Brunch – the perfect time where you can justify eating beyond the confines of a typical breakfast menu, plus, start drinking in the morning. Originally an American tradition, the breakfast-lunch combination has made its way to the City of Eternal Spring and there now are a whole host of places serving their unique twist on the meal. Whether you’re feeling a little delicate from the night before, or you simply need an excuse to eat, here are the best brunch spots in Medellín.
Justo
Carrera 37 #10A-58
Nestled down the leafy side-streets of Poblado, Justo is a modern restaurant and marketplace boasting a range of vegetarian and vegan foods. The brunch menu includes pancakes with fruits and jams, vegan eggs, and a vegan grilled cheese sandwich. There are also a number of fresh juices and coffee with dairy-alternative milks. You definitely don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy Justo; the friendly service, Instagram-worthy scenery, and delicious cuisine caters to all tastes and tastebuds. Brunch is served Monday – Saturday until 12 pm.
Ganso & Castor
Carrera 36 #7-46 / Carrera 44 #19a-100, Local 103 / Carrera 43E#11A-30
Only found in Medellín, Ganso & Castor has three restaurants across the city known for their quality food and European-style brunch. There is no set brunch menu but hungry visitors can choose from the breakfast, lunch, and dessert sections whatever the time. Some of the most mouthwatering picks include the French toast, smoked salmon bagel, eggs benedict, and BLT sandwich. Ganso & Castor also has a number of vegetarian options, as well as a selection of fine coffees and teas. If you’re looking for a classy brunch and a change from traditional Colombian cuisine, Ganso & Castor is ideal. Brunch is available all day, and the restaurants are based in Manila, Provenza, and Museo de Arte Moderno (MAMM).
ENVY rooftop
Calle 9A #37-16
On top of The Charlee hotel in the heart of Parque Lleras, ENVY rooftop is one of the coolest spots in Medellín. Overlooking the rolling hills and downtown cityscape, ENVY has it all – sunshine, a swimming pool, and crowds of beautiful people sipping their drinks. How could it get any better? The last Sunday of each month, ENVY hosts a rooftop brunch with an unlimited buffet and live DJs playing music. Savor a plate full of fruit, pastries, eggs, cooked meats, and more while gazing out over the lush greenery. Brunch starts at 10 am and costs $55,000 COP per person.
Azul Selva
Carrera 37 #8A-60
For those who prefer a healthy brunch without comprising on flavor or variety, Azul Selva is a Poblado gem suited to conscious eaters. Located along the tranquil Vía Primera, the café has a balcony to tuck into brunch in the warm sunshine. Inside, the sleek décor adds to Azul Selva trendy status while the food selection secures it as a firm favorite for brunch in the city. The pumpkin pancakes, red fried eggs, artisanal breads, and acai bowls are among the top dishes. There are equally vegan banana and cacao pancakes, or for a Paisa start to the day, try the Toastada de Aguacate al estilo Azul Selva. Brunch is available all day, every day of the week.
Crepes & Waffles
Multiple locations
A well-known and loved chain throughout Colombia, Crepes and Waffles is a family-friendly and budget-friendly choice for brunch. They also have a fantastic work ethos, where they only employ female heads of households, to help support single mothers find employment. In terms of brunch, naturally, crepes and waffles are the stars of the menu. Crepes range from sweet and savory – with fillings like Nutella, arequipe, and ice cream, to just about any kind of cheese and meat. Meanwhile, the waffles come with syrup, butter, chocolate chips, and fruits, which can be washed down with milkshakes, smoothies, juices, or coffees. With locations all over Medellín, the restaurants are normally easy to get to and are open every day of the week.
Al Alma
Calle 8 #35-37 / Calle 8 #35- 37
Now with two cafes in Provenza and Laureles (along with a stall in Mercado del Río), Al Alma is brilliant for coffee connoisseurs needing to recaffeinate with their brunch. The location in Provenza is a roastery, so fresh coffee is always on the menu. Al Alma also pairs up with the local bakery Tomasa, to sell their heavenly pastries – the croissants, bagels, breads, and muffins are some of the best in Medellín. For a cooked brunch, there’s eggs, bacon, fresh toast, omelets, and sausages. Alternatively, granola parfait, fruit bowls, and smoothies are available too. Any items on the menu can be ordered at any time of day, but the weekends get particularly busy, so we recommend arriving early.
37 Park
Carrera 37 # 8A-4
For brunch al fresco, 37 Park has a cute outdoor area filled with picnic tables, fairy lights, and shade provided by the surrounding trees. Brunch here is away from the hustle and bustle of Calle 10 and is great for hearty food served in big portions. The selection at 37 Park is made up of granola bowls, poached eggs, omelets, as well as arepas and cooked meats. For non-meat-eaters, there’s a generous slice of French toast with sugar and maple syrup, and the added extra of Dutch cheese. Arguably the greatest part of brunch here, though, is the sweet mimosas. Brunch runs from 8 am – 12 pm throughout the week (except Monday), and 9 am – 1 pm on the weekend.
Crepes & Waffles….My favorite when we visit each year, and still will be when we move there in 6 years, provided they haven’t destroyed the government.