What is bandeja paisa?

It's a large traditional combination plate from Colombia's Antioquia region — typically beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón (fried pork belly), chorizo, a fried egg, plantain, avocado, and an arepa, all on one plate.

Are Colombian arepas the same as Venezuelan arepas?

They're related but different — Colombian arepas tend to be thinner and are often eaten plain or with cheese on the side, while Venezuelan arepas are typically thicker and split open to stuff generously with fillings.

What should a first-timer order?

A cheese arepa to start, then a bandeja paisa to share, is a great way to sample the range of Colombian home cooking in one meal.

Best Colombian Food Near Me: How to Find Authentic Colombian Restaurants in 2026

September 5, 2026 | 6 min read

Colombian food varies by region but shares a love of hearty, comforting plates — here's what to order and what to look for.

The Essential Colombian Dishes

Bandeja Paisa

A massive combination plate of beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón, chorizo, fried egg, plantain, avocado, and arepa. It should arrive generous and freshly cooked, not assembled from a steam table.

Arepas

Grilled or fried corn cakes, either plain or stuffed with cheese, meat, or eggs. A good arepa should have a slight char and a soft, corn-forward interior.

Empanadas

Crispy, fried corn-dough pockets filled with seasoned meat and potato, usually served with a green ají sauce — the sauce is often the real test of a good spot.

Sancocho

A hearty soup/stew with chicken, beef, or fish, plus plantain, yuca, and corn — a slow-cooked dish that shows a kitchen's real technique.

Ajiaco

A Bogotá specialty chicken and potato soup made with guascas (an herb specific to the dish) and topped with cream, capers, and avocado.

Quality Signals at Colombian Restaurants

Fresh-made arepas, not frozen — Watching an arepa get grilled to order, rather than reheated from frozen, is one of the clearest quality signals.
House-made ají — A vibrant, herby green ají sauce made in-house (rather than a bottled hot sauce) shows real attention to detail.
Generous, traditional portions — Colombian home cooking is generous by nature — a bandeja paisa that looks skimpy is a red flag.
Regional specialties beyond the basics — Restaurants offering ajiaco or sancocho alongside the standard menu usually reflect real regional cooking, not just a generalized "Latin" menu.
A visibly Colombian clientele — A dining room full of Colombian regulars, especially around soccer matches, is a strong sign of authenticity.

Find the Best Colombian Food Near You

Use ChooseMy.Food to find top-rated Colombian restaurants near your location instantly. A 4.4+ star Colombian spot with hundreds of reviews is usually a safe bet.

Find Colombian Food Near Me

Best Cities for Colombian Food in America

New York, NY: One of the largest Colombian communities in the US, especially in Queens, with excellent arepa and bandeja paisa spots.
Miami, FL: A major hub for Colombian dining, reflecting South Florida's large Colombian population.
Houston, TX: A growing number of Colombian restaurants across the metro.
Chicago, IL: Long-established Colombian restaurants serving the city's Latin American communities.
Los Angeles, CA: A solid and growing Colombian food scene across the greater metro.