Nov 21, 2024
Restaurante Leo (Bogota, Colombia)
- Edna Kallon
- Mar 1, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 7, 2021
A Colombian friend of a friend recommended Restaurante Leo (Leo from now on) while we were having drinks at Mandinga Rum Bar on January 31, 2020. When I arrived home later that night, ready to make an online reservation, I quickly realized that I needed to pause. For two days, I wavered between deciding whether to blow my food budget on a memorable meal or whether to commit to my budget. Well, I stayed true to the food budget and utilized funds from my monthly splurge bucket instead. Since it was the start of the new month, I made a reservation and crossed my fingers that Leo would live up to its acclaim. What do you think the outcome was? Continue reading to find out.
On February 3, at 1:00, I arrived at Leo, located in a quiet side street in the business district. The black and white signage was small with a clean, minimalist logo.
Once I stepped into the restaurant, I left Bogota and embarked on an unforgettable journey sampling dishes with ingredients from different ecosystems in Colombia.
Colombia is the second most biodiversity country globally, housing 10% of the planet's biodiversity. Leo did a phenomenal job giving me a small taste of the ingredients specific to some of the country's different regions. From the crushed Big Ass Ants found in the Montane forest to the Andean region's yuca leaves, I had flavors that made me close my eyes and moan a bit.
I had the tasting menu paired with non-alcoholic beverages, and everything tasted amazing! I had an 11-course meal instead of the typical 12, after my shellfish allergy adjustments.
Every dish was curated to stimulate all senses.
The restaurant's plate, bowl, and cup were artistically stunning. Each dish and drink tasted wonderfully different. Scroll through the photos below to see all the dishes and beverage pairings.
I ended my journey with Colombian coffee. When I looked at my watch. it was 4:00 pm. I will forever remember Leo as the best 2 hours and 30 minutes culinary journey I have ever embarked on.
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