Whatever type of cuisine you’re craving, there’s probably a restaurant somewhere in Medellin that can satisfy your culinary desires. You can find everything from popular fast-food chains like Subway, McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza to local mom and pop eateries and fine-dining restaurants.

Although I have eaten at countless restaurants around Medellin, very few have won me over as a loyal customer. Here are three restaurants whose consistently delicious and reasonably priced food keeps me going back for more.

MU (Good Fukin Ribs) – A meat lovers paradise

“It would be easy to cook a big menu badly. Plenty of restaurants do that. We do just one dish well” ~ Simon the owner

Good Fuckin Ribs

Although there is no correct way to eat an empanada, many locals squeeze a few drops of lime juice or pour a scoop of Machetico’s spicy homemade salsa to add a bit more oomph to the already tasty treats.

The ribs are sold in two sizes – A plate of about 6 big ribs for $17.50USD or an even bigger plate with about 8 ribs for $22.50USD. The ribs are served with adequate stack of home-style chips (fries) and a free appetizer – nachos with guacamole and three tasty salsas. The large plate can easily feed two or three people, so don’t let the price deter you.

If you’re craving a finger licking good meal, head to Mu where there’s only one thing on the menu – Good Fukin Ribs! That’s actually the restaurant’s slogan ‘Fukin Good Ribs’.

The tastefully furnished restaurant is run by a lighthearted Englishman Simon and his wife Elizabeth who cook, serve and mingle with many a satisfied customer. Walls are decorated with large colourful Cuban paintings that Simon has accumulated over years of travel to the Caribbean island. After its Fukin Good Ribs, MU’s most popular menu item happens to be its refreshing mojitos made to specification to taste like mojitos sold in the streets of Cuba ($6USD).

Inside MU

The ribs are sold in two sizes – A plate of about 6 big ribs for $17.50USD or an even bigger plate with about 8 ribs for $22.50USD. The ribs are served with adequate stack of home-style chips (fries) and a free appetizer – nachos with guacamole and three tasty salsas. The large plate can easily feed two or three people, so don’t let the price deter you.

Simon grills up some Good Fuckin Ribs

MU is open from Thursday to Saturday (6pm – midnight) but the busiest time is between 8-10pm. On some nights ribs can be completely sold out by 10pm, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Empanadas El Machetico – A Local Favourite

Ask just about anyone in Medellin where you can find the best empanadas in town and they will probably direct you to a place called ‘El Machetico’. El Machetico is where taxi drivers, school children, partygoers, lawyers, and even the homeless stop by for a quick meal. It may be a well-kept secret to foreigners but it is well known name to local paisas.

Outside Machetico

The unassuming little eatery has been in business for over 25 years serving crispy golden empanadas ($0.60 USD). The original and most popular empanadas are made from yellow corn flour filled with ground beef, potatoes and seasonings, then tossed into a sizzling deep fryer. There are seven other deep-fried delicacies including the Papa Rellena (stuffed potato) and the Palo de Queso (cheese stick).

Original Empanada from El Machetico

Although there is no correct way to eat an empanada, many locals squeeze a few drops of lime juice or pour a scoop of Machetico’s spicy homemade salsa to add a bit more oomph to the already tasty treats.

24 FoodMart – A healthy alternative

Looking for an affordable yet healthy meal in Medellin’s Poblado area? 24 FoodMart in Parque Lleras is a great option if you want a break from the typical deep-fried Colombian dishes.

24 FoodMart

Comfortable leather lounge chairs and an inviting shrub-lined patio make 24 FoodMart a perfect place to grab lunch and spend some quality people watching time. At first glance it may seem like just another trendy cocktail bar in the park, but don’t be deceived by the decor and jazzy lounge music, there’s also a broad food menu. Although beers and spirits are served, 24 offers a delicious suitably-priced menu that includes soups, salads, smoothies, sandwiches, deserts and more.

Every plate on the menu looks fresh and appetizing, so choosing just one can be quite a challenge. Melina, the restaurant’s friendly manager suggests trying the signature Ensalada Mexicana ($5.50 USD), a garden salad topped with chunks of flavorful grilled chicken and real bacon bits, served in an edible tortilla bowl.

Ensalada Mexicana

Another popular option for lunch is the Menu del Día, a balanced meal which typically includes a salad, rice or potatoes, a choice of meat, and a glass of natural fruit juice ($4USD). In my opinion, if you are on a budget, Menus will give you the best food for the best price.

Menu del Día