Leo Cocina y Cava - Bogotá

Went with a couple of friends on 3 chef's recommendation. Had originally planned to go to El Cielo but was told not to and given this as the first choice. I have to say, I was not disappointed. Beautiful interior and lovely food. I cannot fault any of it. Highly recommended. If 3 chefs of competing restaurants in the same city are telling you it's good, no other recommendation is needed!

We worked our way through the tasting menu that featured ingredients from all parts of the country. It was a gustatory excursion, a travelogue by taste. Knowledgeable waiter, excellent preparation, artfully presented. Altogether a fine meal. I would recommend the tasting menu for any adventurous and appreciative eater.

Chef is renown for visiting various small villages in Colombia and bringing the recipes/dishes and indigenous ingredients into an upscale environment. Our starters included mussels in a coconut sauce, grilled octopus in a local fruit, and a squash based soup. Mains included Corvina in a lemon grass sauce, oxtails, and suckling goat. The goat was the second best we have ever had in the world after Cesar in Piedmont. Nice modern setting and service to match. Very nice wine list.

Our first dinner in Bogota and we could not have made a better choice. Chef Leo incorporated ingredients that to us visitors are very foreign, especially those from the Pacific region. The menu itself has a glossary in Spanish explaining the different ingredients. Eating hormigas culonas (ants with big backside?) from the Santander region is unforgettable. I also got hooked on titote (coconut paste). A lesson in gastronomy and Spanish language.

While many of the ingredients are purposefully unfamiliar, my husband loved every bite. I stuck with recognizable items cleaned my plate! If you're looking for something unique and delicious, this is the place for you. Great service and ambiance.