From Pasture to Gastronomic Paradise: The History of the Granada Neighborhood
If there is a neighborhood in Cali that breathes food through every pore, it is Granada. What is today the city's gastronomic epicenter, with restaurants competing in quality with the best in Bogotá or Medellín, began as a pasture on the outskirts of the city at the beginning of the 20th century. Wealthy families from Cali built their vacation homes here, surrounded by mango, guava, and chiminango trees. Over time, those same houses were transformed into restaurants, bars, and galleries, and by the 1990s it was already a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to eat well in the city.
The curious thing is that Granada was not born as a tourist project. The first restaurants opened almost by chance, serving the neighborhood's residents. But the quality of the offerings, combined with the beauty of its tree-lined streets and relative safety compared to other areas, turned word of mouth into what it is today: a corridor of about 10 blocks where you can find everything from the best Argentine grill to Japanese fusion cuisine, as well as fail-proof typical Valluno food. In May 2026, Granada remains the gastronomic heart of Cali, and if you are visiting for the first time, you will likely end up dining here at least one night.
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What to Do in Granada (Besides Eating)
Obviously, the main draw is the food, but Granada has more to offer than just sitting at a table. Here is what you cannot miss between meals.
Walk Along Calle 5ta
Calle 5ta between Carrera 34 and 38 is the neighborhood's main axis. Here you will find the highest concentration of restaurants, but also art galleries, local design stores, and artisanal ice cream shops. It is worth walking it without rushing, looking at the facades of the Republican-style houses that are still preserved. Some have plaques telling their history, like the Casa de la Cultura, which was one of the neighborhood's first country houses.
Visit the Plazoleta de los Poetas
At Calle 5ta with Carrera 36, a small square pays homage to poets from the Valle del Cauca region. There are busts of figures like Jorge Isaacs (author of María) and other local writers. It is a good meeting point and a place to sit down for a coffee while watching people go by. On weekends, there is often live music or street theater performances.
Go Shopping at the Galería Alameda
Although it is not strictly in Granada (it is a few blocks away, in the Alameda neighborhood), the walk is worth it. The Galería Alameda is the area's traditional market, where they sell exotic fruits like borojó, lulo, and granadilla, as well as handicrafts and clothing. It is a perfect plan for the morning before having lunch in Granada.
Take Salsa Lessons
Granada has several salsa schools that offer express classes for tourists. One of the most well-known is on Calle 5ta with Carrera 37. You do not need experience, just the desire to move your hips. Classes usually last an hour and cost around $30,000 COP per person. After that, you are ready to dance at any club in the city.
Where to Eat in Granada: The Definitive Guide
Here comes the good part. Granada has over 50 restaurants, and choosing can be overwhelming. I will tell you about the ones I consider essential, divided by type of cuisine and budget. All prices are reference prices from May 2026.
Typical Valluno Food
El Cholado de la 5ta
Address: Calle 5ta with Carrera 36, corner.
Price: cholados from $8,000 COP.
It is not a restaurant, it is a cholado cart that has been on the same corner for over 20 years. The cholado is the quintessential dessert of Cali: shaved ice with condensed milk, fresh fruits (mango, papaya, strawberry, banana), and a spoonful of blackberry syrup. Perfect for the Cali heat. Open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 10pm.
La Casa de la Abuela
Address: Carrera 34 #5-12.
Price: dishes between $25,000 and $40,000 COP.
An old house converted into a home-style cooking restaurant. Here you can try sancocho de gallina, arroz atollado, and the Valluno version of bandeja paisa. The secret: the grandmother still cooks the recipes she learned from her mother. I recommend the sudado de pescado with patacón. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 9pm.
Argentine Grill
La Parrilla de Granada
Address: Calle 5ta #35-22.
Price: cuts from $45,000 COP.
If you want good meat, this is the place. The grill is in plain sight, and you can watch them cook bife de chorizo, tenderloin, and ribs. The chimichurri is homemade and the Argentine malbec pairs perfectly. The atmosphere is noisy and festive, ideal for groups. Open Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm; Sundays until 9pm.
Fusion and Modern Cuisine
Restaurante Platillos Voladores
Address: Carrera 35 #5-45.
Price: dishes between $35,000 and $60,000 COP.
One of the pioneers of fusion cuisine in Cali. Their specialty is Peruvian-Japanese food: tiraditos, nigiris, and a ceviche with leche de tigre that awakens your soul. The place is small, with a terrace facing the street. Reservations are recommended on weekends. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm.
La Terraza de Granada
Address: Calle 5ta #34-10, second floor.
Price: dishes between $30,000 and $50,000 COP.
Here the proposal is signature cuisine with local ingredients. Try the lulo risotto with shrimp or the tuna tartare with mango. The terrace has a street view and is perfect for a romantic dinner. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm to 11pm.
Quality Fast Food
La Hamburguesa de Granada
Address: Carrera 36 #5-30.
Price: burgers from $18,000 COP.
This is not your typical chain burger. Here they use Angus beef, artisan bread, and homemade sauces. The most popular is the "Caleña," with cheese, avocado, bacon, and a chimichurri sauce. Open Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 10pm; Sundays until 8pm.
Ice Cream and Desserts
Heladería La Crema
Address: Calle 5ta #36-15.
Price: double cone from $10,000 COP.
Artisanal ice cream with local flavors: passion fruit, lulo, coffee, and the unmissable "chontaduro" (a typical fruit from the Pacific region). They also have vegan options. Open every day, 11am to 10pm.
Where to Drink in Granada
Granada is not just about food; it also has an interesting nightlife. Here are my recommendations for a drink.
Craft Beer
La Cervecería de Granada
Address: Carrera 34 #5-50.
Price: pints from $12,000 COP.
They have over 20 varieties of craft beer, most from the region. Ask for the "Caleña IPA" or the "Pacífico Stout." The atmosphere is relaxed, with live rock music on some weekends. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm to 1am.
Cocktails
Bar La 5ta
Address: Calle 5ta #35-50.
Price: cocktails from $25,000 COP.
A hidden bar on the second floor of an old house. The cocktail menu is creative: try the "Caleño" (with aguardiente, passion fruit, and ginger) or the "Sabor a Caña" (with rum, panela, and lime). They have happy hour from 6pm to 8pm. Open Thursday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am.
Specialty Coffee
Café Granada
Address: Calle 5ta #34-30.
Price: American coffee from $5,000 COP.
A quiet place for the morning. They roast their own coffee, which comes from farms in the Valle del Cauca. I recommend the "coffee with coconut milk" and the artisanal brownies. They have free WiFi. Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm; Sundays until 6pm.
How to Get to Granada and Get Around the Neighborhood
By Taxi or Uber
From downtown Cali (Plaza de Cayzedo), a taxi will charge you between $10,000 and $15,000 COP. From the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport, it is about 30-40 minutes and costs around $60,000 COP. Uber and Didi work well in the city.
By Bus
The MIO system has several routes that pass near Granada. The closest station is "Granada" on Calle 5ta with Carrera 34. Routes A1, A2, and A3 drop you off a few blocks away. The fare is $2,500 COP per trip. It is recommended to buy a rechargeable card at any station.
Walking
Granada is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. The streets are flat and the restaurants are close to each other. If you are coming from downtown, it is about a 20-minute walk along Calle 5ta. It is safe during the day and night, but always with caution, as in any tourist area.
By Bicycle
There are public bicycle stations (MIO Bici) at Carrera 34 with Calle 5ta. The service costs $1,500 COP per hour. There are also several shops that rent bicycles by the day, from $30,000 COP.
Local Tips for Enjoying Granada Like a Caleño
- Avoid weekends if you do not like crowds. Granada gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, come during the week or for lunch.
- Book in advance. The most popular restaurants, like Platillos Voladores or La Terraza de Granada, fill up quickly. Call or reserve via WhatsApp a day ahead.
- Try everything in small portions. Many restaurants offer half portions or tapas. This way you can try several places in one outing.
- Do not forget cash. Although most places accept cards, some food carts and small shops only take cash. There is an ATM on Calle 5ta with Carrera 36.
- The weather is unpredictable. Cali is hot, but suddenly a downpour can hit. Bring an umbrella or a light raincoat, especially if you come between October and December.
- Learn a few local phrases. Saying "¡qué más!" to greet or "bacano" to describe something cool will earn you points with the locals.
Fun Fact: The Origin of the Name
Few know that the Granada neighborhood is not named after the Spanish city, but after a farm that existed in the area called "La Granada," owned by the Garcés family. The farm produced granadillas, a typical fruit of the region. When the neighborhood was urbanized in the 1940s, the residents decided to keep the name in honor of that farm. Today, the granadilla is one of the most sold fruits at the Galería Alameda, closing the circle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granada
Is It Safe to Walk Around Granada at Night?
Yes, Granada is one of the safest neighborhoods in Cali to walk around at night, especially on Calle 5ta and the surrounding streets. There is private security at many restaurants and the police make frequent rounds. As anywhere, avoid dark streets and do not display valuables.
What Is the Best Day to Visit Granada?
It depends on what you are looking for. If you want a festive atmosphere and live music, Fridays and Saturdays are ideal. If you prefer tranquility and being able to talk without shouting, Tuesdays or Wednesdays at lunch are perfect. On Sundays, many restaurants close early, but there are options like La Casa de la Abuela that are open until 9pm.
Are There Vegetarian or Vegan Options in Granada?
Yes, more and more restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. Platillos Voladores has dishes with tofu and vegetables. Heladería La Crema has vegan fruit ice creams. There is also a restaurant called "Verde Vida" on Carrera 35 #5-20, specializing in vegan food, with lentil burgers and quinoa bowls. I recommend checking the menu online before going.
How Much Does an Average Meal Cost in Granada?
A full meal (appetizer, main course, and drink) at a mid-range restaurant costs between $50,000 and $80,000 COP per person. At more economical options, like La Hamburguesa de Granada or a cholado cart, you can spend less than $20,000 COP. High-end restaurants can exceed $100,000 COP per person.
Can You Pay with a Credit Card in Most Places?
Yes, most restaurants and bars accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). However, street carts and some small stalls only take cash. It is advisable to carry some cash for those cases.
Conclusion: Why Granada Is a Unique Experience
Granada is not just a neighborhood to eat; it is a place where food tells stories. Each restaurant has its own personality, its own recipe, its own connection to the city. Here you can try everything from a sancocho that tastes like a Sunday at grandma's house to a tiradito that transports you to Lima, all within less than three blocks. The mix of the traditional and the modern, the local and the global, makes Granada a reflection of Cali itself: a city that embraces its heritage but is not afraid of innovation.
If you come to Cali, do not leave without spending at least one afternoon and one night in Granada. Walk without haste, let yourself be tempted by the aromas coming from the kitchens, sit on a terrace and watch life go by. And when they ask you what you liked most about the city, you will probably answer: "Granada, without a doubt."
Delight yourself with Granada! Explore its flavors today.