La Cafetiere de Anita — Restaurant in Medellín

As the name suggests, La Cafetiere de Anita is the realization of a dream—one that has been meticulously and masterfully executed. We’ve dined at French restaurants across Western Europe and the Americas, and if there’s one truth about French cuisine, it’s that it behaves like an enigmatic muse—demanding precision, care, and a deep understanding of its temperament. Get it wrong, and it’s merciless. Get it right, and it’s revelatory.

This kitchen got it right three times. Every. Single. Time.

Delicate fish is handled with the gentlest of touches when finesse is required, yet given the bold, confident treatment it deserves when a dish calls for it. The sauces—neither overbearing nor timid—are composed with the kind of balance that comes only from experience and intuition. Salads, often overlooked, are elevated to their rightful place as essential elements of a great French meal—fresh, nuanced, and, in the case of the warm blue cheese salad with walnuts and cape gooseberry dressing, downright unforgettable. This was, quite literally, one of the best salads I’ve had in over 50 years of traveling and dining.

And the wine list? Thoughtful, well-curated, and perfectly suited to complement the food without pretense.

But La Cafetiere de Anita is more than just an exceptional French kitchen—it’s a complete experience. The space is a rare find: a French restaurant with contemporary elegance, where design is considered rather than an afterthought. Service is that ideal balance of warmth and professionalism—friendly without breaking the spell of proper French dining. And, crucially, it’s a place where conversation is not a battle against the din. Here, you can actually speak to your dining companion like a civilized human being, no need to raise your voice or strain to hear. (Can you tell I’m not a fan of loud restaurants?)

At the heart of it all is Anita herself. This is no absentee owner relying on past glories—she’s here, present, and engaged. Across three visits, we’ve seen her make her way through the dining room, personally thanking guests, answering questions, and exuding the kind of graciousness that makes regulars out of first-time diners. She is not just admired—she is clearly loved.

Now, let’s talk value. A restaurant of this caliber—one that executes flawlessly across food, service, ambiance, and hospitality—would easily command $150+ per person in many cities, including an entry-level bottle of wine. Here, however, the experience feels like an indulgent secret rather than a splurge.

La Cafetiere de Anita delivers at the highest level without requiring financial acrobatics to enjoy it.

A short hop from Provenza, but absolutely worth the journey.

FULL DISCLOSURE: If you've read any of my reviews—particularly on Yelp—you know that I’m a former chairman of the board and advisor to one of the United States' largest restaurant associations. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know countless people in the industry, both across the U.S. and internationally. That said, I have no connection to Anita or her staff, nor have I ever accepted any form of compensation, favor, or quid pro quo in exchange for writing this review. My opinions are...

The service was honestly disappointing — even by local standards. The staff seemed to walk around like they didn’t notice us at all. My steak came out overcooked, and it took about 20 minutes before anyone came by to check on us. When I explained the issue and asked for another steak to go, the waitress took it back, but after waiting another 25–30 minutes, they brought the bill without the replacement steak.

The food itself is usually excellent — the chef normally does a great job — but tonight the service really missed the mark. Hopefully, this was just an off night because the quality of the food deserves...

I congratulate the chef, after 25 years in business la Cafetiere de Anita still produces excellent 5 star dishes. It was delicious and I will definitely be back. Best Pecan pie in town and in the...