Alquimista Café Restaurante Sports bar — Restaurant in Medellín

As it was our first night in Medellin, we thought we would take it easy and have dinner in the Energy Living complex, in which we will be residing for a few days; what a DISASTER!!! A simple misunderstanding about the menu, turned into a full blown drama, and before we knew it, we were surrounded by gun bearing security, some waiter called Cristian(?) who just stood there staring at us - as if we were some kind of spectacle - actually laughing as he kept on watching, and a completely incompetent manager, who clearly doesn't know what he's doing (+little did he know, that we were both high end restaurant managers, in London). We had to change our bill several times, as there were so many mistakes on it - the whole experience turning into a complete nightmare!!! We actually felt threatened, and all of this...over some side dishes & a portion of mayonnaise!!! Still, as I am composing this, I am finding it all hard to believe. The likes of Farid and another colleague of his (both of which are amazing employees) tried to rescue the situation, but there was no salvaging. This constitutes the worst introduction to Colombia I could have possibly imagined, as it's our first time here. Utterly incredulous indeed, nevermind...

During my stay in Medellín, I had the pleasure of visiting Alquimista several times for both breakfast and dinner, and each visit was a delightful experience. The food offerings are diverse and incredibly tasty, catering to a variety of palates. From traditional Colombian dishes to international flavors, there’s something for everyone. The staff members are friendly and attentive, always ready to assist and ensure a pleasant dining experience.

One standout feature is the coffee – it’s absolutely delicious! Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply enjoy a good cup, you won’t be disappointed. Additionally, their selection of alcoholic beverages is extensive and impressive, featuring both local favorites and imported delights. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, they have you covered.

Overall, Alquimista is more than just a restaurant – it’s a culinary haven where flavors blend harmoniously, service shines brightly, and guests are treated to a memorable dining journey. I highly recommend stopping by during your time in Medellín; you won’t be...

Horribly disappointing. I went here on a weeknight where the guests consisted of me at the bar and a separate table of three people. In other words, the restaurant was practically empty.

I ordered a couple of cocktails and the salmon plate. Ten minutes later, I hear the cook ring the serving bell. Five minutes go by. I hear it again. Now I realize that with the other table already served, this is my food that's waiting. Another five minutes, ding. Another five minutes. Finally after half an hour my food arrives. And it's cold. I sent it back to warm it up.

The food and cocktails were not inherently bad, though reheated food is never as good as fresh. But the management is a different story. The servers have all the time in the world to goof around, tickling each other and telling jokes. Yet no one is available to serve, even on a night when the servers literally outnumber the guests. This place isn't cheap, either.

I was staying locally for a couple of weeks and this was going to be my hangout, but I...