Sunday brunch, a tradition which may have had its origins in 19th century England and without a doubt took hold in the United States by the 1930s, is something many expats miss about living in Medellín.
The concept is fairly new here. However, a handful of European-style cafés and restaurants now see Sunday brunch as an untapped opportunity to feed foreigners and Colombians alike.
Throw in al fresco seating and morning cocktails like the Mimosa and Bellini, and you’ve got a recipe for a delightful, boozy, finish to the weekend.
What follows is a collaborative effort between Dave and me to share our favorite weekend brunch spots. If you’re looking to catch up with friends on a Sunday morning or early afternoon, these are our top recommendations, in no particular order.
Ganso & Castor
Dave’s pick. Carrera 36 #7-46, Poblado. Weekend Hours: Sat 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ganso & Castor is a Parisian-inspired café in the Provenza neighborhood of Poblado. As will become clear in this article, the Vía Provenza/Vía Primavera area is the epicenter of the city’s burgeoning brunch culture.
Eggs Benedict with asparagus will run you 14,500 pesos ($5.60). French toast, pancakes, omelets, and Quiche are also on the menu. A Mimosa costs 14,000 pesos ($5.45).
Due its size, no more than three tables outside and double that on the inside, plan to arrive early on Sunday. Otherwise, you may have to wait for a table to open.
Brie Bon
Ryan’s pick. Carrera 35 #7-118, Poblado. Weekend Hours: Sat 10 a.m. – Midnight, Sun 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Best French food, best brunch. Not a bad combination for one restaurant and Brie Bon is even on the list of best places to take a date.
Ryan’s had the eggs Benedict and the French toast, both great dishes, and you can drink Mimosas if you want as well, something he has yet to do but probably will someday.
Ryan remembers one day talking to a friend about meeting for brunch. Ryan suggested they had several options, but his friend said, “No, let’s just go to the French place on Vía Provenza.”
The French place is Brie Bon.
Amoretti
Dave’s pick. Carrera 37 #8A-60, Vía Primavera, Poblado. Weekend Hours: Sat 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Switching gears from French-inspired to Italian-inspired, Amoretti offers brunch favorites at a slightly higher level than some of the other places.
Options include:
- French toast with apples, almonds, canela and maple syrup (12,500 pesos, $4.85)
- Mini waffles with fruit sauce and cream cheese (9,500 pesos, $3.70)
- Sour cream blueberry pancakes with maple syrup (12,500 pesos, $4.85)
Unlike Ganso & Castor and Brie Bon, Amoretti’s outdoor seating is on the second story of the building, not the sidewalk, so you’re that much more removed from the street noise.
Mundo Verde
Dave’s pick. Carrera 37 #8A-40, Vía Primavera, Poblado. Weekend Hours: Sat 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Mundo Verde means “Green World” and the restaurant has attracted a faithful following in recent years, in addition to tourists looking to escape fried food in favor of something healthy.
When Dave met his friend Ana for brunch here earlier in the year, they arrived about 10 a.m., enjoyed their brunch, and remained at their outdoor table for another hour chatting.
The waitress never once stopped by to offer the check, the classic hint that it’s time to move along, despite the restaurant filling up around us and a line forming on the sidewalk below.
Due to its popularity, you’ll want to plan to arrive by 11 a.m. on the weekends, lest you want to be one of the hungry diners waiting for a table.
Cariñito Café
Ryan and Dave agree on this one! Carrera 44 #20-55, Ciudad del Río. Weekend Hours: Sat 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Sundays.
Ryan loves Spanish tortillas, and they have excellent ones at Cariñito. He had one on his last trip to Medellín. The menu also offers omelets and great coffee and hot chocolate.
Dave’s favorite dish is the avocado toasties, which consist of toast, a fried egg, and a healthy spread of fresh avocado.
The atmosphere is chic as well, something that will catch your eye when you’re looking for a cool café. Ryan felt so comfortable there; he ended up sticking around to work the entire day. It was a good decision. He later learned they have great sandwiches as well.
The lesson: at Cariñito you can have a good late lunch after a great brunch.
Do you have a favorite brunch place in Medellín? Share your recommendations below.
You forgot the chain restaurants! Crepes and Waffles has brunch every Sunday from 9-12 and on holiday Mondays as well. Archie’s also offers brunch on Sundays. Menu is varied for both and prices are affordable as well. Also of you want a yummy calorie filled Colombian style breakfast, there’s El Rancherito and Desayunadero la 10. On Saturday mornings in Laureles, there is also the farmer’s market at el segundo parque of Laureles, yummy super cheap breakfast food to be had there as well!
I second the Crepes & Waffles suggestion, particularly the Laureles location. Excellent menu with lots of floor space and an interesting concept in staffing…..women only.
Just so you know, the reason crepes & waffles has only women staff is because they have a social program dedicated to hire single mothers. And about their breakfast, it is delicious, as well as archies.
D´André is a good restaurante for have breakfast or lunch; it´s in carrera 37#10-15. It have 33 types of breakfast, it´s not expensive and have a good service.
You need to know, near to lleras park