Where to Brunch in Medellín: Coffee, Cafés & Breakfast Guide with Map
This post is a work in progress! Over time I’ve been saving recommendations I’ve heard through word of mouth, WhatsApp groups, and my own brunch adventures around Medellín. I wanted a way to put them all in one place—so I created this map.
Whether you’re living in Medellín or just passing through, brunch here is an adventure. There are endless cafés and spots to try—from trendy Provenza to quiet corners in Laureles. This map is here to make that journey easier and help you explore what’s nearby.
Keep an open mind, be patient with the pace, and enjoy discovering your own favorites. I’ll keep updating this guide as I go, so check back often.
What This Post Isn't
If you’re looking for me to tell you “this is the best brunch in Medellín” … this isn’t that kind of list. Food is subjective! What I think is amazing, you might think is just okay—and vice versa. And even at some of the nicest restaurants in town, consistency can be hit or miss, and that changes all the time.
Instead, this is meant to be a resource. It’s here to help you see what’s available and decide for yourself what’s worth checking out, depending on your mood, location, or company. I would say that most of the brunch places I’ve been to are kid-friendly, including high chairs for the littlest humans. That said, you still need to do your own research to see if it’s a good fit for you and your family.
Local Favorites with Multiple Locations
Some chains are so popular they deserve a separate mention instead of cluttering the map because they are quite literally all over town (and a couple throughout Colombia):
- Al Alma: A cozy Medellín favorite with strong coffee and hearty breakfasts.
- Pergamino: A must for coffee lovers—great beans, great spaces, and several cafés around the city.
- Crepes & Waffles: Not just delicious crêpes and ice cream, but also a Colombian success story. They predominantly employ single mothers—many of whom are the primary breadwinners in their families—offering fair wages, health coverage, and long-term support.
Dining Culture Tips in Medellín
If you’re new to Colombia, a few things to note about dining out:
- Asking for the check: Servers won’t bring you the bill automatically. You’ll need to ask for it.
- Servicio (tip): Before they bring the bill, sometimes they’ll ask “Quieres incluir el servicio?” or if you’d like to include the “servicio,” which is a 10% tip.
- Check carefully: Always double-check the bill before paying—just a good habit here.
- Payment options: Most places accept cards, though some add a small fee. Cash is always welcome, and many spots also accept bank transfers or transferencias (usually through Bancolombia). Don’t be surprised if some places may charge you the service fee for credit card transactions. Sometimes that’s done to encourage payment in cash.
- Factura electrónica: The server may ask “Necesitas una factura electronica” or an electronic invoice. This matters for Colombian businesses and not for tourists. (If you’re hoping for a VAT refund, note it only applies to goods you take out of the country—not services like restaurants.)
- Voucher: If you’re paying with a card, they’ll ask you “Deseas el voucher?” which is the copy of the credit card transaction, not the receipt or “factura” of the restaurant bill.
How to Use the Map
The black circles with a fork and knife icon on the map are the brunch and café spots I’ve saved or that others have recommended.
- Don’t get confused by the other colored icons—those are standard Google Maps pins.
- At the top of the map, right next to the blue circle with an “S,” you’ll see an icon with a right-pointing arrow. Click that to open the map legend and see all the restaurants displayed.
- If you click on one of the black icons, you’ll find:
- Address
- Phone number
- Sometimes a website
- And the option to “View in Google Maps” for photos, reviews, and directions
I recommend starting by zooming in on your neighborhood and exploring what’s nearby. Most people in Medellín choose brunch spots by area first—since traffic here can change a casual outing into a full-day commitment.
Medellín Brunch + Cafés Interactive Map
Looking for more Medellín tips?
💻 If you’re on the hunt for cafés or coworking spaces around Medellín where you can settle in with your laptop, don’t miss this: Your Go-To Map for Medellín’s Top Coworking Spaces + Cafés.
👨👩👧👦 Exploring Medellín with kids & teens? Check out Things to Do in Medellín with Kids: Your Family Adventure Guide for fun ideas to keep the whole crew entertained.
MEET SARAH
Welcome! I’m Sarah. I started this blog to be a resource for others around a few of my favorite things: living in Colombia, DIY projects, places traveled, and day-to-day life. My hope is that it can a place of inspiration and encouragement to help you plan the next project or adventure of your own!
