Finding a Taste of Home: A Colombian Guide to Atlanta
I moved to Atlanta when I was 17 years old, and for years I thought I would never find places that reminded me of home. I missed the flavors, traditions, and the feeling of being surrounded by people who shared the same culture and memories.
So, I decided to start exploring. I wanted to find the places that brought a little piece of
Colombia to Atlanta…
While Colombia will always be the country where I was born, Atlanta is the place I now get to call home… Over the years I've come to appreciate how diverse and welcoming the city is. People from all over the world have built communities here, creating a place where different cultures, traditions, and foods are celebrated every day. Atlanta allows me to stay connected to my Colombian roots. From Colombian restaurants and bakeries to coffee shops, grocery stores, and cultural events, there are so many places where I can find a little piece of home. Whether I'm enjoying an arepa, listening to vallenato or salsa, or sharing Colombian traditions with friends, Atlanta makes it easy to celebrate the culture that shaped me.
This guide is a collection of some of my favorite Colombian places in Atlanta: spaces where you can experience our flavors, meet our people, and discover the warmth that makes Colombia feel like home.
La Ruana Colombian Restaurant
4015 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071
The moment you walk into La Ruana, you feel it… the Colombian music playing in the background, the conversations happening around you, and the warmth that comes from being surrounded by people that are ready to serve you with a smile on their face. Many of the people working there are Colombian, which adds that extra feeling of familiarity and makes you feel like you’re visiting a place back home.
One of my recommendations is to go for brunch… and here’s why: arepas are my favorite breakfast food (and honestly, one of my favorite foods overall). They have an amazing variety of breakfast options, and the best part is that almost all of them come with a delicious arepa topped with butter and cheese. There’s something so comforting about starting your day with a warm arepa… the kind of food that instantly reminds you of home.
And don’t leave without trying their hot chocolate! In Colombia, hot chocolate is more than just a drink… It's part of our traditions. A warm cup paired with an arepa and cheese is such a classic combination that brings back memories of Colombian mornings and family breakfasts.
Calentao, a typical breakfast in Colombia. We do tend to have a heavy breakfast! Rice and beans, steak, eggs, arepa with cheese. It is deeply nostalgic and represents home-cooked simplicity, and sets a reminder of family tradition and the beauty of Colombian hospitality.
Steak and arepa with cheese. The arepa is a foundational symbol of Colombian cuisine and national heritage, often enjoyed alongside grilled meats like here—a sirloin.
Caldo con costilla has rib, potato and cilantro. It’s delicious and we eat it for breakfast. Eaten as a breakfast staple, it is heavily tied to Colombian hospitality and morning family gatherings.
Tostones topped with steak, cheese and avocado. This Colombian staple dish can easily transition from a quick street food and party appetizer to a full meal for lunch or dinner.
Vamos Pal’ Cafetal
1575 Crater Lake Dr Suite 550, Kennesaw, GA 30152
If you're craving a true Colombian classic, you have to try the bandeja paisa here…it’s epic and definitely one of my favorite things on the menu. One thing I really love about Vamos Pal’ Cafetal is that it’s more than just a restaurant. On certain nights, they have live music, dancing, and singing, making it feel like you're at a celebration back in Colombia. If you're stopping by during the week, I also recommend checking out their lunch specials. They're affordable, filling, and a great way to enjoy a homemade Colombian meal without spending too much. Or for a weekend option they also offer special soups like Ajiaco and Sancocho Great food, great music, and a fun atmosphere…it’s one of those places that makes Atlanta feel a little more like Colombia.
This is a delicious mojarra super typical in the coast of Colombia (Santa Marta, Cartagena, etc.) with rice and patacón.
Weekly special for only $10.99 you get this plate + drink and soup! Only during lunch hours in the weekends.
Bandeja paisa! Super typical in Medellín, Colombia and sancocho! Sorry this was taken in the back at the kitchen hahaha I can probably stop by tomorrow and get a better picture (my dad works there)
Bolivar Coffee
4480 S Cobb Dr SE Ste W, Smyrna, GA 30080
If you're looking for a cozy coffee shop with a Colombian twist, Bolivar Coffee is one of my favorite spots in Atlanta. It's the perfect place to slow down, catch up with a friend, or enjoy a quiet morning with a great cup of coffee. They also have delicious arepas, making it a great stop for breakfast or a quick snack. And if you're a coffee lover like me, don't skip their arequipe-flavored coffee because it's my absolute favorite! It has the perfect hint of sweetness and tastes like a little piece of Colombia in a cup. Whether you're Colombian or just curious to experience our coffee culture, Bolivar Coffee is definitely a place I'd recommend adding to your Atlanta list.
At Bolivar Coffee, we got two types of arepas! Sweet corn and yuca. We have a lot of variety of arepas depending of where you go in Colombia! Every department has their typical arepa.
Pony Malta is found there which is like a soda typical in Colombia.
The last sign explains the houses and why they’re important in Colombia and how representative the decoration is.
