Mini‑Mal Bogota Restaurant: Authentic Colombian Flavors & Design
March 27th, 2023 | by E.M.H | Posted in Food
Last Updated: March 2026
Among the various activities offered in Bogota Colombia, dining at the Mini-Mal restaurant is one of the most sought-after experiences by food enthusiasts. Mini-Mal is tucked away in a little neighborhood in the heart of Bogota and you wouldn’t even know it existed if it wasn’t for word of mouth. Mini-Mal offers a unique dining experience with its exquisite cuisine and eclectic interior design. This article will provide a brief analysis of the Mini-Mal restaurant, including its history, food/drink offerings and pricing. I absolutely loved dining at Mini-Mal and I think you will too!
Mini-Mal
History
Mini-Mal opened in 2001 and is the creation of Eduardo Martínez and Antonuela Ariza. Martínez, an agronomist by training, spent years working with communities on Colombia’s Pacific Coast before he had a vision: use food to tell the story of Colombia’s incredible biodiversity and support the artisanal fishermen, farmers and indigenous communities he worked with. What started as more of a social development project than a restaurant has become one of Bogota’s most celebrated dining experiences. The restaurant is tucked into a converted house in Chapinero Alto and has a warm, eclectic feel – colorful mismatched furniture, local crafts and a small boutique selling products from the communities Martínez works with. It’s been featured in international food guides and has helped put Colombia’s regional cuisine on the world map.
Food
The Mini-Mal restaurant has a small but diverse menu that offers a unique blend of Colombian and international cuisine. The menu is carefully crafted by Chef Martinez, who uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. The restaurant is known for its tasting menu, which includes a selection of dishes that represent the best of Colombian cuisine.
The menu at Mini-Mal changes seasonally and focuses on ingredients from Colombia’s most remote and biodiverse regions – the Pacific coast, Amazon jungle, Orinoquía plains and Andes mountains. Expect dishes like plantain fritters stuffed with crab simmered in coconut milk, fresh catch of the day from the Pacific in a lulo sauce, and Amazon-inspired desserts featuring exotic fruits most Colombians have never tasted. The menu is a revelation – each dish tells a story about a specific region, community and ecosystem.
Hours
Tuesday–Saturday 12pm–10pm | Sunday 12pm–5pm | Closed Monday and holidays
Address
Transversal 4bis #56A-52, Chapinero, Bogota
Phone
+57 601 3475464
Website
Pricing
Mini-Mal is known for its affordable prices, making it accessible to everyone, from locals to tourists. Meals typically cost between 80,000-120,000 COP per person ($20-30 USD), making it mid-range by Bogota standards but exceptional value for the quality. The restaurant also offers a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 Colombian pesos ($3-$8 USD). The restaurant’s affordable prices have made it a popular destination for food enthusiasts who want to experience the best of Colombian cuisine without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Mini-Mal serve?
Mini-Mal serves creative contemporary Colombian cuisine inspired by the country’s most biodiverse regions including the Pacific coast, Amazon, Orinoquía plains and Andes mountains. Chef Eduardo Martínez works directly with artisanal fishing and farming communities to source unique, seasonal ingredients rarely found elsewhere in Bogota.
What are Mini-Mal’s opening hours?
Mini-Mal is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 10pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Always confirm hours before visiting as they may change.
How much does it cost to eat at Mini-Mal?
A meal at Mini-Mal typically costs between 80,000-120,000 COP per person (approximately $20–30 USD), making it mid-range for Bogota. The quality and creativity of the food make it exceptional value for money.
Where is Mini-Mal located in Bogota?
Mini-Mal is located at Transversal 4bis #56A-52 in the Chapinero Alto neighborhood of Bogota. It is housed in a converted house and can be easy to miss – look for it near Parque Portugal in Chapinero.
Conclusion
The Mini-Mal restaurant in Bogota, Colombia offers a unique dining experience that combines eclectic design with exquisite cuisine. Chef Martinez has crafted a menu that represents the best of Colombian and international cuisine, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s affordable prices make it accessible to everyone, and it has become a popular destination for food enthusiasts from around the world. If you’re visiting Bogota, the Mini-Mal restaurant is a must-visit destination for a unique and memorable dining experience.
Don’t miss the nearby Museo del Oro and Monserrate for a full day in the city.
Tags: BogotaColombiaFoodTourism
E.M.H
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