Atlanta’s Colombian restaurant community is deeply rooted in the city’s large Colombian-American population, concentrated in areas including Buford Highway, Chamblee, Doraville, and Duluth. Colombian cuisine is hearty, generous, and varied, drawing on regional traditions from the Andean highlands, the coastal Caribbean and Pacific regions, and the Amazonian interior to produce a culinary landscape far more diverse than the bandeja paisa that most people associate with the country. Atlanta’s Colombian restaurants range from long-established family operations that have served the community for decades to newer street food concepts introducing Colombian flavors to a broader audience. The city’s appetite for Latin American food continues to grow, making Colombian cuisine an increasingly visible part of Atlanta’s dining landscape.
When evaluating a Colombian restaurant in Atlanta, look for establishments that make their own arepas, empanadas, and hogao (tomato and onion sauce) from scratch, as these are foundational to authentic Colombian cooking. Bandeja paisa, the iconic Antioquia-region platter of beans, rice, chicharron, arepa, avocado, and various meats, is a reliable benchmark for completeness and portion generosity. Family-run operations that have been serving Atlanta’s Colombian community for years typically offer better authenticity than newer chain-style establishments. Red flags include menus that conflate Colombian and generic Latin American dishes without regional specificity.
Top Colombian Restaurant Companies in Atlanta
1. Casa Vieja Colombian Restaurant
Address: 3652 Shallowford Rd NE, Doraville, GA 30340
Phone: (770) 454-8557
Website: https://www.casaviejacolombiarestaurant.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM-6 PM, Friday-Sunday 11 AM-7 PM
Services:
- Traditional Colombian bandeja paisa
- Colombian soups and sancochos
- Arepas and empanadas made in-house
- Colombian breakfast dishes
- Catering for events and gatherings
About: Casa Vieja is one of Atlanta’s longest-established Colombian restaurants, with roots in the community dating to the early 1980s when it operated under the name Las Americas before being renamed Casa Vieja in 2001. This family-owned operation has served Atlanta’s Colombian diaspora for over four decades, building a loyal multigenerational customer base in the Doraville and Buford Highway corridor. The restaurant is known for generous portions of authentic Colombian cooking prepared with family recipes that have remained consistent throughout its history. Its proximity to MARTA’s Doraville station and free parking make it accessible to a wide range of Atlanta diners.
2. La Casona Colombian Restaurant
Address: 3820 Stewart Rd, Atlanta, GA 30340
Phone: (770) 458-6657
Services:
- Traditional Colombian entrees and platters
- Homestyle Colombian cooking
- Lunch and dinner service
- Takeout available
- Family-style portions
About: La Casona Colombian Restaurant serves traditional Colombian home cooking from its location in the Atlanta metro, focusing on the hearty and satisfying preparations that define everyday Colombian family meals. The restaurant has earned positive reviews from the local Colombian community for its consistent preparation of comfort dishes and its commitment to generous portions at accessible prices. La Casona represents the neighborhood restaurant model that serves as the backbone of Atlanta’s Colombian dining scene, prioritizing community over spectacle. The restaurant is a reliable destination for diners seeking authentic Colombian flavors in a casual, welcoming setting.
3. Papin’s Bites
Address: 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (706) 980-3937
Website: https://www.papinsbites.com
Services:
- Colombian street food and small plates
- Arepas with various toppings and fillings
- Empanadas and salgadinhos
- Colombian beverages
- Catering and delivery services
About: Papin’s Bites brings Colombian street food to Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood, offering a more casual and accessible entry point into Colombian cuisine compared to the full-service restaurant format. The concept focuses on the vibrant street food tradition that is central to Colombian daily life, particularly the arepa and empanada culture that spans every region of the country. The Chattahoochee Avenue location places Papin’s within a rapidly developing Westside corridor alongside other artisan food and beverage concepts. Delivery service extends the restaurant’s reach across a broader Atlanta area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most popular Colombian dishes to try in Atlanta?
A: Bandeja paisa is the most iconic Colombian dish, a massive platter originating from the Antioquia region that includes red beans, white rice, chicharron, ground beef, chorizo, fried egg, plantain, and an arepa. Ajiaco, a thick soup made with three types of potatoes, chicken, guasca herb, and cream, is a Bogota specialty worth seeking out. Colombian empanadas filled with potatoes and meat are a beloved street food. Patacones, twice-fried green plantain discs, accompany many dishes and can also be served as a snack with hogao sauce.
Q: What does a meal at a Colombian restaurant in Atlanta typically cost?
A: At casual and family-run Colombian restaurants in Atlanta, most main plates run $14-$22 with generous portions. Bandeja paisa platters, given their scope, are typically $18-$26. Street food items like arepas and empanadas are usually $3-$8 each. Colombian restaurants along the Buford Highway corridor and in Doraville generally price at the affordable end of the dining spectrum, making them excellent value. Catering and large-order pricing varies by establishment.
Q: What should I know about dining at Colombian restaurants in Atlanta?
A: Colombian restaurants in Atlanta are typically welcoming to non-Spanish-speaking guests, and most menus include English descriptions or staff who can explain dishes. Colombian meals tend to be substantial, so portions are filling and takeout is common. Many Colombian establishments focus on lunch service and may close earlier in the evening than standard restaurants. Calling ahead to confirm hours is advisable, particularly for smaller family-run operations.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s Colombian restaurant scene reflects the city’s large and long-established Colombian-American community, from the four-decade legacy of Casa Vieja in Doraville to the neighborhood consistency of La Casona and the street food focus of Papin’s Bites on the Westside. Each of these restaurants brings authentic Colombian character to the Atlanta table through family recipes, traditional preparations, and community-oriented service. Contact them directly for current hours, specials, and catering availability.