Seeking a memorable dining experience with creative Colombian cuisine? Read on to learn what it’s like to dine at El Chato, the #1 restaurant in Latin America.
It’s a busy Friday night in Bogota, Colombia. Standing outside of my hotel room on Calle 26, I’m gently assaulted by falling raindrops, bursts of impatient car horns, and the bustle of quick steps and rapid cell phone conversations as hundreds of pedestrians bristle past me. I’m a statue in the middle of urban chaos, and my third Uber driver has canceled on me.
Just two hours ago, my plane from Medellin landed with enough time for me to check into the hotel, drop my bags, and quickly shower and change for dinner. But even with an hour left before our dinner reservations, finding a way to the restaurant seemed an impossible task.
But against all odds, I made it. And the dining experience at El Chato made it all worth it.
The exterior of El Chato restaurant is a solid brooding dark, modern mass that stands strong on the corner of a dynamic street buzzing with activity. Opening the doors, I feel as if I’m stepping into a magical portal where the exterior noise simmers to a quiet, calm hum as I’m escorted to my table on the second floor.
Seated directly across from the large open kitchen, I recognize immediately: this is going to be more than just a meal. More than just delicious food.
The stage is set and the theater of the kitchen is already alive with action.
The chaos of the city and transportation woes quickly forgotten, I breathe in deeply and as a slow, languid smile appears: Let’s go, El Chato. I’m ready.
If you want to know what it’s like to dine at the #1 restaurant in all of Latin America, have a seat. El Chato in Bogota, Colombia is most definitely one of the top restaurants I’ve dined at, and I am so excited to share the whole lovely experience with you here.
Note: this is a full-length article. You can hop around to different sections using the Table of Contents below.
Table of Contents
- About El Chato
- A story of evolution and passion
- 12-course tasting menu experience
- Course 1
- Course 2
- Course 3
- Course 4
- Course 5
- Course 6
- Course 7
- Course 8
- Course 9
- Course 10
- Course 11
- Course 12
- Finale
- 🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
- Dinner prices
- Restaurant FAQs
- Dine at El Chato in Bogota, Colombia
- Learn more about Colombian cuisine
- Where to stay in Bogotá
- Book your next flight to Bogotá
- More Colombia travel
About El Chato
Located in the trendy Chapinero Alto neighborhood of Colombia’s capital city, El Chato isn’t your typical stuffy fine-dining spot.
This is a sleek, high-energy, well-oiled machine where the atmosphere is as electric as the flavors on the plate.
The space is industrial, dark, and sleek, yet somehow still warm and inviting. It perfectly sets the stage for a meal that’s about to blow your mind.
Here, Chef Álvaro Clavijo is redefining modern Colombian cuisine. The dishes he and his team create are a brilliant love letter to Colombia’s biodiversity, executed with contemporary global techniques.
They take local, sometimes overlooked ingredients, and transform them into artful dishes that are surprisingly approachable. And, of course, mouthwatering and delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for an unforgettable night out, El Chato delivers an experience that’s daring, fun, and deeply Colombian.
A story of evolution and passion
The name “chato” is a slang term of endearment in Bogota, meaning something close to “dear” “sweetheart,” or “darling.”
Since opening its doors in 2017, the restaurant started as a local darling, and has since skyrocketed to international fame. El Chato consistently ranks as one of the best restaurants in the world.
At publication time, it was ranked the #1 restaurant in Latin America by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
12-course tasting menu experience
Unlike many high end fine dining restaurants around the world, you can order dishes à la carte at El Chato. However, I highly suggest going for the full tasting menu. This is where you’ll get the true El Chato experience.
With each of the 12 courses, a wooden tray full of the ingredients used to make that dish is presented alongside it.
Service is impeccably timed. For our table of two, there were usually two servers, one presenting the current course for each of us. Dishes are set down in unison, then one server explains the dish and the ingredients in the tray. No course ever felt rushed nor did we ever feel like we were waiting in-between courses.
It’s a sweet dance coreographed by the expert, watchful eyes of the staff that makes you feel like you’re enjoying a relaxed meal in someone’s home.
Course 1
Before the first dish is brought out, you’re presented with a warm towel, served in a playful white hand sculpture. This sets the tone for the feast ahead: elegant, fun, and inventive, not to be taken too seriously.
The first course was a trio of dishes: pear broth with sage plus smoked trout with arracacha and fennel, and gougeres shaped like chicken wings. I found this to be a wonderful play of textures, temperatures, and flavors to start the meal.
Course 2
The second course was a monochromatic study in what the heck is this and why does it taste so good? An artful, sophisticated presentation of white ribbons of squid, heart of palm, and huacacay blanketing crunchy macadamia.
Course 3
The third course was a peek-a-boo dish of green mussel with cured lemon and shiso. Like an elegant present just waiting to be uncovered.
Course 4
The fourth course was sea snail with gooseberries, chicharron,and seaweed that we combined for a fun little flavor explosion with each bite.
Course 5
The fifth course was warm and comforting: oyster, portabello mushrooms, black radish, and garlic with broth poured over. This dish was homey and unfussy, with rich umami flavors.
Course 6
This sunset-hued dish was blue crab with chontaduro, carantanta, and plantain. Beautiful!
Course 7
Another interactive course, the seventh course featured hen with perfectly crispy rice and purslane. We spooned the rice into the main base, and then poured the broth over it. I loved this dish.
Course 8
Talk about a wow factor: the eighth course was a bowl of vibrant green cabbage, chicken, and beans. A feast for all senses!
Course 9
Just as I was coming off of the high from the work of art that was the eight course, another stunner was set down before us. Course nine was a gorgeous pork terrine with casabe, tapioca, mashed potato, nettle, and capers. I’m not a huge fan of tapioca beads in my food, but combined with the terrine and capers, it was a win.
Course 10
I admittedly love interactive dishes, so this latter portion of the meal was definitely my favorite.
When the 10th course was presented with instructions to break the meringue on top then scoop the bottom to get more apple, I didn’t hesitate. This dish had apple, cucumber, holy leaf, and horseradish.
The tenth course was served almost as a palate cleanser before desserts.
Yes, desserts – plural.
Course 11
The 11th course was a gorgeous sweet quenelle of arracacacha (a Peruvian carrot) with miso and sour orange.
I was served a dairy-free version with mangosteen, sorbet, and noodles made with guava. It was just the right amount of sweetness, and I loved the creativity with the guava.
Course 12
The 12th and final course was a cake with black peppers, topped with ice cream with green peppers, lemongrass, and a gel top of lulo (my favorite Colombian fruit), lemonade, and green pepper.
My dairy-free version (shown above) was a sorbet made with mucilage, which is the white pulp/skin around cacao seeds, over cashews. Sounds weird, but it works!
Finale
As a final dish, we were were served a delicious duo of fruit gelee made of berries, sugar and sugar cane. And a plate of coffee cracker topped with candy made of coconut.
Perfect petite bites to round out an amazing meal.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
You can add on an alcohol pairing or non-alcoholic pairing for the tasting menu for an additional cost. We opted to order a bottle of wine to go with dinner. The sommelier recommended a delicious Austrian red wine.
Dinner prices
Dining at el chato is an incredible experience that offers surprising value for a world-ranked restaurant.
For our dinner for two, plus a bottle of wine, including gratuity (listed as “propina” on the bill), we each spent just over $300 USD.
And, to be clear, this post is not in any way sponsored. I paid for 100% of my portion of the bill out of my own pocket, and I would absolutely do it again. I think the meals here are well priced for the amazing food and service offered.
À la carte dining
If you prefer more flexibility, you can opt for the à la carte menu. Appetizers and starters are generally in the $35,000 to $60,000 COP range ($9–$15 USD). Main courses are between $70,000 and $130,000 COP ($18–$33 usd), though specialty items like the tomahawk steak can be higher.
Restaurant FAQs
Yes, reservations are highly recommended and often necessary. Because of its global ranking and popularity among locals, tables fill up very quickly.
The vibe is upscale bistro, so think smart-casual. You don’t need a suit and tie, but most guests dress up a bit for the occasion. However, I did spot a few folks wearing jeans. A nice pair of jeans with a blazer, or a stylish dress, will fit right in with the trendy Bogota crowd.
Absolutely! You can see they accommodated my weird milk protein sensitivity with wonderful substitutions. The kitchen team is very professional and can accommodate most common dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Just be sure to mention any allergies when you make your reservation so the chefs can prepare accordingly.
The first floor à la carte salon is perfect for a high-energy, flexible evening for those who want to curate their own culinary journey from the a la carte menu.
The second floor tasting room is usually for those seeking the full, guided experience. Tables face a sleek open kitchen where you can watch Chef Álvaro Clavijo’s talented and diverse kitchen team work.
Dine at El Chato in Bogota, Colombia
I absolutely loved my dining experience at El Chato Bogota. It was truly one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life, and I’ve had the good fortune of dining at a lot of wonderful places around the world.
Huge thanks to my travel writer friend Nicky for making the reservations. Everyone needs at least one foodie friend for experiences like this on every trip!
El Chato
Calle 65 # 4-76
Bogota, Colombia
For more information or to make your reservation, visit the El Chato website.
If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
more colombian food
Learn more about Colombian cuisine
If you’re interested in exploring more of the food scene while you’re in Bogota, book the same food tour I went on. I loved it!
Where to stay in Bogotá
I stayed at the Hotel Habitel Prime, right by the El Dorado Bogotá airport.
Bonus: the hotel has a free airport shuttle that runs every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. It is located approximately 30 minutes from El Chato restaurant, and on busy nights, plan approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for the commute.
Book your next flight to Bogotá
More Colombia travel
Food Guides
Traditional Food from Colombia
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