For many years, it was hard to find good quality coffee in one of the greatest coffee nation on earth. The best coffee was exported, while in Colombian cities people would drink generic store brands or take a shot of a strong, black coffee called a ‘tinto’.
Today, across the big cities, things are changing very quickly. Local and international coffee experts are growing the coffee culture in cities like Medellín, sharing their passion and showcasing some of the best coffee in the world. Today there are amazing cafés popping up all over Medellin that offer amazing food, a great atmosphere and some of the best coffee in the world.
In this article, I will look at the best cafes in Medellin to meet with friends, relax, work, and enjoy a great cup of Colombian café.
Pergamino Café
Poblado, Laureles, Envigado, Belen, Ciudad del Rio
Pergamino is always an excellent option and they now have locations across the city. Each location has a unique feel but the quality of the coffee, the stylish decor and reasonable prices are always consistently excellent.
They have carefully prepared cappuccinos, cold-brew sodas and lattes with good-quality beans and very good pricing. They also offer pastries and brunch options with cheesecake, almond croissants, avocado toast, quiche and egg dishes. You can also get really good fresh juices and specialty teas.
The wifi is good, but some locations have limited charging points. It can be a good place to work but you may need to arrive early to grab the best spot. Overall, an excellent option with great coffee, really good food and surprisingly reasonable pricing.
Rituales Compañía de Café
Cq. 6 #39b-22, Laureles
Rituales is a coffee company that works with local farmers in La Sierra neighbourhood to produce really high quality coffee. The agricultural project has made a big impact on the community in a neighbourhood high up in the hills of the city which for decades has been isolated and suffered with serious violence.
The social project is great and they produce some of the very best coffee you can find in Medellin.
They roast on-site with three types of bean: Pureza (traditional), Luz (fruity), and Paraíso (exotic). The Paraíso brew in particular is exceptionally good. The staff are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, always happy to advise and explain. In terms of food, they have a good selection with waffles, sandwiches, quiches, croissants and cakes. Prices are very reasonable given the quality of ingredients on offer.
Rituales café in Laureles is set over two stories with outdoor seating on the ground floor and a quiet space upstairs which is perfect for getting some work done. They have lots of tables, comfortable chairs, sofas and power outlets with wifi that is fast enough for most of what you need to do.
Hija Mía Coffee
El Poblado
Hija Mía is a small, bright café in Manila with lots of natural light and some simple, stylistic touches. It has a very comfortable, homely feel with friendly staff and really good coffee.
They offer A coffee blend called ‘rebelde’ which features Caturra and Bourbon beans from farms in the Huila department. It is some of the best coffee in the city and prices are very reasonable for Poblado. The food is good too, with avocado toast, granola bowls, omelettes, plus some sweet baked options. Smoothies are also very good and worth giving a try.
It is quite small and can fill up later in the day. If you are looking to work, then arrive early to grab a table. The internet is more than fast enough and there are plenty of plug sockets.
A really nice, charming café with good coffee and friendly staff located in Manila, one of the more relaxing parts of Poblado with a bit more of a local feel.
Café Revolución
Cra 73 #4-6, Laureles
Café Revolución is probably the place I choose most often when I want to get some work done in Laureles. I am a big fan of the cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, comfortable work space and the food options.
It is fairly small and they have a group of dedicated regulars. People arrive and will shake hands with regulars working at different tables. They will stroke the dog of the lady who works by the entrance, they will get a hug from the staff. It is one of those types of places; it just feels very comfortable.
They have a good range of juices and some very good coffee. The food options are good with a wide range of paninis, bagels, cakes, omelettes and breakfast options. Nice staff, good quality food, fair prices plus it is a great place to work and socialise. It isn’t overly fancy, but it just seems to get everything right.
While Semilla is a more spacious, polished, professional option, I usually opt for Café Revolución when I am in Laureles. I don’t know why exactly, it just feels more homely. This could be my choice for best cafe in Medellin.
Café Noir
Calle 8 #37a-41, El Poblado
Café Noir is the most high-end and elegant option on this list. It is upscale and elegant, inspired by French château aesthetics. It has a dark atmospheric interior with ornate stylings, plush seating and a brighter, more relaxed outdoor patio with a fire-pit and water features.
They have their own blend called Gypsy Vanner which is named after the horse bred by the gypsy people of the UK and Ireland. It comes form southwestern Antioquia is available in all of their brewing methods, including espresso, pour‑over, and French Press.
In terms of food and drink, they have some very high quality options with prices above average for the neighbourhood. They have sweet and savoury baked options such as cheesecake, macarons, brownies, breakfast sandwich and french toast. You can also enjoy lunch or brunch with options such as pizza, avocado toast and deviled eggs. They also have a very good cocktail menu.
They have comfortable seating, fast wifi, and plenty of power outlets. It can be a good place to work but, with the higher prices and elegance, I imagine for many it will be more appropriate for meetings, spending time with friends or an afternoon date.
If you are looking for real style and elegance, and you don’t mind paying for it, then this may be the best cafe in Medellin.
La Gatoria
Cra. 80C #33-84, Laureles
La Gatoria is a stylish, two-story house in Laureles filled with friendly, charming cats that offers delicious food and excellent coffee. It is a beautiful place which is great for relaxing as you observe and interact with the feline residents.
There is a great positive energy and a buzz about the place. The priority of the staff is to always provide a safe, comfortable environment for the cats. Many are rescues who have suffered medical problems and the owners really are careful to ensure they are looked after. They are all over the café, with some keen for your attention while others happy are happy to take everything in from a distance.
They have excellent vegetarian and vegan food with great coffees and juices. You need to make a booking in advance and there is a minimum spend per person. Visitors are not allowed to pick up the cats or give them food to make sure they are comfortable and their diet is well managed.
This is the best cafe in Medellin if you are a fan of cats but don’t expect to get much work done with the curious hosts climbing on the table to see what you are up to.
Semilla Café and Co-working
Cl. 39c #73-7, Laureles
On the ground floor Semilla is an open, comfortable, relaxing café with good food and coffee, while on the second floor there is a more focused co-working space. It is perfectly located overlooking the central Primer Parque in Laureles.
The café downstairs has hot and cold coffees, cold brew, coffee, tea, beer and a wide range of juices plus a good breakfast menu and sandwiches. Prices are generally reasonable, although a little steep by local standards if you are planning to visit regularly. They have large shared tables, booths and individual work spaces with lots of sunlight, wood and trees.
It is a comfortable open space which is good for focused work and productivity but it leaves me a little cold when compared to some other places. If I want to work effectively without distractions and enjoy some good coffee, it is definitely one of the best cafes in Medellin.
The second floor has offices and desks which can be rented monthly or daily. They also have conference and meeting rooms which can be booked. The WIFI is is around 15Mbps on the café floor, but is apparently 60–80 Mbps upstairs.
This could also be a good option if you want a comfortable and productive work space.
