This restaurant, in one Bogotá's most atmospheric hotels, offers excellent international, French-leaning cuisine in beautiful surroundings. Expect fine dining at its best, with an excellent range of wines and a perfect setting in the colonial glory of Hotel Casa Medina, with wood-carved furniture and walls, and timber-beam ceilings.

One of the hottest nightspots in town is Harry Sasson's eponymous restaurant, where the chef has been wowing patrons since 2011. The spectacularly restored, 1930s mansion is only outdone by the food, which is a glorious mixture of the Asian dishes that typified Sasson's original restaurant, plus Colombian influences and ingredients. Reservations are essential.

In recent years, Peruvian cuisine has spread across the globe to London, New York and beyond, but the wave has also reached places closer to the source, with Bogotá a case in point. Rafael Osterling is one of the leading lights of Peru's food scene and his stylish restaurant in the Colombian capital serves as exquisite meals as you'll find anywhere in South America. His innovative ceviche (raw fish dressed with citrus and chilli) is unforgettable, as is the grilled octopus.

It's not exactly Bogotá (it's in Chia, situated north of the city, but is accessible by TransMilenio from Portal del Norte and continuing by bus to Chia, or in a cab), but this place is well worth the trip. With madcap décor cobbled together from recycled materials, huge meaty dishes and an unstoppable party atmosphere, it's a true Colombian institution. A smaller version of the mighty Bogotá establishment can now be found in the city centre, called Andrés DC.

This trendy Italian restaurant, located in the bohemian, city centre neighbourhood of La Macarena, offers fantastic food and a lively atmosphere, and is frequented by Bogotá's elite. Despite having all the tumbledown tropes of a trattoria, including hundreds of framed pictures on the walls, cramped tables and mismatched cutlery, El Patio manages to conjure up a bit of class too. The terrific food is accompanied by wonderful and welcoming service.

Currently one of the most fashionable eatery choices in Bogotá, Gordo is a Brooklyn-inspired bar and restaurant. Luckily, it's a far cry from the American-style diners proliferating in Zona T. A glance at the burgers, fried chicken and onion rings on the menu may make you wonder what all the fuss is about, but don't be fooled: this is cooking at its best.

If you have the means of driving out to La Calera for lunch, there are a number of restaurants on the country road offering beautiful views and classic Colombian cuisine. El Tambor is the best of the bunch, with fine grilled meats, traditional pastries and huge portions.

For superb ceviche (raw fish dressed with citrus and chilli), as well as empanadas (savoury stuff pastry) and arepas (a classic Colombian flatbread), this small restaurant is worth a visit. With fast service and a friendly atmosphere, you'll feel at home while dining on local favourites.

This informal eatery is found in an ageing building in La Candelaria. It serves good but inexpensive dishes inspired by the cuisine of the Valle del Cauca in southern Colombia. The fantastic views from the terrace overlook the city's rooftops, but the opening hours can be a little erratic, so phone ahead.