On my recent trip to Bogota in March of 2024, I had the opportunity to do a menu tasting at LEO. Leo is ranked as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world and the best restaurant in Bogota! Before we go any further, would I revisit? Yes.
Rating: 7/10 (based off of service, overall aesthetic, and the creativity of the dishes)
This restaurant is owned by Chef Leonor Espinosa De La Ossa. She started this restaurant in 2007 and quickly gained international notoriety for her traditional and modern Bogota gastronomy and cuisine.
LEO’s menu speaks to Columbia’s biocultural heritage through native species, traditions and ecosystems. To say I was “wowed” is an understatement for sure. I’ll add that I’m always grateful for a fine dining experience! I’m financially in a place where I can enjoy them and that’s a blessing. Now, let’s get into this experience.
Aesthetics: 10/10
LEO sets the scene as a chic place as soon as you arrive at the restaurant. LEO blends into its brick surroundings only separating itself with a small light and placard for the name of the restaurant. You would not know that there’s a restaurant there at all. I’m not sure if that was intended, but honestly, I love that detail. It creates mystery and anticipation. As soon as you’re led inside it’s like stepping inside of Narnia! An entire world is just beyond the brick wall.
Once inside of Leo, I notice the most beautiful low lighting atmosphere. Not the low lighting that requires you to pull out the flashlight on your phone, but rather an intimate lighting that creates a relaxing ambiance. The furniture is simple, and adds to the non-fussy fixtures and ample space. As a bonus, there is a view into the kitchen where the chef herself was working! I was definitely fan-girling!
I also did a “loo review”. The design and decor of the bathroom in a highly rated restaurant is just as important to the experience as everything else in the restaurant. The bathroom in Leo was beautiful, simple in design and fit the overall aesthetic of the restaurant.
What is a menu tasting?
Now, for my friends that have never done a fine dining menu tasting here’s how it goes: usually your first tasting is brought right after the drinks are delivered. The camareros (waiters) will coordinate how how they deliver the plates to you; symmetry is king. Then they will explain to you what the meal is, its significance, and how to eat it. In between each plate, they will replace the silverware, refill your drink and check on you to see if you need anything.
This fine dining experience will not be your average experience at the Olive Garden. The length of time will be vastly different as well. You will need to plan at least 2.5 hours for this dinner. I was seated at 6:45 and did not leave until 9:30. Business attire is required, but where something comfortable. Menu tastings can range in prices, however, expect to pay a hefty amount.
Leo Bogota Review
Not soon after sitting, the gastronomical experience started.
I was promptly sat at the reserved table and immediately provided a menu for drinks. I rarely have a cocktail, and opted instead for a Diet Coke this round. However, my friend ordered a cocktail. Drinks took approximately 6 minutes to arrive to the table. Our first dish arrived about 10 minutes after that. The wait staff were not as coordinated with the presentation. I do love a fanfare when I’m doing a menu tasting. I like when the dishes are placed on the table with precision. However, I was told exactly how to eat the dishes and the wait staff was incredibly kind.
Below you will find the dishes that stood out to me in flavor, texture, and presentation.
I almost have no words for the sheer creativity that Leonor taps into to not only infuse amazing flavors into the dishes, but to also plate them so meticulously. The gastronomical journey through Bogota included unique ingredients, an abundance of textures, various temperatures, and different plating designs for each course. It was difficult to pick a favorite dish because each course was unique and tasty. However, the dessert portion of the meal was my favorite.
At the end of the tasting I was presented with a memento that described the regions from which the dishes had been inspired by. Little notes like this are highly treasured!
Leo is definitely a restaurant to visit if you’re ever in Bogota, Columbia. This culinary wonder is a giant in the industry and I expect nothing less but success in the future.
-jevaydanielle_
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