California born co-chefs Carmen Ángel and Rob Pevitts of restaurant Carmen in El Poblado, and more recently in Cartagena, know their way around Medellin’s very underrated culinary scene. The restaurant’s playful take on world cuisine includes Korean tacos and sous vide prawns with candied bacon and pineapple chimichurri. Their dining choices outside of Carmen reflect their eclectic tastes. Here they pick their four favorite foodie haunts in four different Medellin neighborhoods:

La Legumbreria
“This tiny casual restaurant is located up Via La Palmas on the way to the Airport and is the epitome of fresh and delicious, it’s our favorite place for good grub! The menu changes daily always using local sourced ingredients, Mediterranean cuisine being Chef Jon Zarate’s main inspiration for his culinary creations more times than not. Don’t miss his homemade cheesecake with fresh berry sauce.’
Km 17 Via Alto de las Palmas, Centro Comercial Indiana; 312/895-6405.

Viñas Boutique
“A diamond in the rough wine store in El Poblado featuring spectacular boutique wines from Spain, Chile, France, Argentina and Portugal. Quality is the key here and it’s evident upon sipping owner Nestor Gonzalez’ amazing collection of artisan wines.”
Carrera 29d-6a #05; 574/312-7308.

Pizzería
“Similar to NYC spots that have no name or website, this pizzeria in Medellin’s downtown or “Centro” is some of the finest thin crust pie available…in all of Colombia! Ask for the culatelo, a dazzling thinly cut cured pork. Chef Rodrigo Pullo works the small brick oven inside of a dimly lit old house with a neon sign outside that just says “Pizza”.”
Calle 57 #41-57; 547/254-4510.

Humo
“An American Barbeque joint and bar in the middle of the Provenza neighborhood in El Poblado. Bourbon, mac & cheese, smoked chicken wings, 15 different sauces and pork, pork, pork. What more does one need? A great new spot in town serving up the best the American south has to offer with innovative and modern cocktail options.”
Carrera 35 #8A-45; 574/266-6892; humobar.com.

Nicholas Gill (470 Posts)

Writer and photographer Nicholas Gill is the editor/publisher of New World Review. He lives in Lima, Peru and Brooklyn, New York. His work has appeared in publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, CondeNast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Afar, and Penthouse. Visit his personal website (nicholas-gill.com) for more information.