Masa

Masa is a bakery and brunch café founded by sisters Silvana and Mariana Villegas after years of cooking in New York, and it turned laminated pastry and all-day brunch into a habit for many residents of Bogotá, Colombia. The Calle 81 branch stands in Chapinero, close to the Zona Rosa, and is arranged around an open bakery counter where the pastry is displayed as it comes out of the oven. The menu covers croissants, tartines, sandwiches, eggs, salads and cakes, with a focus on good butter, careful lamination and fresh ingredients. The almond croissant is the signature item, and it is widely regarded as one of the best pastries in the city. Shakshuka-style baked eggs, tartines with seasonal toppings and layered cakes are also among the dishes most often ordered. Coffee, juices and other drinks are served through the day, and the pastry counter sells items to take away. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, with a moderate to high noise level at busy times, a mix of families, friends and remote workers, and no dress code. Queues are normal at weekends, particularly between 9AM and 1PM, and the pastries sell out by mid-afternoon, so arriving early makes a real difference to the choice available. Prices are moderate at roughly COP 20,000-55,000 per person (about USD 6-17), making it an easy stop for breakfast or a light lunch. The café is open daily from about 7AM to 8PM. Reservations are not usually accepted, so visitors should plan for a short wait at busy periods. Weekday mornings are far calmer and suit those who want a seat with a laptop or a relaxed brunch. Because the location sits near the Zona Rosa, it combines easily with shopping and walks along the nearby streets. Visitors can also order coffee and pastries to take away, which is a practical option when the queue at the counter is long.