La Puerta de Alcalá in Colombia, A bet with a Spanish flavor.

The Unique Art and History of Spanish Gastronomy

With its tapas—those small bites full of flavor and creativity—patatas bravas, the iconic paella, and all the intense flavors of the Iberian Peninsula, you can discover a little piece of Spain right in Bogotá: La Puerta de Alcalá.

Madrid-born chef Álvaro Martínez has spent 19 years in our beloved land, blending his genuine Spanish heritage with his deep connection to Colombia. His culinary project, La Puerta de Alcalá, is a small slice of his homeland located in the heart of Usaquén, where you can savor the most traditional sweet and savory Spanish dishes. Despite being over 8,000 km away from his homeland, he has successfully preserved authentic Spanish culinary traditions.

One of the must-try dishes in this journey through Spanish cuisine is the authentic callos a la madrileña (Madrid-style tripe stew). For Álvaro Martínez, it’s important to clarify: “Traditionally, they do not contain chickpeas. Here, they are added, but the only callos in Spain that include chickpeas are the Andalusian version, which is served more like a soup.” A curious anecdote that reflects the cultural fusion present in Colombian cuisine.

In addition to callos, La Puerta de Alcalá offers traditional dishes such as Lomo Puerta, Salmón Morrón, and Caldereta de Langosta, served in generous portions with the promise of delivering authentic Spanish flavors, Martínez highlights.

Every dish in this restaurant is a true delicacy, and for those who enjoy tapeo (the art of enjoying a variety of tapas), the wide selection is impressive. With a total of 80 tapas—62 of which are on the menu—this place stands out for offering a unique culinary experience reminiscent of Madrid. “When it’s time to eat, we don’t just try everything; we also have the opportunity to share and enjoy the moment. We offer tasting samplers: one with six tapas and another with twelve—the Metro de Tapas and Medio Metro, which are fixed tasting menus,” explains Martínez. A dream come true for those who love sampling a bit of everything.

But Spanish gastronomy is not just about dishes and desserts. La Puerta de Alcalá also brings its expertise in cheeses, cured hams, wines, sangria, and flamenco, all within a spacious venue that houses over 60 tables in both traditional and modern settings, offering a fully immersive experience for all the senses.

Visiting La Puerta de Alcalá is a must to experience all these flavors. A little piece of Spain is here in our cherished land. We thank Chef Álvaro Martínez for opening his doors to us and delighting us with his remarkable cuisine.