Finding the Best “Menu del Día” in Laureles: A Local’s Guide

If you want to eat like a true Paisa, forget the high-end tourist restaurants for a moment and seek out the culinary heart of Medellin: the “Menu del Dia.” This is not a trendy food-hall concept; this is the traditional, fixed-price lunch that powers the entire city. And the leafy, residential streets of Laureles—a neighborhood known for its more local, authentic vibe—is the perfect place to find the best examples. Finding a great “Menu del Dia” is an adventure in itself, a rewarding experience that lets you dine among residents, office workers, and families, all enjoying a home-style meal.

So, what is a “Menu del Dia,” also known as an “Ejecutivo”? It’s a set lunch menu that is fast, filling, and incredibly affordable. For a single price (typically between 15,000 and 20,000 COP), you’ll get a full, multi-course meal. It almost always starts with a hearty sopa (soup) of the day, followed by a large main plate called a bandeja or seco. This plate will feature rice, a small salad, a tajada (fried plantain), and your choice of protein—like grilled chicken, beef, or fish. To top it all off, it includes a fresh jugo (juice) of the day, like lulo or mora. It is the most authentic and satisfying lunch you can have in Colombia.

Here is the local’s guide to finding it: put your phone away. The best “Menu del Dia” spots are not on the top of travel blogs or Google Maps. The secret is to simply walk the charming, circular streets of Laureles (especially around the Primer and Segundo Parque) between noon and 2 PM. Look for small, family-run storefronts with handwritten chalkboards or whiteboards out front listing their “Ejecutivo” for the day. This is your sign. These humble, no-frills restaurants are the neighborhood gems that serve the true taste of Antioquia.

If you want to eat like a true Paisa, forget the high-end tourist restaurants for a moment and seek out the culinary heart of Medellin: the “Menu del Dia.” This is not a trendy food-hall concept; this is the traditional, fixed-price lunch that powers the entire city. And the leafy, residential streets of Laureles—a neighborhood known for its more local, authentic vibe—is the perfect place to find the best examples. Finding a great “Menu del Dia” is an adventure in itself, a rewarding experience that lets you dine among residents, office workers, and families, all enjoying a home-style meal.

So, what is a “Menu del Dia,” also known as an “Ejecutivo”? It’s a set lunch menu that is fast, filling, and incredibly affordable. For a single price (typically between 15,000 and 20,000 COP), you’ll get a full, multi-course meal. It almost always starts with a hearty sopa (soup) of the day, followed by a large main plate called a bandeja or seco. This plate will feature rice, a small salad, a tajada (fried plantain), and your choice of protein—like grilled chicken, beef, or fish. To top it all off, it includes a fresh jugo (juice) of the day, like lulo or mora. It is the most authentic and satisfying lunch you can have in Colombia.

Here is the local’s guide to finding it: put your phone away. The best “Menu del Dia” spots are not on the top of travel blogs or Google Maps. The secret is to simply walk the charming, circular streets of Laureles (especially around the Primer and Segundo Parque) between noon and 2 PM. Look for small, family-run storefronts with handwritten chalkboards or whiteboards out front listing their “Ejecutivo” for the day. This is your sign. These humble, no-frills restaurants are the neighborhood gems that serve the true taste of Antioquia.

Your Personal Medellin Guide

Discovering local lunch spots is part of the magic of exploring, but for your big nights out, celebratory dinners, or group excursions, let us provide the white-glove service. When you book your luxury accommodations with MedellinVillas.com, our concierge team becomes your personal guide to the city. We can book your private Comuna 13 tour, secure reservations at Poblado’s most exclusive restaurants, or arrange private transport for your day trip to Guatapé, all from the comfort of your villa.

We handle the planning so you can handle the exploring.

Contact our concierge team to start planning your dream Medellin itinerary today.