About

El Chato is a contemporary Colombian restaurant in Bogotá that, under the vision of chef Álvaro Clavijo, explores Colombia's biodiversity through constantly evolving menus crafted with regional products. Recognized as Latin America's best restaurant in 2025 by The 50 Best Restaurants, El Chato blends creativity, technique, and research to deliver an experience that celebrates and elevates Colombian gastronomic identity.

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About

At El Chato, we work hand in hand with local producers, allowing each dish to tell the story of the land and those who cultivate it. Our menu evolves based on research, exploration, and seasonality, resulting in constantly evolving preparations.

We offer:

A la carte menu

Tasting menu

Vegetarian options

Reserve

Inspiration

Since its opening in 2017, El Chato has built a deep relationship with small Colombian producers, creating dishes that not only celebrate flavor but also drive the development of local agriculture. Our philosophy is clear: cooking from the territory.

For Álvaro Clavijo, cuisine is a permanent dialogue between tradition and modernity. We don't seek to replicate typical recipes, but rather to reinterpret ingredients, techniques, and culinary memories from a contemporary perspective—conscious and deeply rooted in the country.

As Clavijo often says, "cooking in Colombia is an act of constant exploration." That exploration—across regions, producers, histories, and flavors—is what has transformed this project into a benchmark of Latin American gastronomy.

El chef

Álvaro Clavijo, The Chef

In less than a decade, Álvaro Clavijo has established himself as one of the most influential names in contemporary cuisine in Latin America at just 40 years old. Álvaro Clavijo is the heart and soul of El Chato. His career began at the Hofmann School of Hospitality in Barcelona and continued at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. With experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, New York, and Denmark, Clavijo has perfected a style that combines European discipline with Latin creativity. His vision in founding El Chato was to redefine Colombian gastronomy and position it on the world map, offering a culinary experience that transcends the conventional.

Team

The team

The El Chato team shares the same passion and commitment as its chef. Composed of dedicated professionals, each member contributes to the warm and welcoming atmosphere that distinguishes the restaurant. Their collective work ensures that every aspect of the dining experience, from the kitchen to the service, is exceptional.