7 Best Affordable Restaurants to Eat in Medellín

If you're looking for authentic culinary experiences in Medellín, you’re in for a treat. This vibrant city is not just known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, but also for its diverse and mouthwatering food scene. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, there’s something for everyone, from traditional Colombian dishes to international flavors. Let’s dive into some of the best spots to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank!

Exploring the local cuisine is a journey in itself, and Medellín has a plethora of options that cater to various tastes and budgets. Here are seven restaurants where you can indulge in great food without overspending.

1. Discovering Poke Bowl

If you haven't tried poke, a delightful Hawaiian dish, you're missing out. The first time we experienced it was in California, and it was love at first bite! Medellín offers a fantastic poke experience at a reasonable price—around 26,000 COP. You can either choose from their suggested bowls or customize your own.

Our favorites included a bowl with brown rice, tuna, shrimp, Brazil nuts, carrot, avocado, and sesame sauce, alongside another with sushi rice, salmon, shrimp, mango, avocado, coconut, and teriyaki sauce. Don’t forget to quench your thirst with their refreshing infusions, like pineapple and mint or hibiscus and cherry, priced at just 4,500 COP.

2. The Legendary Hacienda

Hacienda is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore traditional dishes of Antioquia. This establishment is famed for its authentic flavors and warm atmosphere. If you haven't tried the iconic bandeja paisa, this is the place to do it. They even offer a smaller version of the bandeja paisa for just 15,000 COP, which is great if you’re not too hungry.

What’s in a bandeja paisa? It’s a feast on a plate featuring rice, beans, chicharrón, shredded beef, a fried egg, avocado, blood sausage, and arepa. It’s a true Colombian delight!

3. Betty’s Bowl for a Healthy Break

After days of indulging in hearty meals, your stomach might crave something lighter, and that’s where Betty’s Bowl comes in. This cozy spot specializes in fresh, healthy options. You can choose a natural juice, a toast, or a fruit bowl from their simple yet enticing menu.

We highly recommend the banana, blackberry, acai, and grape bowl, paired with a passion fruit juice that’s simply irresistible. Bowls start at just 12,000 COP, and if you want to add granola or nuts, it's only an extra 1,500 COP. The toast ranges from 10,000 to 12,000 COP, while juices are around 5,000 COP. Plus, it’s a pet-friendly venue with completely recyclable dishware!

4. Arepatodo al Carbón - A Must for Arepa Lovers

Arepas are a divine Colombian creation that everyone should try, and Arepatodo is one of the best spots to enjoy them. Cooking them over charcoal infuses a unique flavor that’s hard to resist. For just 13,000 COP, you can enjoy an arepa along with a drink.

The variety of fillings and toppings available allows you to customize your arepa to perfection. Whether you're a meat lover or prefer vegetarian options, there’s something delicious waiting for you.

5. Halong Vietnamita for a Taste of Asia

After spending some time in Colombia, we found ourselves craving Asian flavors. Halong Vietnamita is perfect for satisfying that urge. This restaurant offers a range of Vietnamese dishes, with the pho bo being a standout. It’s a hearty soup made with beef, fresh herbs, and noodles, all for just 18,000 COP.

For dessert, try the matcha cheesecake for 9,000 COP—it's more Japanese than Vietnamese, but it’s a delightful way to finish your meal!

Don’t forget to use your Revolut card to avoid unnecessary fees when paying or withdrawing money abroad.

6. The Grill Station Burger - Burgers Done Right

If you’re in the mood for a burger, The Grill Station is where you need to head. They serve some of the best burgers in Medellín, with the Original Grill being a popular choice. This burger comes with a unique whiskey-based sauce that elevates the flavors to another level. Vegetarian options are also available!

Expect to pay around 20,000 COP for a fantastic burger experience that won’t disappoint.

7. Veg Station for Plant-Based Dining

If you're looking for vegan-friendly options, Veg Station is an excellent choice. We discovered this gem thanks to a local recommendation, and it quickly became a favorite. The set lunch menu costs about 12,000 COP and includes soup, a main dish, juice, and dessert.

This is a great spot if you want to eat healthy without compromising on flavor. The variety and quality of food will leave you satisfied!

More Tips on Where to Eat in Medellín

For even more culinary adventures, consider these additional recommendations:

• Mercado del Río: A vibrant food market where you can sample dishes from various vendors—perfect for those who can't decide what to eat!
• Submarino Express: Known for its delicious lobster rolls and quirky submarine-themed decor.
• Street food: Don’t miss out on local street vendors offering corrientazos—affordable meals that include soup, a main dish, and a drink for only 8,000-15,000 COP. We highly recommend trying the empanadas!

Free Gastronomic Tour in Medellín

Did you know there are free gastronomic tours in Medellín? One of the tours takes you through the historic center while sampling local specialties. While the tour itself is free, you’ll need to cover the cost of your meals, which typically totals around 20,000 COP (about 4.50€).

→ Book your spot here

Mapping Medellín's Culinary Delights

To help you navigate the best eating spots, we’ve created a map highlighting the locations of these recommended restaurants in Medellín. This way, you can easily plan your culinary adventure!

Have you discovered any amazing restaurants in Medellín that serve delicious meals at great prices? Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments!

For daily updates about our travels in Colombia, check out our Instagram stories.

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