Ephemeral Restaurants in Bogotá: The Guide to Hunting Gastronomic 'Pop-Ups' Before They Disappear

What it is and context: the new wave of restaurants that are born, live and die in one night

In Bogotá, going to the same restaurant as always is no longer enough. For a couple of years now, and with more force in 2026, the city has become a laboratory of ephemeral cuisine: chefs who leave their fixed kitchens for one night, brands that take over abandoned warehouses in San Felipe, and independent cooks who put together six-course dinners in apartments in Chapinero. These are the gastronomic pop-ups, and in August 2026 they are experiencing their best moment.

The logic is simple: an empty space, a chef with an idea, and a menu that only exists for a few hours. There is no permanent menu, no own venue, no commitment. It is food as an event, as a concert ticket, as an experience that sells out in minutes. For the diner, the appeal lies in exclusivity: if you are not paying attention, you miss out.

This phenomenon is not new in the world —New York and London have had this dynamic for a decade— but in Bogotá it found fertile ground. The city has a vibrant gastronomic scene, talented chefs who cannot always afford their own venue, and a public increasingly willing to pay for unique experiences. Furthermore, neighborhoods like San Felipe, La Soledad and the center of Chapinero are full of spaces waiting to be taken over for one night.

The curious fact: several of the city's most successful pop-ups were not born in restaurants, but in the Galería San Victorino, where a collective of cooks used an empty venue for three consecutive weekends. Now that same collective has a waiting list of more than 200 people for their upcoming dinners.

Calendar of confirmed pop-ups for the next 3 months

Here is what matters: what's coming, when, and where. This is what is known so far for August, September, and October 2026. Note that several of these events announce dates with little notice and spots fly by.

August 2026

Black forest dinner with chef Andrés Murillo — A collaboration between chef Murillo (ex-kitchen of a renowned restaurant in the Zona G) and a specialty coffee brand from La Candelaria. It will be a four-course pairing dinner in a ceramics workshop in San Felipe. Tentative date: Saturday, August 29. Reference price: $180,000 COP per person. Final details are announced one week in advance on Instagram.

Caribbean cuisine pop-up in Usaquén — A group of cooks from Cartagena and Santa Marta takes over an empty venue on Calle 119 with Carrera 7. Menu of fish and rice with contemporary touches. Only two functions: Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22. Price: $95,000 COP per person, without pairing.

September 2026

Nomadic cuisine festival in La Macarena — During the first weekend of September (Friday 4 to Sunday 6), three independent chefs will take over a covered parking lot on Calle 27 with Carrera 5. Each night will feature a different menu: Japanese author cuisine on Friday, reinvented Creole grill on Saturday, and a closing dinner with a surprise menu on Sunday. Prices between $120,000 and $150,000 COP.

Blind dinner in the historic center — A collective of cooks who prefer anonymity organizes a dinner in a heritage building in La Candelaria. The exact address is revealed only to those who purchase a ticket. The concept: reinterpreted Colombian cuisine with ingredients from the Paloquemao market square. Date: Saturday, September 12. Price: $220,000 COP with natural wine pairing.

October 2026

Fresh pasta pop-up in Chapinero Alto — An Italian chef based in Bogotá for five years puts together a six-course dinner in an apartment on Calle 72 with Carrera 3. Only 12 diners per night, two consecutive nights: Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. Price: $160,000 COP. It is recommended to check availability directly on their Instagram account, as spots usually sell out in less than three hours.

Colombian-Korean fusion cuisine gathering in the Zona G — A Colombian chef who lived in Seoul for five years joins an established restaurant in the area to take over its kitchen for one night. Seven-course menu combining kimchi, chili, and Korean techniques with local products. Date: Thursday, October 22. Price: $190,000 COP. This is one of the most anticipated events of the year, according to conversations in the city's foodie groups.

Prices and how to get tickets

Pop-up prices in Bogotá vary greatly, but there is a general range: from $80,000 COP to $250,000 COP per person. The most affordable ones tend to be those held in alternative spaces (parking lots, workshops, warehouses) and the most expensive are pairing dinners with wines or specialty coffees. In August 2026, the average is around $145,000 COP per person, not including tip.

Ticket purchase is the critical point. There is no unified platform: each organizer uses their own method. Some sell via Instagram with a direct link to a payment gateway, others use WhatsApp to confirm with bank transfer, and a few use platforms like Ticketmaster or TuBoleta. The golden rule: follow the official accounts and turn on notifications.

A practical tip: many organizers do a "pre-sale" for those on their WhatsApp list or newsletter. If you manage to get into that circle, your chances of getting a spot multiply. Additionally, some pop-ups offer a discount for early payment (up to 15% in some cases), so it is worth keeping an eye on sale opening announcements.

How to get to the pop-ups: practical info

Each pop-up has its own venue, and that is part of the charm. But there are patterns: San Felipe has become the epicenter of the ephemeral scene, with its industrial warehouses converted for one night. The area is between Calle 68 and Calle 76, with Carrera 24 as the main axis. It is easy to get there by TransMilenio (Avenida Chile or Calle 72 station) and from there it is a 10-minute walk. By Uber or Didi, the trip from Chapinero costs between $8,000 and $12,000 COP.

The historic center, especially La Candelaria and La Macarena, is another recurring spot. For dinners in La Candelaria, the recommendation is to arrive early because the streets are cobbled and parking is complicated. In La Macarena, Calle 27 with Carrera 5 has direct access via Carrera Séptima, and the nearest TransMilenio station is Museo Nacional.

For pop-ups in houses or apartments (like the fresh pasta one in Chapinero Alto), the exact address is given only to buyers. It is a security and exclusivity measure. If you go by car, check parking areas in advance because several streets in Chapinero Alto have peak and plate restrictions that apply until 8:00 pm.

Tips for attendees: how to hunt pop-ups like an expert

After attending several pop-ups in the city, there are unwritten rules worth knowing. Here are the ones that pay off the most:

• Follow the chefs, not just the restaurants. Pop-ups are usually announced first on the cooks' personal accounts before those of the spaces or brands. If you follow a chef you like, you are likely to find out sooner.
• Turn on Instagram notifications. Spots sell out in hours, sometimes minutes. If the announcement comes at 10:00 am and you see it at 3:00 pm, it is already too late.
• Arrive 20 minutes early. Punctuality is key. Many pop-ups have a strict schedule because the menu is served in courses and the space is rented by the hour. Arriving late means missing entire courses.
• Do not go with more than 4 people. Tables are often shared or at the bar. If you go in a large group, you will likely be separated. Also, the experience is more intimate if you go as a couple or alone.
• Bring cash. Although many accept cards, some independent organizers only handle cash for tips or additional drinks.
• Ask about allergies before buying. Menus are fixed and do not always have vegetarian or gluten-free options. Better to ask before paying than to arrive and not be able to eat.
• Document everything. Pop-ups are unique experiences. Take photos, post stories, tag the organizer. That helps them grow and earns you points for future invitations.

Organizer profiles: who is leading the

Event details (lineup, program, dates)

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## Boletería, Precios y Dónde Comprar La mayoría de los pop-ups gastronómicos en Bogotá no requieren boletería anticipada, pero algunos eventos especiales o cenas de autor sí manejan cupos limitados y reservas. Por ejemplo, la convocatoria del Planetario de Bogotá para su nuevo restaurante no tiene costo de inscripción y está abierta hasta el 17 de septiembre de 2026. Para experiencias como las de Gastrofest en la Feria del Hogar (del 3 al 20 de septiembre en Corferias), la entrada a la feria tiene un costo aproximado de $10,000 COP (consulta precios actualizados en la página oficial). Las reservas para pop-ups de chefs invitados suelen gestionarse directamente con el restaurante anfitrión o a través de plataformas como OpenTable o el sitio web del evento. Se recomienda estar atento a las redes sociales de los lugares participantes para conocer fechas de lanzamiento de menús y sistemas de reserva. ## Programación Oficial y Horarios por Tarimas Aunque los pop-ups no tienen una tarima central, estos son los hitos confirmados para las próximas semanas: - **Convocatoria Planetario de Bogotá**: recepción de propuestas hasta el 17 de septiembre de 2026. Evaluación del 17 al 24 de septiembre. Presentación de finalistas (si aplica) el 25 y 26 de septiembre. Anuncio del ganador el 27 de septiembre. Inicio de operaciones estimado para el 15 de enero de 2027. - **Gastrofest en la Feria del Hogar**: del 3 al 20 de septiembre de 2026, en Corferias. 12 establecimientos ofrecerán muestras gastronómicas de 10:00 a.m. a 8:00 p.m. (horario típico de la feria). - **Pop-ups de chefs invitados**: suelen anunciarse con 2-3 semanas de anticipación. Por ejemplo, experiencias como la de Davide Oldani (estrella Michelin) en el Hotel Cotton House duran varios meses, pero otras pueden ser solo por un fin de semana. Revisa las redes de restaurantes como Harry Sasson, Criterión o Leo para conocer sus próximas fechas. ## Cómo Llegar y Consejos de Seguridad - **Planetario de Bogotá**: ubicado en la Cra. 5 # 36-05, junto al Parque de la Independencia. Llegar en TransMilenio: estación Calle 26 (línea B) o Avenida Jiménez (línea J), luego caminar 10 minutos. También puedes usar el SITP o bicicleta (hay cicloparqueaderos cercanos). - **Corferias (Feria del Hogar)**: en la Cra. 37 # 24-67. Usa TransMilenio: estación Avenida 68 (línea D) o Estación 22 (línea K), luego caminar 15 minutos. Hay parqueaderos cercanos, pero llega temprano. - **Zona G y Zona T (pop-ups frecuentes)**: usa el SITP o TransMilenio (estación Calle 85 o Virrey). Si vas en carro, prefiere parqueaderos privados. - **Seguridad**: en zonas como el centro (Planetario) y Corferias, mantén tus pertenencias a la vista, evita usar el celular en la calle y prefiere desplazarte en grupo si es de noche. Usa aplicaciones de transporte autorizadas (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) para mayor seguridad. - **Recomendación general**: confirma siempre los horarios y disponibilidad directamente con el organizador, ya que los pop-ups pueden cambiar sus fechas sin previo aviso. ## Tickets, Pricing, and Where to Buy Tickets for the pop-up restaurants in Bogotá can be purchased through Malokal's official website and authorized sales points. Prices vary depending on the event and menu, ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 COP. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly. ## Official Schedule and Stage Timetables The schedule for the pop-up restaurants will be updated weekly on Malokal's website. Opening hours are usually from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with some exceptions for special events. Check the lineup for specific days for each pop-up restaurant. ## Getting There and Local Safety Tips We recommend using public transport like TransMilenio or authorized taxis to reach the pop-ups. The most common areas are Zona G and Chapinero. Stay alert and avoid carrying valuables in plain sight. It is also advisable to visit the restaurants in groups for added safety.