Abasto

Abasto is set in a former grain store in colonial Usaquén, a village-like neighbourhood in the north of Bogotá, Colombia, on Carrera 6. The restaurant built its reputation on honest cooking that uses produce from Colombian smallholder farms, and it is one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table approach in the city. Breakfast and brunch are the main draw, and the menu moves from morning dishes to Mediterranean-leaning plates later in the day. The signature is eggs with arepa and hogao, the Colombian tomato and onion sauce, served with breakfast platters that showcase smallholder produce. House-baked breads, pastries and fresh fruit juices round out the morning menu, and the kitchen also serves salads, sandwiches and mains at lunch and dinner. Coffee and juices are prepared from Colombian ingredients, and the drinks list includes beer and wine for later service. The room is rustic and bright, with exposed structure typical of the former warehouse, a comfortable noise level that rises when the room fills, and a casual dress code. It attracts families, couples and groups of friends, particularly at the weekend. Prices are moderate at roughly COP 30,000-75,000 per person (about USD 10-24). Abasto opens early, at 7AM Monday to Friday and 9AM on Saturday and Sunday, and its hours run to 10PM on most days, 11PM on Friday and 5PM on Sunday and holidays. Sunday mornings fill fast, so reservations are recommended for weekend brunch and visitors without one should arrive early or expect a wait. Weekday breakfasts are much calmer and suit visitors who want to enjoy the room without queues. The restaurant is close to the main plaza and weekend flea market of Usaquén, so a meal can be combined with a walk around the square, its shops and the Sunday market. Visitors travelling with children will find the menu easy to adapt, and the fresh juices and baked goods make it a comfortable stop before exploring the neighbourhood.