Visiting Bogotá on client business? Here’s where to take your contacts
This week, we’re eating in the Colombian capital of Bogotá – home to great coffee and some of the most mouth-watering menus in South America.
David Bogotá’s Juan Pablo Garcia talks us through the city’s best spots for coffee and dinner / Unsplash
Latin America has been an area of perennial focus for advertising groups looking to head off competition in emerging markets and bring international brands to the middle class of Brazil, Colombia and Argentina.
Colombia has been a particular target. S4 and Publicis Groupe have acquired shops there in recent years, while WPP agency David has had an office since 2021. It’s on our radar, too – so we went to the latter agency to discover their best tips for food and drink in the city.
“We’re lucky enough to have good coffee in every corner in Bogota. But the best place to go would be Tropicalia,” says Juan Pablo Garcia, the managing director of creative agency David.
The café offers a range of coffees sourced directly from farmers nationwide – and a decent spot for a working brunch or laptop morning.
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“They have the expertise about how to prepare the coffee in different ways, but it’s not fancy at all – it’s a super chill, open place and one of the best spots for working in downtown Bogotá.”
For a sit-down lunch, Garcia recommends Mesa Franca, a restaurant that offers a ‘frank’ flavourful menu with ceviche, steak and fish options.
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“It explores local tastes, local ingredients. The chef used to work in Central, which is one of the best restaurants in Peru. He’s taken that experience and combined it with local ingredients. “Nothing fancy at all. Super well balanced in terms of value for money,” he says.
For dinner or drinks, Garcia suggests El Chato. “You can hear the best Colombian songs, you can taste the best Colombian liquors and of course, there’s the food as well.”
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The small plates selection includes northern and southern Colombian cuisine, plus a full set menu. “You can try whatever you want,” says Garcia.