Criterión

Criterión opened in 2004, founded by brothers Jorge and Mark Rausch, and is often credited with pioneering the tasting menu in Bogotá, Colombia. It remains one of the city's benchmark formal dining rooms and sits in Zona G, the upscale gastronomic district of Chapinero, on Calle 69A. The restaurant's cooking is French in technique and Colombian in sourcing, meaning classical sauces, precise cooking and refined presentation applied to local fish, game, produce and cacao. The signature offering is the multi-course tasting menu, although guests can also order à la carte, which makes the price range wide: roughly COP 120,000-320,000 per person (about USD 38-102) depending on the format and drinks. French-technique preparations of Colombian fish and game are among the dishes most associated with the kitchen, and desserts draw on Colombian cacao in classic French pastry forms. The restaurant is known for its deep wine cellar, and the service team can advise on pairings for both the tasting menu and individual dishes, which suits guests who take wine seriously. The dining room is elegant and calm, with a low noise level, formal but not stiff service, and a dress code that leans smart, with jackets common at dinner though rarely required. The setting suits long, unhurried dinners, anniversaries and business meals. Criterión serves lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Reservations are recommended, and booking ahead is advisable for dinner, especially for Thursday to Saturday and for larger groups. Lunch is usually calmer and can be a lighter, less costly way to experience the restaurant, with à la carte dishes as an alternative to the full tasting menu. Visitors should allow two to three hours for the tasting menu. Zona G is easy to reach by taxi or ride-hailing service from most central hotels. Guests celebrating an occasion can mention it when booking, and those who prefer a shorter meal can ask about à la carte options instead of the full tasting menu.