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Manuel

Barranquilla

Caribbean flavours with an international approach

What makes it special? The first restaurant located in this Caribbean city to rank in the extended list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants in 2023 at No.77, Manuel took matters up a notch to reach the main ranking in 2024 and once more in 2025. A Colombian approach with international flair sets the pace at this contemporary establishment, which serves both a la carte and an eight-course tasting menu, with particular focus on ingredients from Manuel's home Atlántico region.

What's in a name? The restaurant is named after its chef and founder, Manuel Mendoza, although he is more commonly known as Mane.

About the chef: Mendoza's parents insisted he studied business administration at university, with the young chef not completing studies in culinary arts until after graduating. However, Mendoza had long harboured a passion for gastronomy, and had been cooking traditional regional dishes such as arroz con cerdo (pork rice) with his grandma throughout his youth. His first restaurant, Cocina 33, opened 12 years ago in his home city and focuses on regional cuisine. Manuel, however, ups the ante by taking an international approach that uses mostly Colombian ingredients such as corn from Montes de María, Pacific-caught tuna and cheeses aged in Cundinamarca and Boyacá.

On the menu: One long-standing signature dish is tiradito de medregal, which has been on the menu from day one. Greater Amberjack was little appreciated in this region of Colombia, but served raw with extra virgin olive oil and ponzu, it's become a firm favourite. The crab mousse with chargrilled avocado and salsa de cazuela pays homage to local produce and is another favourite of the menu. is another favourite.

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