Best Breakfast Medellín - Amazing Colombian and International Breakfast Venues
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite breakfast spots in the city to help you start your day off right.
This guide is divided into two sections: Colombian Breakfast in Medellin and International Breakfast in Medellin, so you can easily explore the options that suit your tastes.
Click the buttons below to jump straight to your preferred section, or read on to discover our top picks. Let’s dig in!
Best Colombian Breakfast Restaurants in Medellín are:
1. La Matriarca
When in Medellin, you can’t miss trying Calentado Paisa, one of the region’s most typical breakfasts.
Found all over the country, this Colombian dish varies from region to region but always retains its essence: leftovers sautéed with rice and fresh herbs.
Calentado Paisa combines rice and beans sautéed with chicharrón (Colombia’s iconic crispy pork belly).
If you’re looking to try this breakfast at its finest, La Matriarca is the place to go.
This popular Colombian restaurant is famous for its chicharrón specialty, and on weekends, starting at 8 a.m., it welcomes numerous hungry diners eager to enjoy its signature Calentado Matriarca.
The dish includes rice, its famous chicharrón (crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside), chorizo, fried egg, and an arepa with typical Colombian cheese.
A delicious and flavorful combination!
Additionally, La Matriarca also features on our list of the best chicharrones in Medellin and in our article on the best Colombian restaurants in Medellin.
2. Leños y Carbón
With multiple locations in Medellin and Bogota, Leños y Carbón is a go-to restaurant for authentic local cuisine and a variety of grilled meats. Like our breakfast recommendation above, this popular restaurant also offers Calentado Paisa on its menu.
However, only the Arkadia location opens early enough to cater to breakfast lovers.
On Sundays, this location opens even earlier, at 9:00 a.m., making it perfect for enjoying a special breakfast, something many locals love to enjoy on Sundays.
Leños y Carbón’s Calentado Paisa (25,900 COP) stands out for its rich flavors and the unique addition of plantain chips, which add a delicious hint of sweetness to this tasty dish.
Leños y Carbón also appears in our guide to the best Colombian restaurants in Medellín, and their Calentado Paisa earns a well-deserved place in our article on what to eat in Medellín, highlighting this iconic dish from the Antioquia region.
3. Hacienda
Hacienda is one of my favorite Colombian restaurants, offering a wide variety of traditional dishes at fair prices and excellent quality.
Their menu includes five authentic Colombian breakfast options, including the standout Sánduche de Morillo.
This dish includes two waffles covered in cream cheese, topped with avocado and a savory beef stew known as Morillo.
A traditional delicacy from the coastal regions of Colombia, Morillo offers a refreshing alternative to the typical breakfast options we have previously recommended.
Other delicious breakfast options include:
- Calentado Hacienda (21,900 COP)
- Migas de Arepa (16,900 COP)
- Tostado de Chicharrón y Pandeyuca (23,900 COP)
- Huevitos Campesinos (16,900 COP)
Hacienda has also earned its place in our guide to the best restaurants in Medellin, thanks to its impeccable quality and authentic flavors.
If you are looking for the true taste of Colombia, you cannot miss Hacienda!
4. Los Chamos Arepas Venezolanas
Although this cozy restaurant specializes in Venezuelan cuisine, its breakfast offerings are surprisingly similar to traditional Colombian fare.
One of its most popular options is the Desayuno Criollo (15,000 COP), a hearty and flavorful breakfast that keeps visitors coming back for more.
The Desayuno Criollo includes a generous portion of shredded beef, beans, rice, plantains, and cheese, all topped with a perfect fried egg. It’s about as authentic and satisfying as breakfast gets, and offers a true taste of the region.
Of course, many customers also visit Los Chamos Arepas Venezolanas for its famous arepas, which are not to be missed.
This restaurant also appears in our guide to the best arepas in Medellin, where it receives high praise for its delicious offerings and authentic flavors.
Best International Breakfast Restaurants in Medellín are:
5. Mar Y Fuego
Mar Y Fuego has made its way into several of our food articles for a reason, and it’s not just about lunch or dinner—this spot is also a fantastic choice for breakfast and brunch.
The restaurant serves up creative fusion dishes you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Some breakfast options take classic Colombian flavors and give them a unique twist, while others are inspired by international favorites, all executed to perfection.
Here’s a glimpse of what Mar Y Fuego brings to the breakfast table:
- Torta de Chocolo (29.900 COP) – A baked corn cake topped with a rich cheese sauce, melted Momposino cheese, crispy bacon, creamy eggs, and fresh sprouts.
- Tostada de Salmón (38.900 COP) – Sourdough drenched in cheese sauce, layered with avocado, smoked salmon, wine-infused asparagus, citrus supremes, mesclun, and toasted walnuts.
- Tostada de Atún (37.900 COP) – Sourdough topped with Philadelphia cheese, fresh tuna, avocado, kimchi mayo, and a sesame-lemon reduction.
- Tostada Francesa Especial (29.900 COP) – A decadent and comforting French toast drizzled with honey, topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and a hint of lemon zest.
- Torticas de Chocolo (23.900 COP) – A special take on the traditional Chocolo Arepa, made with sweet corn and fried coastal cheese.
While there are plenty of other great options on the menu, these five dishes give you a solid idea of what makes Mar Y Fuego stand out.
But beyond the food, what really makes this place special is its outstanding service and inviting atmosphere—all at surprisingly reasonable prices.
I’ve visited Mar Y Fuego multiple times on different occasions, and not once have I been disappointed, whether in terms of food or ambiance.
My advice? Go see for yourself!
6. Pergamino
Pergamino is one of the most popular coffee shops in Medellin, with several branches spread throughout the city.
While many people come here for their exceptional coffee and a productive work session, Pergamino also offers an impressive selection of breakfast options to start the day.
From sweet pancakes to savory breakfast waffles, their menu caters to a variety of tastes.
There are also classic egg dishes and lighter options like breakfast bowls.
Personally, I find their tostadas to be a reliable choice.
These light yet satisfying toasts are topped with fresh and flavorful ingredients like avocado, mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and poached eggs.
Prices typically range from 25,000-30,000 COP per dish.
Among the many Pergamino branches in Medellin, the Laureles branch is my favorite.
Its charming interior garden creates a unique and relaxing atmosphere.
Keep in mind, however, that Pergamino is extremely popular, especially on weekends before noon. It’s not uncommon to find a line during these peak times.
Pro tip: Visit Pergamino on weekdays or during off-peak hours to avoid the wait.
Whether you’re craving a hearty international breakfast or just want to enjoy one of the best coffees in Medellin, Pergamino is a fantastic option that won’t disappoint.
7. Mundoverde
While there are similarities between the previously recommended area and this place, it is the differences that make Mundoverde stand out.
Firstly, Mundoverde is a full restaurant, unlike Pergamino, which operates more like a coffee shop, attracting those who want to get some work done while enjoying their coffee.
Mundoverde’s menu is also more extensive and offers a wider range of dishes.
While both places serve delicious toast and waffles, Mundoverde has the added advantage of a separate breakfast and regular menu.
This means you will have more options to choose from, especially if you visit later in the morning when the kitchen is fully open.
Another notable difference is the service.
At Mundoverde, the service is impeccable, while many of Pergamino’s branches operate on a self-service basis.
In terms of pricing, expect to pay between 25,000 and 35,000 COP per plate.
I have visited Mundoverde many times, particularly after my Sunday morning runs in Poblado when the roads were closed.
My favorites include the turkey bagel, fresh fruit bowl, savory bacon egg waffles, and salmon toast.
As far as coffee goes, Pergamino is the best, as coffee is their specialty.
That said, Mundoverde also offers some great options, making it a great choice for those looking for a varied international breakfast menu.
8. Le Brunch
Le Brunch is a trendy and stylish brunch spot with multiple locations across the city.
Its menu offers a delightful variety of breakfast favorites, including pancakes, toast, waffles, egg dishes, muffins, bagels, and full breakfast platters.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic avocado toast or an indulgent eggs benedict bagel, you’ll find all the brunch staples you crave here.
To complement your meal, Le Brunch serves an array of refreshing beverages.
Instead of settling for a regular coffee, try their signature Pink Latte for a unique twist. And since this is a brunch venue, you’ll also find a tempting selection of cocktails, from Mimosas to Espresso Martinis, perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Expect to spend around 30,000 to 35,000 COP for a satisfying breakfast.
There are two standout dishes that I highly recommend.
First, the Shakshuka (35,700 COP)—a flavorful North African and Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
The sauce, infused with onions, garlic, bell peppers, cumin, paprika, and chili powder, delivers a bold and slightly spicy kick, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy robust flavors.
Another must-try is the Papas Rotas (35,000 COP)—a comforting dish of rustic potatoes served with egg, coastal cheese, and fragrant herbs, offering a satisfying balance of crispy textures and rich flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a relaxed brunch with friends, Le Brunch is a fantastic spot to indulge in delicious food and vibrant drinks.
With its trendy ambiance and well-crafted menu, it’s an experience well worth adding to your food list.
9. Santa Leña
Santa Leña is one of the most popular breakfast spots in Medellin, known for its rapid expansion with pop-up restaurants in major shopping malls.
You can even find their signature, yet frozen croissants in supermarkets like Euro, ready to bake in your own oven.
When it comes to breakfast in Medellin, Santa Leña has earned a reputation as a true institution.
Its extensive menu includes a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast treats.
While many customers stop by just to pick up freshly baked bread, on weekends the restaurants fill up with people craving a hearty Western-style breakfast.
A standout recommendation is the Huevos con Guiso Criollo (17,900 COP), a delicious combination of French toast and egg.
For sandwich lovers, the Serrano Ham Sandwich (30,900 COP) and Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich (26,900 COP) are very popular options.
With such a varied menu, Santa Leña offers something delicious for every palate.
Looking for more food inspiration?
Have a look at our most extensive food article with all sorts of restaurant recommendations in Medellín. From there, you can also navigate to specific