If you hate experimenting with your food, chances are you haven’t visited Colombian restaurants or even tried the cuisine.
The cuisine has its roots deep in the local and indigenous cultures that occupied this region once upon a time – including the Quimbaya, Tairona, and Muisca.
Moreover, with Spain’s interference in this region since the 16th century and the arrival of African slaves to work in the plantations, the local cuisine evolved to reflect the socio-political changes.
Today, the cuisine is a diverse mix of vibrant and delectable flavors from South and Latin America. I love how the cuisine uses fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices, emphasizing soups and stews.
Over the years, I’ve also become a fan of the region’s street food, which includes fried plantains, chorizo, empanadas, tamales, chicharrones, arepas, and more.
Traditional (And Popular) Flavors Used By Colombian Restaurants:
Colombian restaurants in the United States that serve authentic dishes are typically known for using complex and bold flavors. These restaurants also depend heavily on local and fresh ingredients.
So, if you are not familiar with Colombian cuisine, here are some of the most popular flavors used heavily by Colombian restaurants in the United States:
1. Achiote:
It is a spice that adds flavor and colors to several dishes. The seeds of a plant called Annatto are used for making this spice.
2. Cilantro:
It is a common ingredient in Colombian dishes used typically for adding both flavor and freshness to the food.
3. Aji:
It is a spicy sauce made with lime juice, cilantro, hot peppers, and onions. Aji is popularly used as a dip or topping in several Colombian dishes due to its versatility. Moreover, this spicy condiment accompaniment adds heat and flavor to the food.
4. Plantains:
It is a versatile ingredient often used in multiple dishes, considering you can mash, fry, or boil plantains.
5. Lime:
It is a staple in Colombian dishes that adds brightness and acidity to the food.
6. Red Beans:
Red Beans are one of the most common ingredients in Colombian food, popularly used in rice dishes like arroz con carne, stews, and soups. Typically slow-cooked with cumin, garlic, onions, and other spices, red beans add a delicious richness to Colombian food.
Moreover, these beans are a great source of fiber and protein, which makes them a nutritious addition to every meal.
7. Coconut:
While coconut is a common ingredient in Caribbean food, it is also used in several Colombian dishes to add flavor and sweetness.
The BEST Colombian Restaurants In The United States: A Gastronomic Dream Come True!
We have arrived to end all your ‘Colombian restaurants near me’ worries, especially if you are new in the country.
It was challenging to find the best in the country – because the competition is high, and I always try to be as honest as possible with my reviews. So, I had a hard time finding the best colombian restaurants in the United States.
After gaining 5 kilos and spending two weeks experimenting with my tastebuds, here’s my list of the best Colombian restaurants in the United States.
Bon Appetit!
1. La Cucharita Colombian Restaurant (Nashville, Tennessee)
Google Rating | 4.4 |
Service Options | No-contact delivery | Curbside Pickup | Dine-in |
Hours | Sunday – Monday: 10 am – 9 pm |
Address | 15132 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37211 |
Phone Number | (615) 967-8625 |
- Price For Two: 40 USD – 80 USD
- Must Try Dishes: Sancocho, Morcilla, Beef Empanadas, Patacón Con Carne, and Picadillo.
2. Mi Colombia Restaurant (Elizabeth, New Jersey):
Google Rating | 4.4 |
Service Options | No-contact delivery | Curbside Pickup | Dine-in |
Hours | Monday – Friday: 9 am – 9 pm | Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm | Sunday: Closed |
Address | 1568 Bell Rd, Nashville, TN 37211 |
Phone Number | (615) 953-7004 |
- Price For Two: 40 USD – 80 USD
- Must Try: Bandeja Paisa, Yucca frita, Arroz Con Pollo, and Seafood Paella.
3. Arepa Lady (New York City, New York):
Google Rating | 4.6 |
Service Options | No-contact delivery | Curbside Pickup | Dine-in |
Hours | Sunday – Monday: 12 pm – 10 pm |
Address | 77-17 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 |
Phone Number | +1 917-745-1111 |
- Price For Two: 80 USD – 100 USD
- Must Try: Guacamole with Fried Arepas, Arepas De Choclo Con Queso, Maduros, and Arepa De Queso Mixto.
4. Casa Viejam (Doraville, Georgia)
Google Rating | 4.5 |
Service Options | Curbside Pickup | Dine-in |
Hours | Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 6 pm | Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm | Sunday: Closed |
Address | 3652 Shallowford Rd, Doraville, GA 30340 |
Phone Number | (770) 454-8557 |
- Price For Two: 40 USD – 80 USD
- Must Try: Ajiaco, Pechuga De Pollo a La Plancha Grilled Chicken Breast, Picada Colombiana, and Bistek Encebollado.
5. Bogota Latin Bistro (New York City, New York):
Google Rating | 4.3 |
Service Options | Curbside Pickup | Dine-in |
Hours | Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 12 am | Friday – Sunday: 11 am – 1 am |
Address | 141 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States |
Phone Number | +1 718-230-3805 |
- Price For Two: 80 USD – 120 USD
- Must Try: Chips with Guacamole, Plantain Crusted Chicken, Seafood Paella, and Pargo Rojo Frito.
6. La Casona Colombian Restaurant (Doraville, Georgia):
Google Rating | 4.3 |
Service Options | Dine-in | Takeout |
Hours | Wednesday – Monday: 10 am – 6 pm | Tuesday: Closed |
Address | 3820 Stewart Rd, Doraville, GA 30340 |
Phone Number | (770) 458-6657 |
- Price For Two: 40 USD – 80 USD
- Must Try: Sancocho De Costillas, Arroz Con Camarones, Mondongo, and Mini Bandeja Paisa.
7. La Ventana (Miami, Florida):
- Price For Two: 60 USD – 100 USD
- Must Try: Seafood Paella, Whole Fried Fish, Flan, and Bandeja Paisa.
8. Bolivar Restaurant Bar Lounge (Miami, Florida):
Google Rating | 4.5 |
Service Options | Dine-in | Takeout | Delivery |
Hours | Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 1 am | Saturday – Sunday: 11 am – 2 am |
Address | 841 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
Phone Number | +1 786-702-3681 |
- Price For Two: 60 USD – 120 USD
- Must Try: Beef Empanada, Parce Viche, Lomito Saltado, and Sancochos.
9. Escala K-town (Los Angeles, California):
Google Rating | 4.3 |
Service Options | Dine-in | Takeout | Delivery |
Hours | Sunday – Wednesday: 11:30 am – 1 am | Thursday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 2 am |
Address | 3451 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020 |
Phone Number | +1 213-387-1113 |
- Price For Two: 40 USD – 60 USD
- Must Try: Coconut Rice, Loaded Yucca Fries, Bandeja Platter, and Buñuelos.
10. El Sabor Latino (Memphis, Tennessee):
Google Rating | 4.6 |
Service Options | Dine-in | Takeout |
Hours | Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 7 pm | Saturday: 8 am – 2 pm | Sunday: Closed |
Address | 665 Avon Rd, Memphis, TN 38122 |
Phone Number | (901) 207-1818 |
- Price For Two: 30 USD – 50 USD
- Must Try: Chicharron Con Arepa, Empanadas Colombianas, Arepa Con Queso, and Yuca Frita.
And It’s A Wrap!
Naturally, you can look for Colombian restaurants in the united states with different locations, such as ‘Colombian restaurants queens’ or ‘Colombian restaurants Chicago’ – but instead, you can just save this article for future reference. Tell us what you think – and while doing so, let us know about your experience in the comments below.
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