Guide to the best restaurants in Villa de Leyva
In this guide we give you a tour of the best restaurants in Villa de Leyva according to the rating provided by hundreds of our guests of Houses in Villa de Leyva. With this guide we seek to facilitate your decision of the restaurants you should visit while you are in the most magical town of Colombia.
1. Del Carajo Peruvian Restaurant
Category: Peruvian Food / Signature Food
Del Carajo Restaurant offers a direct journey to the most authentic flavors of Peru. Led by its Peruvian chef, this cozy place was awarded Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice 2024 award and has a rating of 4.8 out of 222 reviews. It has won the hearts of locals and tourists thanks to its seasoning, the quality of its ingredients and the abundance of its dishes.
Its menu is a tribute to Peruvian cuisine. You can't miss the classic Peruvian ceviche, fresh and with the perfect touch of lemon, or the exquisite noodles in aji amarillo with seafood.
With a family atmosphere and a warm service that makes you feel at home, Del Carajo is a must for those who want to enjoy an authentic Peruvian meal, delicious, generous and faithful to tradition.
2. Korean Food
Category: Asian Food / Signature food
Just 10 minutes from Villa de Leyva, located in a rural setting is Comida Coreana, a restaurant that promises an authentic and different culinary experience. This restaurant, located near the Gondava Dinosaur Park and the Ostrich Park, is theideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the authentic flavors of Korean cuisine. Behind this project is its talented chef Kim, originally from Korea, who together with her partner -Camilo-, have created a space where quality, flavor and authenticity come together to offer high quality food.
This restaurant's menu includes a variety of options for all tastes. Among the favorites are breaded pork, bulgogi -beef-, and rice pasta with seafood.
Hours and days of service. Korean Food is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 12:30 to 5:00pm.
3. Amore Mio
Category: Italian food
Located in one of the most picturesque and peaceful areas of Villa de Leyva, just one block from the beautiful Ricaurte Park, Amore Mio is the perfect restaurant for those looking for authentic Italian food. This charming place combines traditional flavors, a cozy atmosphere and fair prices, making every visit an unforgettable experience.
At Amore Mio, pasta is the true heart of the menu. Prepared with traditional Italian recipes and using fresh, quality ingredients, each dish is a direct trip to the country of the boot. From creamy carbonara to aromatic pesto, the flavors of Italy are in every bite.
Compared to other Italian restaurants in Villa de Leyva, Amore Mio stands out for offering a value for money that is hard to match. Enjoying a delicious and authentic meal does not have to be expensive, and this restaurant proves it in every dish.
Hours and days of service. Amore mio operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
4. Coyote
Category: Mexican food
Coyote is a restaurant that brings to Villa de Leyva the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine. This cozy but intimate space is ideal for those looking to enjoy traditional Mexican dishes, prepared with passion and dedication by a chef originally from Mexico City.
Coyote distinguishes itself by offering a genuinely Mexican culinary experience. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, transporting diners to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Menu favorites include chilaquiles and tacos, prepared with a variety of delicious fillings that represent the diverse flavors of this rich cuisine. In addition to the food, Coyote is known for its aguas frescas, traditional Mexican beverages that combine natural fruits, herbs and spices, perfect to accompany each dish and refresh at any time of the day.
Hours and days of service. Coyote operates from Wednesday to Sunday and holidays, from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
5. The Divine
Category: Hamburgers / Fast Food
El Divino stands out for offering delicious hamburgers, made with the best quality products. This country restaurant is located approximately 7 minutes from the main square, and offers its guests a cozy space, where good music is the protagonist and where the whole family can find a good time making use of recreational facilities such as a ping pong table, frog game, playground, bouncy castle and lots of nature. On Sundays, El Divino offers its guests a delicious sancocho made with firewood.
6. Gypsy Soul
Category: Spanish Food
Just two blocks from the Plaza Mayor, Alma Gitana transports diners to an authentic corner of Spain. With an exceptional 4.8-star rating from more than 163 Google reviews, this place is a gem known for its authenticity. It is run directly by its owners, a warm Spanish couple who, according to visitors, make everyone feel at home with their hospitality and attention to detail. The menu is a faithful reflection of Iberian gastronomy, and the reviews confirm this. Not to be missed are the traditional garlic shrimp and the iconic patatas bravas. As a main course, the paella is the star, acclaimed for its authentic flavor. To close, the Basque cheesecake is consistently described as an unforgettable delight. The ambience is enriched by live music, a detail that diners remark on for creating a magical and festive atmosphere. Alma Gitana is not just a dinner, it is a memorable experience full of flavor, music and a human warmth that invites you to return.
7. Fifth Izakaya
Category: Asian food
Located in the historic Casa Quintero, right in front of Villa de Leyva's Plaza Mayor, Quinto Izakaya offers a sophisticated immersion in Asian gastronomy. Diners constantly highlight its "magical" and "cozy" atmosphere, ideal for a special dinner. Attention is another of its strong points, described as "impeccable" and "friendly", ensuring a pleasant experience from start to finish. The menu is a celebration of Asian flavors. Its sushi, acclaimed for its freshness and presentation, is a must for lovers of Japanese cuisine. Another star dish is the Korean chicken bao, consistently praised for its explosive flavor and perfect texture. In addition, many visitors recommend its delicious cocktails, the ideal complement to the meal. Quinto Izakaya is not just a restaurant, it is a culinary destination. If you are looking for a different gastronomic proposal, with dishes executed to perfection and a charming atmosphere in the heart of Villa de Leyva, this is undoubtedly your best option.
8. Mercé
Category: Haute Cuisine / Regional Food
Located in the heart of Villa de Leyva, Mercé restaurant stands as a culinary reference that fuses haute cuisine with the traditional recipes of the Cundinamarca-Boyacá region. Located in a carefully restored colonial house over 200 years old, this restaurant offers its visitors a unique gastronomic experience.
The restaurant's culinary proposal stands out for its commitment to fresh and quality ingredients, guaranteeing dishes that delight the palate and honor the gastronomic richness of the region.
Mercé's menu is a celebration of Cundinamarca-Boyacán cuisine, offering from breakfasts such as "casuela boyacense" to main courses such as beef cheek stew in wine or pork neck.
For those seeking a culinary experience that combines the sophistication of haute cuisine with the authenticity of regional recipes in a charming historic setting, Mercé Restaurant is a must-visit in Villa de Leyva.
9. Leyva Paella
Category: Spanish Food
Paella de Leyva has established itself as a gastronomic reference in the region. This restaurant offers a culinary experience that transports diners to Spain, standing out for its authentic Valencian paella, which has been internationally recognized.
In September 2024, Paella de Leyva won third place in the prestigious International Valencian Paella Competition of Sueca, held in Valencia, Spain. This recognition positions the restaurant as one of the best in the world in the preparation of this emblematic dish.
In addition to its famous paella, the menu includes a variety of signature tapas, including papas bravas, renowned for their exceptional flavor. To accompany these dishes, the house sangria is a popular choice among visitors, perfectly complementing the dining experience.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is unparalleled, located in the middle of the mountains of Villa de Leyva, offering a natural environment and panoramic views that enrich the visit. On weekends, Paella de Leyva delights its diners with live Spanish music shows, creating an atmosphere that evokes the essence of Spain.
Hours and days of service. Paella de Leyva operates from Thursday to Sunday and holidays, from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and it is recommended to make reservations in advance to guarantee availability.
10. The Tomatino
Category: Mediterranean Food
Nestled in the Centro Comercial El Ático, one of the most charming passages of Villa de Leyva, El Tomatino is more than a restaurant; it is an institution with more than 25 years of history. Diners describe it as a "magical" and "cozy" place, where the warmth of its fireplace creates the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening. Its reputation as a classic of the village precedes it, being an obligatory stop for those looking for a gastronomic experience with tradition. Its gastronomic proposal focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes that have endured in the taste of visitors for years. The tomato soup is, without a doubt, its signature dish, unanimously acclaimed for its unparalleled flavor. Other gems on the menu include the spectacular lomo al trapo, the tender suckling pig and the classic pesto pasta. El Tomatino not only offers delicious food, but also an atmosphere full of history and warmth. If you are looking for a taste that has defined Villa de Leyva's culinary scene for decades, in a picturesque setting and with dishes that comfort the soul, this is the place for you.
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Villa de Leyva: A colonial treasure in the heart of Colombia
Villa de Leyva, located in the department of Boyacá, is one of the most iconic destinations in Colombia. Just 3 hours from Bogotá (165 kilometers) and 60 minutes from Tunja (38 kilometers), this magical town transports its visitors to the past with its Spanish colonial architecture, perfectly preserved since its founding in 1572.
Known as one of the main tourist attractions in Colombia, Villa de Leyva combines its architectural beauty with a vibrant cultural agenda and an exceptional gastronomic offer. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in Boyacá, as well as activities for all tastes.
Unmissable activities in Villa de Leyva
Stay in Villa de Leyva
Make your visit unforgettable by staying in one of our exclusive Vacation Rental Homes. Live an authentic and comfortable experience as you fall in love with this wonderful destination. Discover Villa de Leyva and let yourself be captivated by its magic. Plan your trip now and create memories that will last forever!
Foundation
Villa de Leyva was founded on June 12, 1572, by order of Andrés Díaz Venero de Leyva, the first president of the Royal Audience of Santa Fe.
Climate
The average temperature in Villa de Leyva is 18 degrees Celsius. The days are warm, reaching temperatures of 23 degrees, and the nights are cool with temperatures as low as 13 degrees.
Transportation
The Bogotá – Villa de Leyva highway is in good condition. Visitors can arrive in their own car or on the many buses that depart from the northern terminal of Bogotá.
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