Where to Get the Best Italian Food in Medellin

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TLDR? Palazzeto D’Italia is my top pick for Italian food in Medellin.

Going out to dinner is a great plan in Medellin. There are tons of different restaurants scattered around the city for you to check out. 

Now, while I can get behind just about any type of meal (I mean, it’s food), my partner is a little bit obsessed with Italian food. 

As a result, we eat at a lot of Italian places. 

If you’re big into Italian meals too, buckle up. I’ve put together a list of my favorite Italian places around the city!

1.  Abbiocco by Carmen

Abbiocco by Carmen

Abbiocco by Carmen got its name from that feeling you get after you’ve eaten a great meal. I can see why, too, when you get a glimpse of the menu!

There are tons of great dishes to try at Abbiocco, although I personally love the seven cheese pizza. Forget the standard four cheese, Abbiocco takes it to the next level. 

Not only do they bring mouthwatering twists to classic pizzas (and other dishes), but they’ve also just got a great atmosphere. 

Whether your plan is to wine and dine someone or you just need a quiet date night with your special sweetheart, this place screams romantic. 

They’ve also got coffee, which is perfect for finishing off your meal with a satisfying palette cleanser. 

Website: https://marqueemedellin.com/es/restaurante/ 

Address: Cra. 38 #9A 13, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín

2.  Della Nonna Trattoria

Della Nonna Trattoria

Della Nonna brings the European country to a table in Medellin, with an Italian-born taff that knows how to make authentic Italian meals. 

With a 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor and competing for the top three spots on the Medellin Food Tour, the authentic Italian food prepared here will blow your mind.

On its menu, you can find all your favorite classic Italian dishes, which include:

  • Soups
  • Pizza
  • Carpaccios
  • Envoltinis
  • Pasta
  • Ravioli

That’s just the beginning of the list, too! 

In terms of what to eat, I’d recommend you try the house dishes, known as Della Nonna dishes. There are a couple so ask your waiter which one is being featured that night. 

To settle your stomach at the end, don’t forget to order the famous Cappuccino Della Nonna to end the culinary experience. It’s a super Italian cappuccino, meaning the coffee is strong and the milk is silky smooth.

You can find this restaurant in a few different parts of the city. The Laureles location is conveniently close for anyone staying in one of Casacol’s properties on that side of town!

Website: https://dellanonna.com.co/

Address: Mall del Este, Cra 25 #3-45, Local 193, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín Antioquia.

3.  IL Castello

IL Castello

If you’re looking for a place to go on a date, this is it. IL Castello is super elegant and has a candlelit atmosphere that gives you that oh-so-romantic vibe. 

In terms of what to eat, you’ve got to start off with a cheese platter. Although Colombia makes great cheese, you’ll immediately notice that your options are pretty much limited to mozzarella or queso campesino. 

For those of us who love a good brie once in a while, that can be a bit of a tragedy. 

Luckily, the cheese platters give you all the salamis and cold cuts you’ve been missing from back home. 

You can also go for the simple caprese or bruschetta. Both are excellent starters as well, particularly for those who aren’t as fussed on meats and salamis.

In terms of the main plates, I’d have to say the chef’s special gnocchi is divine. They’ve got an alfredo version which is super tender and creamy. 

The restaurant also has an excellent wine menu, so if you enjoy imbibing at dinner, you’ll definitely have a good time here. 

Website: https://ilcastello.co/

Address: Cra. 40 #10ª-02, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín Antioquia

4.  Ammazza Gin Garden

Ammazza Gin Garden

There are two main locations, one in snazzy Laureles and the other in popular Provenza. 

Even though Ammazza is a Gin Garden and focuses on cocktails, the meals here are delicious. They’ve got the standard salads and pasta, but they also have some incredible risottos. 

You can also try the entire Gin Garden, a line of cocktails prepared with different flavors that you’re not likely to find at any other bar or nightclub in the city

Ammazza runs some regular specials that are worth looking into, too. 

In the past, they’ve done pizza and soda pop deals that have you all set for watching the game at home!

Website: https://ammazza.com.co/

Address: Cra. 76 #73b – 39, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia.

5. Palazzeto D´italia

Palazzeto D´italia

This place claims it’s “the best in pasta,” which is a pretty big claim considering how many great pasta restaurants there are around Medellin. 

Originating from Italy itself, Palazzeto offers lasagna, salads, and, of course, pasta. The pasta options range from spaghetti to fettuccine and come in a wide range of different sauces.

The house specialty is actually lasagna, although they do a great penne too. Whichever you pick (or if you go for something else) I’m sure you’ll be satisfied. 

If you’re part of the green team, you’ll find a space on the menu especially for you. There are tons of tasty salads and vegetarian pasta that you can pick from. 

Speaking of salads, the menu actually has a section dedicated to light meals. For those of us who are trying to stay fit while visiting Medellin, this is a welcome treat. 

Website: https://www.elpalazzetto.com/index.php/carta

Address: Calle 54 #43 – 102, Caracas por, Cra. 45 #2 piso, Medellín, Antioquia

6.  Parmessano

Parmessano

With its over nine locations in Antioquia, I’d say it’s clear that this place is well-established throughout Medellín. Parmessano is a famous restaurant that doesn’t seem to be slowing down with its franchise growth anytime soon!

Parmesano has everything from breakfasts to pizzas to pasta, meaning that quite literally whatever it is you like, you’ll find something here. 

While they’ve got a wide range of foods for you to choose from, you’ve got to check out the Muy Parmessano line. These are basically the chef’s specials of the place, and there are some great meals. 

My personal pick would be the Ossobucco, a mean cut of meat marinated for 24 hours before being served on top of a rice risotto. However, you’re welcome to pick something else. 

If you’re trying to stay healthy, you can also opt for their light menu. The food is still great and it’s much better for those who are sticking to a diet. 

Website: https://www.parmessano.com.co/

Address: Cra. 43ª #150 La Strada, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín Antioquia.

7.  IL Forno

IL Forno

This restaurant is a favorite all over the country, not just in Medellin. In fact, it’s one of the best established Italian restaurants in different cities in Colombia!

While there are definitely some great meals at IL Forno, the American equivalent would probably be Olive Garden.

In other words, this is no Michelin star restaurant, but you can get some good meals at a cheap price. 

Among the restaurant’s recommendations, a few that I’ve tried and loved before include:

  • Shrimp Carbonara
  • Classic tomato soup
  • Lasagna Bolognese made with Chicken
  • Arequipe lava cake

One of the best things is that the restaurant allows you to build your own bowl. You can pick and choose your sauces and type of pasta to create something that satisfies your every craving. 

They’ve also got a full menu called “Veggi” for their veggie-loving diners.

IL Forno has multiple locations around the city. You’re more likely than not to find them in the malls, which makes them a great place to eat after a day of shopping. 

Website: https://ilforno.co/

Address: Cl. 39c #73-15, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín Antioquia

8.  Olivia Restaurant

Olivia Restaurant

Olivia is a simple and elegant place to dine if what you’re looking for is a stress-free dinner paired with some good company. This classy little spot is located in the Manila neighborhood

Olivia is definitely famous for its pizzas, although you could go for one of their pasta dishes. 

Personally, I’d recommend ordering a Hawaiian pizza and pairing it with a glass (or two) of white wine. 

The restaurant is just fancy enough that you can go there for a date but casual enough that you don’t need to get super dressed up to visit. 

Website: https://www.instagram.com/olivia_restaurante/?hl=es

Address: Cra. 42E #11a-31, Medellín, Manila, Medellín Antioquia.

Fill Your Mouth With the Best Italian Food in Medellín

Just writing this list has got my mouth watering. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and chow down on some tasty Italian meals in Medellin.

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