What to Eat in Guatapé: Local Food Guide
Guatapé sits on the shore of a freshwater reservoir in the heart of Antioquia, which means the local food blends mountain classics with lake fish. Eating well here is easy if you know what to order.
This guide covers the dishes you should not miss, from grilled trout pulled out of the lake that morning to bandeja paisa, the iconic plate of the region. Plus a few sweet stops you will thank yourself for.
The dish to order in Guatapé is trout from the reservoir, usually served al ajillo or in a garlic cream sauce with patacón and salad, for around 30,000 to 45,000 Colombian pesos. Bandeja paisa is the regional heavyweight and sits better at lunch. If you want the fruit side of Antioquia, the Guatape Town & Peñol Rock & Exotic Fruit Tasting | Private Tour adds a tasting of local fruit from $140, rated 5.0 with 92 reviews over about 8 hours. Prices are estimates.
- Signature dish: reservoir trout, about 30,000 to 45,000 COP
- Included on this tour: a guided tasting of Antioquia fruit
- For whom: travellers who want more than a lunch stop
- Restaurants on the malecón fill from 13:00, arrive by 12:30
- Carry cash, many small kitchens still do not take cards
Includes a tasting of Colombian fruits most visitors have never seen, alongside the rock and the town.
Check availability →Estimated "from" price, confirm on the operator site.
Trout, the local star
The reservoir is full of trout farms and almost every restaurant on the lake side serves it grilled, in garlic sauce, a la plancha or breaded. The fish arrives whole, lightly seasoned and very fresh.
Pair it with patacones, white rice and a small green salad. A portion runs around 35,000 to 50,000 COP and is one of the best meal value moments of the trip.
Book this tour: Guatape Town & Peñol Rock & Exotic Fruit Tasting | →
Bandeja paisa, the regional icon
Bandeja paisa is the meat lover platter of Antioquia, beans, rice, ground beef, fried egg, plantain, avocado, chorizo and a piece of pork rind on a single tray. It is huge, share it.
Several restaurants on Plaza del Zócalo serve a solid version. Expect 30,000 to 45,000 COP and bring your appetite, this is not a delicate snack.
Quick bites in the streets
Empanadas filled with potato and meat, arepas with cheese, mazorca with butter and salt, fresh fruit cups, all served from carts around the main plaza. Two or three of these make a fine lunch for under 25,000 COP.
A morning chocolate caliente with a slice of cheese is a paisa breakfast tradition that you should at least try once during the trip.
Sweets and coffee
The dulces de leche and bocadillos in the corner shops near the church are made nearby and travel well as gifts. Try the dulces de papayuela and arequipe.
Coffee in Guatapé is good but not amazing. For a top espresso climb to one of the small specialty cafés near the malecón, where they serve beans roasted in the Eje Cafetero just south.
Eating in Guatapé is informal, generous and ridiculously cheap by international standards. Order trout once, bandeja paisa once, snack from carts the rest of the time and you will leave full and happy.
Frequently asked questions
What food is Guatapé known for?
Trout from the reservoir is the local speciality, grilled or in garlic sauce. Bandeja paisa, arepas with cheese and fresh fruit juices complete the standard table.
How much does lunch cost in Guatapé?
A main dish with a drink runs around 30,000 to 50,000 Colombian pesos in the town centre. Menú del día at a family kitchen can be closer to 20,000.
Where do locals eat in Guatapé?
Away from the malecón terraces, on the streets behind the main square, where menú del día boards are handwritten and portions are larger for less money.
Are there vegetarian options in Guatapé?
Yes, though they are not always on the menu. Ask for arepa de choclo with cheese, patacón with guacamole or a soup made without meat stock.
Ready to plan? Browse our Pueblo Guatapé tours.