami; 786-388-8989 or https://manantialmarket.com
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturdays: Closed; Sunday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Barista Cafe
The fast service makes Barista Cafe a great option for a quick breakfast during the morning rush. Do not forget to try the coffee or colada, a thick Colombian drink made with milk, cornstarch, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon.
At lunchtime they sell soups, tamales, wraps, salads and sandwiches. On Saturdays they serve the typical bandeja paisa that includes rice, red beans, avocado, plantains, sausage, fried egg and shredded meat. Thanks to its affordable prices you can choose from a wide variety of snacks, including cheese sticks, pandebono, corn arepas, fritters, among others. They also offer vegetarian options.
2351 Salzedo St., Coral Gables; 305-877-6722 or https://www.barista2351.com
Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. - 3:30 pm.; Sunday closed.
Pao Pao Fast Food
Don’t be food by the term fast food. Pao Pao offers the perfect blend of fast service and top-notch food. Located in a small shopping center, this gem serves delicious dishes that will transport you to Barranquilla.
Choose from a variety of mazorcas desgranadas (corn) accompanied by chicken, cheese, meat or mixed. Their Colombian chuzos are famously generous portions for the price. In addition, they have different options of arepas and hot dogs that you can accompany with the house sauces. Each bite promises to be an explosion full of flavor.
12039 SW 132nd Ct., UNIT 11, Miami; 305-301-8359 or https://www.paopaofastfood.com/
Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. - 12 am.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 2 am.
Palmas Colombian Restaurant
This cozy space is the place to be if you’re craving a delicious Colombian dish in Pembroke Pines. From early in the morning, Palmas serves homestyle food for all those far from home, and for those who would like to visit Colombia via its food.
If you want to share your plate with friends and family, you can order a typical picada that includes different types of meat and fried vegetables. The restaurant also offers food service so you can bring the Colombian flavor to your next meeting.
10036 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines; 954-391-9268; Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Agasajo Restaurant
With a modern and cozy decoration, this is the perfect space if you are looking for a good Colombian brunch accompanied by refreshing drinks. They have a wide variety of paninis, waffles, wraps, sandwiches, and pancakes.
Try their pork loin stuffed with Spanish sausage, spinach and mozzarella cheese accompanied by a bean risotto for a hearty lunch. The filet mignon with avocado risotto and garlic sauce in white wine is another good choice. If you want dessert, ask for the flan of the day.
205 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables; 786-401-7189 or https://www.facebook.com/agasajorestaurant
Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
This story was originally published January 24, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
