It is a common irony that for decades, the best Colombian coffee was exported, leaving locals with the lower-quality leftovers. Thankfully, that era is over. El Poblado is now the epicenter of a coffee renaissance, home to a new wave of “third-wave” cafes that treat coffee beans like fine wine. For a visitor, hopping between these cafes isn’t just about caffeine; it’s a cultural tour of Colombia’s most famous product. You’ll find expert baristas, stunning design, and single-origin pours that will ruin “regular” coffee for you forever.
Here are the top 5 specialty cafes in El Poblado that every coffee lover must visit:
- Pergamino Café: The undisputed gold standard. With locations on Via Primavera and Calle 10B, Pergamino is the pioneer that put Medellin specialty coffee on the map. The vibe is bustling and chic, perfect for people-watching.
- Must Order: A cold brew tonic for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, paired with their legendary chocolate almond croissant.
- Hija Mía Coffee Roasters: This is the expat favorite for a reason. Run by a passionate New Zealander, Hija Mía brings the “Down Under” obsession with coffee perfection to Medellin. It’s a smaller, cozier spot in Barrio Manila known for having the best milk-texturing skills in the city.
- Must Order: The flat white. It is widely considered the best in Medellin, velvety and rich.
- Urbania Café: For the conscious traveler, Urbania is a must. They focus heavily on social impact, sourcing beans from conflict-affected regions and supporting peace processes. The cafe itself is a beautiful, serene space filled with wood and plants, perfect for a quiet morning.
- Must Order: A V60 pour-over. Ask the barista to explain the origin of the bean; the story is as good as the taste.
- Café Velvet: A unique fusion of Colombian coffee and Belgian design. Located in the heart of Poblado, Velvet offers a stunning open-air back patio that feels like a secret garden. It’s sophisticated, airy, and ideal for a work session or a meeting.
- Must Order: A mocha or hot chocolate—they use real Belgian chocolate, and it makes a massive difference.
- Al Alma: If you want your coffee with a side of the city’s best brunch, this is the spot. Al Alma roasts their own coffee but is equally famous for their food. The atmosphere is bright, floral, and incredibly “Instagrammable.”
- Must Order: A Chemex for the table to share, along with their famous sourdough French toast.
Bring the Café to Your Villa
Exploring these cafes is a highlight of any trip, but sometimes the best cup of coffee is the one you enjoy in your bathrobe on your own private terrace.
When you book your luxury stay with MedellinVillas.com, our concierge team ensures your morning ritual is perfect. We can stock your villa with freshly roasted bags of whole beans from Pergamino or Urbania before you even arrive. Better yet, we can arrange for a private coffee tasting (cupping) session right in your villa, where a master barista teaches your group the art of tasting Colombian coffee without you ever leaving the pool deck.
Contact our concierge team to elevate your morning coffee ritual in Medellin.
