When I got to San Carlos I was eager to try out the restaurants. There were lots of great options, but it was a hard to know where to look at first. Thanks to recommendations from friends, I was able to scope out some of the best eats in town. The following is a list, in no particular order, of must-try restaurants in San Carlos.

1. Paisano

Paisano is a hidden gem, situated just around the corner from el parque (San Carlos’ central square). This eatery serves up authentic Colombian fare in a chic interior. I tried the Patacones Pantagoras: fried plantains topped with carne desmechada (like pulled pork), tomato slices, and melted cheese, paired with a salad of lettuce, sweet corn, tomato, and pepper. I inhaled the meal in a matter of minutes.

Paisano keeps you coming back for more. Last week I went with a group of fellow students and had an aborrajado, gooey cheese wrapped in fried plantain, and the arepa rellena tropical, filled with carne desmechada, bacon, and pineapple. A few nights later I got their classic burger and shared an order of salchipapas with a friend. 

A quick aside–salchipapas are french fries and slices of sausage with a slathering of melted cheese: in other words, a gift from the gods to humanity. You can find them pretty much anywhere in San Carlos. My favorite place to get salchipapas is at the tents that serve street food in el parque. They get the melty cheese just right.

Since I typically eat vegetarian, having all these meals within a week wreaked havoc on my gastrointestinal system. But as they say, valió la pena (it was worth it).

Paisano is a must-try. Even one of Spanish Adventure’s most discerning food critics deemed Paisano’s food “rico.” 

2. Tijuana Tex-Mex

Colorful, cozy Tijuana is a San Carlos classic. This restaurant sits right in the center of town, so it is hard to miss. Grab a seat by the balcony to take in lush treetops and do some people-watching. 

Tijuana really does have comida para todos; they can make anything on the menu vegetarian. My favorite dish is the vegetarian burrito or “burro.” The delicately fried tortilla is stuffed with mushrooms, veggies, and refried beans and topped with pico de gallo and guacamole. Pieces of pineapple in the filling make this burrito pop. I recommend asking for homemade hot sauce to go with. This richly flavored meal will leave you satisfied for the evening.

Tijuana also offers a variety of beverages. After cleaning your plate, you might want to order a round of tequila shots to start your night! Though if you are looking for drinks at a great price, head right across the square to Atípico Bar. Atípico’s menu features a long list of shots, all for about $1.50 USD, and delicious cocktails. My favorite is a Brazilian drink called Caipiriña.

3. BurgerWings

Find BurgerWings next door to Tijuana. I heard this place praised several times, so I knew I had to give it a try. BurgerWings is known for their wings and the sauces that accompany them: spicy sauce, BBQ, and parmesan, to name a few. I had four delicious wings, french fries, and a soda for just $2.50. Get your food to go or enjoy it at your leisure in a hip atmosphere. They have comfy benches to lounge on and Reggaeton playing overhead. What’s not to love!

4. Mango Biche

Mango Biche is a Colombian snack of unripe mango with lime and salt. It is also San Carlos’s only Cevicheria that I am aware of so far. Mango Biche has an absolutely charming atmosphere, complete with string lights and eclectic furniture. I ordered mango juice and traditional ceviche. Much as I love the empanadas and salchipapas ubiquitous in San Carlos, fresh mango, lime, tomato, and shrimp were a wonderful change of pace. The ceviche had a delicious tang and a hint of sweetness. I appreciated its elegant presentation in a cocktail glass. Another meal to try is the ceviche paisa, one of the restaurant’s own inventions. Later at night the restaurant turns into a bar.

Mango Biche is a quick moto ride from the center of town, and it is entirely worth the trip.

5. Montealma

Now this may seem biased, but Spanish Adventure’s own restaurant, Montealma, really is the best of the best! Chef Joan samples from world cuisines to create stellar dinners: tacos, risotto, wings, you name it. Montealma has a vegetarian option for every dish. There has not been a meal that I have not loved. Montealma only serves the school, so come on over for a visit and enjoy this exceptional food!

While these restaurants stand out for their fun atmospheres and unique flavors, there are tons more spots in San Carlos worth exploring. If you want to get a better sense of the local cuisine, many places serve home-style meals like sancocho and bandeja paisa. I had bandeja paisa with a refreshing glass of lemonade at Restaurante Las Delicias. You can find similar places around most street corners. San Carlos’ restaurants reflect a broader theme of this energetic town. One finds unexpected wonders at every turn.