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Sabor de Bogotá: What are the top Colombian restaurants in London?

Colombia, nestled between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, boasts some of the world’s most esteemed seafood dishes, and London is quick to offer a taste of these oceanic delights. 

From the authenticity of street food to the irresistible allure of pastries, not to mention the finest steaks and grilled meats, join us as we unveil the finest spots to get a sample here – the top Colombian restaurants in London. 

La Barra

Media credit to labarralondon

Location: Unit 147, Eagle Yard Arch, Walworth Rd, London SE1 6SP, United Kingdom

Contact:  +44 20 7701 2188

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Website

Finding La Barra amidst the railway arches of Elephant and Castle may require a bit of sleuthing, but the effort is well worth it. As you set foot inside, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant menu that showcases the best of Colombian cuisine. 

La Barra’s offerings cater to meat lovers and vegetarians alike, from rich stews to comforting soups. The star of the show is the pica pollo, a tantalising fried chicken dish that takes centre stage. 

But fear not, vegetarians will find solace in the vegetarian platter, featuring a delectable combination of rice, beans, lentils, cassava, and avocado. Additionally, the menu at La Barra is ever-evolving, with soups that change frequently, ensuring a delightful surprise with every visit.

Leños & Carbon

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Location: 113 Elephant Rd, Elephant and Castle, London SE17 1LB, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7407 8865

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Friday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Website

If you’re a fan of hearty, meaty dishes, Leños & Carbon will leave you in culinary bliss. Their main courses are a testament to their commitment to robust flavours and exceptional quality. 

The Bistec a Caballo, a succulent beef steak smothered in a homemade sauce, is a showstopper that will satisfy even the most discerning carnivore. 

For a truly indulgent experience, try the Patacón con todo, a deep-fried green plantain topped with mouthwatering pork belly. These dishes exemplify the bold and satisfying nature of Colombian cuisine.

Balboa

Media credit to baalboacolombia 

Location: 98 Trafalgar Rd, London SE10 9UW, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 7394 975478

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday to Wednesday & Sunday – 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Thursday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Website

What draws the crowds here is the authentic cuisine crafted under the watchful eye of Doña Maria, Balboa’s resident mama from Bogota. She lovingly tends to traditional family recipes, coaxing maximum Colombian flavour out of classic ingredients.

An influx of alluring aromas greets you at the door – whiffs of tender beef and chicken stews mingling with spices and simmering beans. Empanadas emerge from the kitchen with corn dough cradling fillings like picadillo or chicken that dance on your tongue. 

The legendary Bandeja Paisa platter is Doña Maria’s masterpiece, an edible Colombian flag featuring grilled meats, chorizo, eggs and more.

Donde Carlos

Media from dondecarlosrestaurante

Location: 143 Goldhawk Rd, London W12 8EN, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 8749 9575

Pricing: £

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Friday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Saturday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Sunday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Website

Tucked down a charming side street in London sits Donde Carlos, an authentic Colombian eatery whose warm hospitality and traditional fare have earned the devotion of locals. 

Its namesake owner Carlos mans the kitchen, preparing family recipes from his Bogotá hometown with skills honed over decades.

Under Carlos’s close care, each empanada achieves the ideal balance of crispy and chewy. The bandeja paisa platter practically overflows with Colombian spirit – smokey grilled meats, velvety smooth red beans and spicy chorizo meet tender arepas and more.

El Rancho De Lalo

Media from elranchodelalo

Location: 1 Buckner Rd, Brixton Hill, London SW2 5BY, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 7759 226156

Pricing: £

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM

Website

Colombian cuisine knows how to do grilled meats right, and El Rancho De Lalo is no exception. Their Platillos Típicos, meaning typical dishes, showcase the absolute mastery of Latin American meat dishes. 

Prepare for a carnivorous feast as you delve into their mouth-watering mixed grills, sizzling pork skillets, succulent grilled chicken, and perfectly cooked steaks. 

What’s great about this resto is that it offers a delightful al fresco seating area, allowing you to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Brixton while savouring your Colombian feast.

Spoon Tapas Bar

Media credit to carlosadmon

Location: 240 Hornsey Rd, London N7 7LL, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 7597 085739

Pricing: £

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 7:45 PM

Website

When it comes to steaks, Spoon Tapas Bar is a cut above the rest. The topside steak and cheese fillet stands out as a true highlight on the menu, offering an unforgettable dining experience. 

Cooked to your preference and served with mouthwatering sauces, these steaks are a carnivore’s dream come true. The combination of quality cuts and generous portions makes them some of the best steaks you’ll find for the price in North London.

Santafereño

Media credit to santafereno_restaurant

Location: Granville Arcade, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7733 0864

Pricing: £

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday & Thursday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Website

Santafereño’s main menu takes Colombian cuisine to new heights by infusing it with different culinary influences. For a unique and flavorful experience, try their Colombian stroganoff – a mouthwatering fusion of Colombian and European flavours. 

This creative blend showcases Santafereño’s ability to push the boundaries and offer a diverse range of dishes that cater to various palates. 

If you plan your visit to Santafereño on the weekend, you’re in for a treat. Each weekend, the talented chefs at Santafereño curate a selection of dishes that highlight the best of Colombian food in London.

DistriAndina

Media credit to distriandina.uk

Location: 6 Elephant Rd, London SE17 1LB, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 7399 077585

Pricing: £

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM
  • Sunday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Website

DistriAndina serves as a meeting point and social hub for the Latin American community in Central London. It’s a place where people can gather, share stories, and celebrate their shared heritage. 

Whether you’re a Colombian longing for a taste of home or someone eager to experience Latin American culture, DistriAndina offers a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters connections and community.

DistriAndina is also a lively spot to immerse yourself in the passion of South American football. Here, you can join fellow fans as you cheer on your favourite teams, creating an electric atmosphere that mirrors the excitement of the matches themselves. 

Pueblito Paisa Cafe London

Media credit to pueblitopaisa_cafe

Location: 231-243 High Rd, South Tottenham, London N15 5BT, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 8809 2369

Pricing: £

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Sunday – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Website

Pueblito Paisa Cafe London, like many Latin and South American establishments in the city, has faced the constant threat of ‘redevelopment’ in recent years. This makes savouring its culinary offerings all the more precious. 

The street-side face of the Pueblito Paisa market stands as a testament to the resilience of this vibrant community, offering a taste of Colombia that is both authentic and fleeting. 

For those in a hurry, this resto offers an array of delectable snacks that are perfect for a quick bite. Sink your teeth into the goodness of beef and potato empanadas, or indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and savoury with aborrajado, and stuffed plantains.

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