Café Bar Universal on Postcard

"Café Bar Universal sports a sophisticated Caribbean feel thanks to the sunlight that pours in and the potted palm trees that decorate this Chapinero restaurant beloved by locals. The menu is a combination of Mediterranean and Latin food, with especially strong crudo (raw fish dishes) and ceviche, as well as powerfully flavored vegetables and salads. Main courses include pastas, risottos, and dishes designed for sharing, such as a suckling lamb shoulder with hummus. Don’t miss the fried criolla potatoes (a Colombian variety) with parsley. Although there is a fixed menu, weekly specials are written up on a board, according to what’s available at the market." - Liliana López Sorzano

The 33 Best Restaurants in Bogotá, Colombia - Eater

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@marianavelasquezv

comfort food in a chic airy space

Bogota Drinks and Bites

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Alexander Garzón Díaz

Google

Overall a nice restaurant with tasty food. Nevertheless, we had a bad experience with the bill because they told us that their main dishes did not appear on the menu (because they changed every day). We ordered a couple of them but then in the bill we found out they were more than 100.000 COP each. We really had appreciated if they had mentioned that. We left with a feeling of being ripped off. They could also have a board with these dishes and their price. Also, the music was too loud, I had to shout all the time to have a conversation.

Gary

Google

So so delicious. Everytime I come through Bogota I make sure I reserve one evening at Bar Universal. A lovely Spanish wine, slow cooked lamb neck, and the wonderful ceviche to start. 😘

Lau Ber

Google

I couldn’t find for a better spot to have a nice dinner there. I’d definitely go back there again. Food and costumer service was excellent. Thank you to the waiter recommended such delicious plates.

Steve M

Google

Nice environment and ambience. Food was ok with good styles but taste didn’t impress. I had the tomato salad first and it was the best dish of the meal. The crudo was tasting a little fishy (prob due to mackerel?) and the seasoning was too much and salty for a crudo dish; texture was good though. Then I had the grilled prawns and it was good but not sure about the mayo sauce. The seafood pasta was too salty, and the noodles weren’t elastic but a bit “powder-y”. The cocktail (pacific dry) was okay. The non-alcoholic drink Jamaica was actually very delicious. As a seafood restaurant the seafood was the worst part of the meal unfortunately. Portion is on the smaller side so one may need 3-4 dishes.

Fabio Lopes

Google

This was our favourite restaurant in Bogotá! Amazing ambience, great decor (very young vibe and hip) and the food was absolutely divine! We tried a couple of dishes to share and they were all incredible. The same goes for their staff, super friendly and very helpful. We had the chance to see an artist playing in the premises and it was just charming. Would definitely return and will definitely recommend it to everyone.

James Sullivan

Google

We popped in here around 10PM on a Friday night and closed the place down. We got the hummus, ceviche, fish/tomatoes, and the chicken. Salt usage is high, enjoyed the food and service. Would go back again

Lucero Valentina Gomez Ochoa

Google

I am overdue on a review of this place. I found this place when I first moved to bogota and fell in love with the space, the ambiance and the food. Do make reservations, cocktail menu is amazing, customer service is always attentive and they complementary. What I most enjoy is that they have their classic dishes but always are offering other options based on the season. I miss it and can’t wait to go back, but I can also recommend their delivery menu which also provides that good service and eclectic options.

Stan Cherel

Google

Great atmosphere and decoration. The place is really catchy and comfortable. Food also was amazing. Must try sea food which is very fresh.

Alexander Garzón Díaz

Google

Overall a nice restaurant with tasty food. Nevertheless, we had a bad experience with the bill because they told us that their main dishes did not appear on the menu (because they changed every day). We ordered a couple of them but then in the bill we found out they were more than 100.000 COP each. We really had appreciated if they had mentioned that. We left with a feeling of being ripped off. They could also have a board with these dishes and their price. Also, the music was too loud, I had to shout all the time to have a conversation.

Gary

Google

So so delicious. Everytime I come through Bogota I make sure I reserve one evening at Bar Universal. A lovely Spanish wine, slow cooked lamb neck, and the wonderful ceviche to start. 😘

Lau Ber

Google

I couldn’t find for a better spot to have a nice dinner there. I’d definitely go back there again. Food and costumer service was excellent. Thank you to the waiter recommended such delicious plates.

Steve M

Google

Nice environment and ambience. Food was ok with good styles but taste didn’t impress. I had the tomato salad first and it was the best dish of the meal. The crudo was tasting a little fishy (prob due to mackerel?) and the seasoning was too much and salty for a crudo dish; texture was good though. Then I had the grilled prawns and it was good but not sure about the mayo sauce. The seafood pasta was too salty, and the noodles weren’t elastic but a bit “powder-y”. The cocktail (pacific dry) was okay. The non-alcoholic drink Jamaica was actually very delicious. As a seafood restaurant the seafood was the worst part of the meal unfortunately. Portion is on the smaller side so one may need 3-4 dishes.

Fabio Lopes

Google

This was our favourite restaurant in Bogotá! Amazing ambience, great decor (very young vibe and hip) and the food was absolutely divine! We tried a couple of dishes to share and they were all incredible. The same goes for their staff, super friendly and very helpful. We had the chance to see an artist playing in the premises and it was just charming. Would definitely return and will definitely recommend it to everyone.

James Sullivan

Google

We popped in here around 10PM on a Friday night and closed the place down. We got the hummus, ceviche, fish/tomatoes, and the chicken. Salt usage is high, enjoyed the food and service. Would go back again

Lucero Valentina Gomez Ochoa

Google

I am overdue on a review of this place. I found this place when I first moved to bogota and fell in love with the space, the ambiance and the food. Do make reservations, cocktail menu is amazing, customer service is always attentive and they complementary. What I most enjoy is that they have their classic dishes but always are offering other options based on the season. I miss it and can’t wait to go back, but I can also recommend their delivery menu which also provides that good service and eclectic options.

Stan Cherel

Google

Great atmosphere and decoration. The place is really catchy and comfortable. Food also was amazing. Must try sea food which is very fresh.

Café Bar Universal

Café Bar Universal

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