Marantial del Mar

Description:

• This is my favorite place to eat in the city center. Among the loud, sometimes dingy hole-in-the wall establishments offering almuerzo corriente that characterize Medellín's city center, Marantial del Mar is a peaceful respite located in the courtyard of the Villa Nueva shopping center, just 2 blocks from Parque de Bolívar. The beautiful building housing the shopping center used to serve as a cloister, and tables are arranged around a working fountain. The hanging flowers and balconies overlooking the courtyard add a touch of charm and make you forget you're in Medellín's noisy, chaotic core. The restaurant is popular with business folks who work in the area and specializes in seafood, but also offers typical fare. For a good deal, ask for the COL$6,000 (US$3/£1.50) menú del día, which generally includes soup, fruit juice, rice, beans, avocado, plantains, and some sort of meat. If the restaurant fills up, try Los Monitos, just opposite Maratial del Mar, which offers typical and international fare.

• © Frommer's 2013