Although most people want to try Colombian food when they come to Medellin, that’s far from the only types of meals you can get in this city.
In fact, Medellin has some of the most diverse food options in South America.
While you can get pretty much anything your heart desires, for those who love Italian meals, you’ve got to check out Abbiocco by Carmen.
Keep reading and find out everything you need to know about Abbiocco by Carmen, a high-class Italian restaurant located in one of the most luxurious hotels in Medellín.
Getting to Abbiocco by Carmen
Abbiocco by Carmen is located in the heart of Parque Lleras, on the first floor of the Marquee hotel. The Marquee happens to be one of the best hotels in the city and was actually the set for reggaetón star J Balvin’s music video El Poblado.
The hotel’s central location makes it easy to get to. There are a few different ways to arrive, which we’ve outlined for you below.
Arriving by Metro
To get to Abbiocco by Metro, just get on from any station, take Line A heading south, and get off at the Poblado station. There, you can take a bus from the integrated route system to Parque Lleras. Or, if you prefer, you can walk.
The exact amount of time it will take you to get to the restaurant depends on where you’re coming from. From Laureles, for example, it can take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. However, if you’re already in the Poblado area, you’re likely able to cut that down by as much as half.
Arriving by Private Car
Lots of visitors to Medellin choose to rent a car. Renting a vehicle is a fast, easy way to get around the city. And, with ample parking even in the center, you shouldn’t have a problem making your way around Medellin in your own car.
Abbiocco has some dedicated parking in the next-door mayor’s office. Otherwise, you can park in the larger lot about half a block from the Marquee.
Alternatively, you can book a driver service. This is probably your best bet if you’re nervous about driving in another country or don’t have an international license.
Other Transportation Options
Aside from the metro, you can also arrive at Abbiocco by bus. There are a number of different nearby stops, so it’ll make it a short walk to get there.
However, by far the easiest way to get to Abbiocco by Carmen is to simply stay at the Marquee Hotel. Not only are the rooms fantastic, but you can head up to the rooftop or down to the jazz bar after you’ve finished your meal at Abbiocco.
The Idea Behind Abbiocco by Carmen
Okay, enough about transportation—let’s get to the point.
Abbiocco’s food promises an explosion of flavors that combines the best of Colombian ingredients, creating Italian dishes.
The whole idea behind the restaurant, in other words, is to use Colombian ingredients and flavors to add to and inspire Italian dishes.
Abbiocco obtains all the ingredients of its preparations from small suppliers, supporting artisan fishermen and farmers and guaranteeing the highest quality products given its selected ingredients.
All the fish and shellfish in this place are obtained from suppliers that use traditional and responsible fishing methods from the coastal communities of Colombia.
By eating here, you’re not just supporting a fantastic restaurant; you’re also supporting hardworking communities and ethical sourcing here in Colombia.
What’s on the Menu
Abbiocco splits its menu into four main sections:
- From the Garden: salads, varieties of vegetables, and vegetarian pizzas
- From the Sea: Italian-style fish and seafood
- From the Land: beef and pork, pasta, meat pizzas, or a Colombian-Italian cheese board.
- Sweet: desserts and finishers
You can order cocktails, wines, and liquor to accompany these dishes. Or, of course, there’s always water, sodas, and juices. Finish off with one of the many types of coffee as a way to settle your stomach!
On top of the dinner and lunch menu, special breakfast meals are available for those staying at the hotel. Just like the dinner and lunch courses, all these foods are prepared using wholesome Colombian ingredients.
The breakfast menu is quite different from the dinner menu, with things like granola, yogurt, fruit, or croissants. Just make sure to pair whatever you order with a tasty mimosa. It’s the perfect way to wake you up and get you ready for the day ahead.
What We Recommend
We know that it can be tough to make a decision about what to order at Abbiocco. After all, with a menu as mouthwatering as theirs, it can be hard to order just one thing.
If you’re on the fence, there are a few critically acclaimed dishes that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of pallets.
Here are a few of our top recommendations:
- Pez Bianco: catch of the day poached & encrusted in Pecorino Romano & walnuts, leek risotto, seafood consommé.
- Porchetta: slow-roasted pork bacon porchetta, accompanied with arracacha, garlic fermented honey, citrus & oregano salad.
- Honeycomb: two rolls of local honey crisp with caved aged, creamy Potê cheese and Andean cloud forest blueberries.
- Blu Lagoon Cocktail: lime-infused Havana Club rum, green chartreuse, coconut falernum, orange & lime
Of course, anything is good. But, these are a few fan favorites that are sure to please the crowd no matter what you’re looking for.
Abbiocco: A Must Visit
Abbiocco is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once. Even though it’s an Italian restaurant, all the ingredients are local, and the dishes combine Colombian flavors with classic Italian recipes.
Even if you’re just in the city for a short visit, we’d say this place should still be at the top of your list.
And, if you’re looking for other great restaurants? Be sure to check out our other posts. We’ve done tons of reviews on restaurants and bars around the city that you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Medellín.
