There’s an old adage that you don’t order steak at a seafood restaurant (or did I get that backwards…?). However, exceptions to every rule exist. When my friends suggested we visit a cevicheria while in Bogotá, I couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Being fairly easy to please, I went along for the ride, confident I’d find something appealing on the menu.
Our destination? Central Cevicheria, located at Cra. 13 #14, Bogotá, Colombia. Although it was technically within walking distance of our hotel, we opted for a taxi.
As expected, the menu had a heavy focus on ceviche but offered a variety of seafood options. My companions delighted in shrimp dishes and lobster, most of them trying and loving the ceviche. For those less inclined towards seafood, the menu didn’t disappoint. My eyes were drawn to the Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian dish I had enjoyed during a trip to Peru. It’s a delightful combination of potato, onion, tomato, and beef in a flavorful broth. Priced at 36,900 Colombian Pesos (about twelve dollars), it was quite reasonable. Served with a side of rice, though the hearty potatoes and beef left me too full to touch it, this dish was flavorful and satisfying. I’d definitely order it again.
To complement my meal, I started with a non-alcoholic drink, mango biche, akin to a mango smoothie, for 6,900 COP (about two dollars). Following that, I enjoyed a couple of Club Colombia beers, priced at 7,000 COP each (just over two dollars). For those who prefer imported beers, Stella and Corona were also available. All in all, I enjoyed a great meal, a refreshing drink, and a couple of beers for about twenty dollars. Not bad for a night out.
If you’re looking for a good spot for ceviche, you’ll have to rely on the word of my friends, as I don’t eat it. But they seemed thrilled with their selections at Central Cevicheria. As someone who doesn’t typically eat seafood, I’ve been to many restaurants that offer little for non-seafood eaters. Here, I was pleasantly surprised. The Lomo Saltado was on point, and the price was right. Alongside a delicious, affordable meal, the service was excellent. While not as fancy as some other places we visited in Bogotá, the food at Central Cevicheria was superb.
The accompanying photos are sourced from Central Cevicheria’s website, with the Lomo Saltado photograph being my own.
Visiting Central Cevicheria was a delightful experience, one that I’d recommend to both seafood lovers and those who prefer land-based dishes. If you find yourself in Bogotá, give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dish.