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Sometimes when seem like it could be a very bad and costly mistake turns out just fine. On our way into town from The Plantation House, we spotted an upscale looking place and since we were very hungry we decided to give it a try. It was fairly crowded but it almost looked like a tour bus was what was filling it up. It was certainly a nice looking place and we decided to go for a splurge meal our first day in the Zona Cafetera. The trip was winding down and we hadn't done anything out of our budget since Cartagena. It was cozy despite its size and the waiters treated us like kings despite not being dressed like royalty. There were candles lit on all full tables, a nice touch during the day.
Favorite Dish: Since it was not cheap, we just ordered one meal, a few appetizers and a soup. As it turned out, this was more than enough and we were quite hungry on arrival. Trucha or trout is a Salento specialty so we got Trucha Gratinada which found the fish covered with melted cheese and tons of mushrooms in the sauce. It was a very big portion (350 grams in fact!) and we were glad we hadn't ordered two of them! The crème de Trucha was a tasty soup and filling as it was in a cream sauce. The arepas were nicely toasted and came with a nice salsa. There was also a crunchy yellow thing made of either yucca or corn which was a nice way to start the meal and was brought out for free.
All of the food was quite good and in ample portions. As with many such upscale places, a tip and tax are added to your bill so it was not a super budget option. That said, for 35,000 COP ($17.50) including two fruit juices, it was a great meal in a very nice atmospheric restaurant. We didn't go again but if in town, I wouldn't hesitate to eat there again.
Written Dec 12, 2010
Address: Calle 6 N. 5-60
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Salento is a good place to sample trucha (pink trout) that is famous for the area. With the river running right by the town and the freshest ingredients used, you can't really go wrong with that. Restaurante Andrea was recommended by Rosmira, the owner of Las Palmas guest house where I was staying. It's a simple little place, with wooden tables and benches, very quiet during the week. The restaurant is located on Calle Real, the main street, and you can observe life passing by while waiting for the food. I dined here the evening of my arrival and since then I came back every evening during my 4-day stay in Salento.
Favorite Dish: Restaurante Andrea has delicious oven baked (or grilled) trout dishes served with huge fried patacón (fried plantain), rice and salad on the side. On the menu you find trout prepared on twelve ways. First evening I had it a la plancha (grilled) and then each time I tried it prepared on different way, al ajillo (cooked with garlic), Hawayana (with pineaple and cheese) and with orange, from the simple version to the most sophisticated taste. The trout was nicely soft, sweet and the most delicious I ever tasted!!
For a drink I had each time different juice, lemon, pineapple, mango or papaya. It was freshly made and served in a huge jug, and oh, yummy!!
Updated Oct 26, 2009
Address: Calle Real
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Arepas are found in several countries of northern South America. They are soft, flat breads made of corn, and can either be filled like a sandwich or just eaten hot with butter. In Colombia arepa has deep roots in the colonial farms and the cuisine of the indigenous people. They are usually eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Arepas are sold throughout Colombia and there are many ways to prepare them.
Favorite Dish: I especially liked arepa de queso, a cheesy version of traditional arepa. My favourite Colombian breakfast includes an arepa with traditional Colombian hot chocolate or coffee. I was quite lucky and did not need to walk far for it. The neighbour woman of Las Palmas made them every morning in front of her house. I could even ask from the window and she brought it to me (it was just across the street). In the meantime dona Rosmira prepared hot chocolate or coffee for our breakfast.
Written Apr 9, 2009
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I asked for a nice place to have comida corriente (a cheap set lunch menu) and was recommended Rincon de Lucy. The restaurant is situated on Calle Real, one block from the main plaza, towards the steps.
I got a juice and a soup and a big plate with meat, rice, potato, platano and salad. The lunch was good and it was 5000 pesos (July 2008).
Written Dec 4, 2008
Address: Calle Real
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Balcones de Ayer is a restaurant half a block down from the main plaza. As I arrived a big party was just leaving and it looked like most of them had eaten trout. I decided not to have trout again but had meat, rice, French fries, salad and a mango juice. It tasted good and it was 17 900 pesos (July 2008). Tax and tip was included in the price on the receipt.
Balcones de Ayer also have got accommodation.
Written Dec 3, 2008
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The day I arrived in Salento it was a Public Holiday and there had been many visitors in the town. Around the plaza there were a lot of food stalls where you could eat trout. Trout is a speciality in Salento and the fish comes from the nearby rivers. The food stalls around the plaza were not there the next day, but you can eat trout probably in every restaurant in town.
I had trout with shrimps. It was served with a big and very thin fried platano. I also bought a bottle of water. For those things I paid 15 000 pesos (July 2008).
Written Dec 3, 2008
Address: Around the main plaza
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At the weekend, food stalls are set up around the main square, all serving pretty much the same thing! Trout and trout.
Favorite Dish: It's all trout served on a patacon with rice, but a variety of sauces mean you could eat this for a week and it's different each time.
Written May 4, 2008
Address: in the main square
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On weekends in Salento the main plaza is transformed into a night market with make-shift restaurants. Most serve variations of rainbow trout. For a few dollars you can have a fantastic trout meal. Even during the week there are a number of restaurants throughout the town that specialize in preparing trout.
Favorite Dish: Trout
Written Mar 25, 2008
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