Casa Vieja

Casa Vieja is a long-running Bogotá restaurant chain dedicated to rescuing classic Colombian recipes, and its flagship stands in the Centro Internacional on Carrera 10 in Bogotá, Colombia. Other branches trade in Usaquén, Zona G and on Avenida Jiménez, so visitors can find it in several parts of the city. The restaurant focuses on traditional Andean and capital-region cooking and presents its dishes in a family-oriented setting decorated in a nostalgic style. Ajiaco santafereño is the signature: a soup made with three potato varieties, guascas (a local herb), capers and cream, served with chicken, corn and rice, and regarded as the emblematic dish of Bogotá. Puchero santafereño, a hearty stew, sancocho, tamales and sobrebarriga criolla are among the other traditional dishes on the menu, and portions are generous. Fresh juices, hot chocolate and Colombian soft drinks accompany the food, and the menu is a good introduction for visitors who want to try the classics in one meal. The dining room is warm and traditional, with a moderate noise level, a relaxed pace and a casual dress code. It is popular with families, groups and office lunches, and Sunday lunch is particularly busy as a family occasion. Prices are moderate at roughly COP 35,000-70,000 per person (about USD 11-22). The flagship serves lunch daily, typically from 12PM to 4PM, and dinner is offered at selected branches, so hours vary by location. Reservations are recommended for groups and Sunday lunch, when tables fill. Ajiaco is a filling dish, and visitors often find it works as the main meal of the day, so a light dinner afterwards is enough. The Centro Internacional location makes it convenient for those visiting museums and business districts downtown, and it is a short trip from La Candelaria. Visitors who want to try the classics can also order a hot chocolate or a fresh juice, which are the traditional drinks to accompany a hearty highland meal.