Best Restaurants in Guatapé: Where to Eat – Complete Guide 2025
Guatapé doesn’t just win you over with its colorful streets and landscapes — it’s also a place to savor bite by bite. Between the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, lakeside grills, and wood-fired pizzas, this Colombian town has become a must-visit food destination. This guide shows you where to eat in Guatapé based on your travel style, with honest recommendations, local tips, and a curated list for 2025.
What kind of food will you find in Guatapé?
Guatapé’s dining scene is surprisingly diverse for a small town. Thanks to creative chefs and travelers from around the world, it blends traditional Colombian cooking with modern touches. Plus, most restaurants use fresh local ingredients, elevating every flavor and experience.
“Bandeja paisa,” beans with hogao, crispy pork belly, corn arepas, and hearty sancocho soup — the essence of Antioquia on a plate.
Trout is the star — grilled, with garlic, lemon, or passionfruit sauce, often served with local herbs.
Wood-fired pizzas, craft burgers, pasta, tacos, and Asian-inspired dishes. A fusion that surprises every traveler’s palate.
Quinoa bowls, natural juices, fresh salads, sugar-free desserts, and specialty coffee — perfect for healthy eaters.
Typical hours 11:00–21:00 Crowded on Sundays Reservations suggested
The Best Restaurants in Guatapé (2025)
We tasted, compared, and talked to locals. This list includes the top-rated spots for food quality, consistency, ambiance, and value for money. Each recommendation highlights its unique vibe and must-try dish — all with great traveler reviews.
El Patito Modesto
Address: Calle 31 #30–90 | Price: $$
A hidden gem for those who love modern Colombian cuisine. Signature dishes blend local ingredients with refined technique and artistic presentation.
Must-try: trout in passionfruit sauce with coconut risotto. Ambience: vintage décor, soft music — perfect for romantic dinners.
Recommended for: couples, foodies, and special occasions.
Pizzería D’Luigi
Location: Malecón Street | Price: $$
Thin-crust, stone-oven pizza made with fresh local ingredients. Cozy terrace overlooking the lake — ideal for afternoons and sunsets.
Must-try: Antioqueño chorizo pizza with caramelized onions. Options: vegetarian and wine by the glass.
Namasté Vegan Food
Address: near the main church | Price: $$
Guatapé’s zen spot. Colorful bowls, cold-pressed juices, and sugar-free desserts. Perfect for balancing travel days with healthy flavor.
Signature dish: Buddha Bowl with quinoa, avocado, and homemade hummus.
Restaurante Mi Casa
Location: road to El Peñol | Price: $
Generous portions, homestyle flavor, and friendly service. Ideal for backpackers and families looking for hearty meals at great prices.
Must-try: traditional sancocho soup with avocado and rice.
The Rock House
Area: upper hillside with lake views | Price: $$
Rock-themed bar with craft beers and hearty burgers. Great for groups or travelers wanting a casual night with music and views.
Must-try: “Metalera” burger with bacon and local cheese.
Lake View Dining Spots
La Fogata Guatapé
Romantic lakeside dinners with grilled trout, wine, and cozy ambiance. A top pick for couples.
Barco Restaurante
A unique experience: dine while sailing. Offers meat, seafood, and tropical cocktails. Reservation only for exclusive service.
Cafés & Desserts Worth Trying
Café La Viña
Locally roasted coffee beans, homemade pastries, and lake views. Perfect for afternoons.
Casa Pastelera
Gourmet bakery with mille-feuille, fruit tarts, and artisanal ice cream. Beautiful presentation and cozy atmosphere.
Zócalo Café
Instagrammable and colorful. Great breakfasts, avocado toast, and smoothies for starting the day.
Café El Marqués
Elegant space serving origin coffee and signature cocktails — perfect for sunset vibes.
Dining Tips in Guatapé
- Bring cash: some restaurants outside downtown don’t accept cards.
- Eat early: between 12:00–2:00 p.m. it gets busy.
- Reserve dinner: especially on weekends or holidays.
- Try local trout: Guatapé’s must-eat dish, often served with passionfruit sauce.
- Choose window seats: the view is part of the experience.
- Support local businesses: many are family-run and tell authentic stories.
- Ask for the juice of the day: tropical flavors vary seasonally.
- Mention Finca Conejo Blanco: locals will greet you warmly and may share insider recommendations.
Where to Stay for the Full Culinary Experience
If your trip is all about great food and relaxation, stay close to town yet surrounded by peace. Finca Conejo Blanco combines both — privacy, lake views, and easy access (10–15 minutes) to the main dining area.
After eating, relax in the outdoor jacuzzi or sip coffee on the hammocks overlooking the lake. It’s the perfect lodging to turn dinner into a full experience.
Conclusion
Dining in Guatapé is a full sensory journey. Every restaurant tells a story, every café offers a different view, and every dish mixes tradition with creativity. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this guide will take you to the flavors that make Guatapé one of Colombia’s most charming food destinations.
Quick picks: For gourmet dining: El Patito Modesto. For lakeside pizza: D’Luigi. For healthy options: Namasté Vegan Food. For home-style meals: Mi Casa. For burgers & music: The Rock House. For romantic dinners: La Fogata. For a unique experience: Barco Restaurante. And if you’re looking for a place to rest after an unforgettable meal, Finca Conejo Blanco is your best stay.