Los Kioskos - Colombian cuisine — Restaurant in Gulfport

Forgive me for being a mediocre, at best, photographer. This experience was quite fun and full of flavor, starting with our waters, which at Kioskos, are garnished with a lime and not a lemon like everywhere else in our slice of heaven. You don't really think much of a flavor profile difference unless you experience it for yourself.

Now, I chose this place after seeing it open a few months back and reviewing the menu and thinking to myself, "I've never been to Colombia, but what I am looking at sure has that authentic feel." And I am glad I gave it a shot.

I ordered a couple of their specialty drinks because I wanted to try as much as I can with my girlfriend so I can better understand and experience as many flavor profiles as I could. I ordered the average, which is an oaty, creamy, yet not overly sweet cold beverage. It felt smooth and milky to texture and was rather refreshing. The avena boasts a strong oat taste and a hint of cinnamon. My girlfriend ordered the coconut lemonade, which is quite unique in flavor. If you are expecting a strong and power sour lemonade with an abundance of sugar and some coconut sweetener, you'd be wrong. This is not your typical southern lemonade that momma made. This concoction is gonna boast a strong lime taste married nicely in coconut milk and garnished with shaved coconut. Much like the average, this was not too sweet and felt like all of the sugars were natural sugars found in whole ingredients. I could be wrong, but that's how it felt.

Our appetizer was the chicharrons. Which blew me back. Hot out the grease. You can really tell time and attention was given to this "simple" dish, but the preparation looked more complicated than originally appeared. The grease was clean, and the pork bellly was scored deep. Crunchy texture with soft and juicy protein. It came with an arepa and some home cut and crispy fries. It was served with an aoli that I didn't touch (I have a strong aversion to mayonnaise) and a peppery condiment that resembled a macerated pico de gallo with a splash of vinegar. I used some of my hoago sauce on it for added flavor. Think of hoago as a stewed tomato and onion profile with a hint of cream. Solid for sure.

After the appetizers came our entrees. The portions were insane. Big plate with big food. Simple as that. I receive the Bandeja Paisa, which is essentially a platter with a ribeye, fried egg, plantain, beans, half avocado, colombian sausage, and arepa over rice. The flavors were not in the last overwhelming. The ribeye was cooled to my desired doneness. The sausage felt like a flavored hot dog. Which sounds gross, but it really isn't. The seasonings inside the meat gave it a different profile. But be warned, you will get some hot dog notes. The beans had a good flavor, too. Everything else in the dish is what you'd expect. It's just natural flavor.

I can not recall the name of my girlfriends dish. But hers was much like mine, but with different proteins and in lieu of rice, she got lettuce and tomatoes.

After all of this good food, I could not bear to attempt desert. Which is a disappointment, but a fault of my own. I received my to go boxes, which were of a strong quality. And in my experience being in all facets of restaurants starting 24 years ago as a busser all the way up to a multivenue resort restaurant manager, I can tell you that if a business is not skimping on the to go wear, they are not skimping of quality ingredients.

Paying was easy. A receipt containing a QR code directed me to what I needed to do, and I was done. This experience with a tip included was $87. But please understand, my motives dining here were different. I came to experience as much as I could. The menu contains many lower price point options, which I know are solid trys.

My overall takeaway is this; while I've been to the slums of Panama, Costa Rica, and Brazil and enjoying their unique fares, I've never been toth mysterious lands of Colombia, but based on the menu, the whole ingredients, and the vibe I got from this place, I felt like I was there...

A Hidden Gem for Colombian Cuisine in Gulfport!

We came into Los Kioskos with very little experience in Colombian food—and left completely blown away. From the moment we saw the vibrant, colorful exterior of this cozy little shop, we had a feeling it would be special. Inside, we were greeted and served by one incredibly kind and attentive woman whose service far exceeded expectations.

To ease into the cuisine, we started with the Arepa con queso and the empanada sampler. Both were absolutely spectacular—so much so that choosing a favorite felt impossible. The arepa was a cheesy, corn-based delight, while the empanadas were perfectly crisp and packed with savory ground beef and rice. Honestly, either dish could’ve made a satisfying meal on its own.

Despite being nearly full, we couldn’t resist trying a couple entrées—and we’re so glad we did. The Cazeula de Frijoles with beef was rich and flavorful, with red beans and rice that quickly became a favorite. The Picada was a feast of fun textures and bold flavors, featuring juicy chorizo, a new-to-us rellena (a black bean sausage that was surprisingly delicious), and another fantastic arepa.

If Colombian food gets any better than this, we might have to start planning annual pilgrimages. Huge thanks to Los Kioskos for the exceptional food and heartfelt service. We’ll...

My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of enjoying brunch/late breakfast at Los Kioskos in Gulfport on Saturday, May 24, and it was an exceptional experience. From the moment we stepped in, we were welcomed by the warm and hospitable staff who made us feel right at home.

The ambiance is vibrant and inviting, featuring exposed brick, colorful tiles, and Latin music that transports you straight to Colombia. The attention to detail in the decor, including butterflies across the ceiling and a hanging, lit-up bicycle, adds to the unique charm of the place.

The menu offers a delightful array of authentic Colombian dishes. Each appetizer and main meal was perfectly crispy and flavorful. The portions were huge, too. They showcased the rich flavors of Colombian cuisine.

To complement our meals, we enjoyed refreshing beverages and excellent coffee!

The service was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring we had everything we needed. The passion for authentic Colombian cuisine is evident in every aspect of the restaurant.

If you're in Gulfport and looking for a culinary experience that combines delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a touch of Colombian culture, Los Kioskos is a must-visit. We will return if we find ourselves in...