Restaurant
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The El Poblado restaurant opened in 2009 by Carmen Ángel and Rob Pevitts, serving contemporary dishes built on Colombia's biodiversity, with a tasting menu and a…
Salón Versalles
A downtown restaurant and bakery on the Junín passage, founded in 1961 by Argentine Leonardo Nieto and still serving empanadas, milanesas and pastries at budget prices.
At a glance
- Type
- Argentine-Colombian café, bakery and restaurant
- Area
- La Candelaria (Centro), Medellín, Colombia
- Price
- $ · Budget
Good to know
- Breakfast
- Bakery and pastries
- Empanadas
- Delivery by WhatsApp
Why we recommend it
Salón Versalles is one of the great survivors of downtown Medellín. It was founded on 15 August 1961 by Leonardo Nieto, known as Don Leo, an Argentine from Vedia in the province of Buenos Aires who made Medellín his home, and it is described as the second-oldest restaurant in the city after Podestá. It stands on the pedestrian Junín passage, half a block from Parque de Bolívar, and for more than half a century it has been a meeting place for a wide mix of local people.
Don Leo brought dishes from home that were new to Medellín at the time, including churrascos, milanesas, Argentine empanadas and pizza, along with baked goods and pastries, and he sold them at affordable prices. The same dishes were still on the menu when the restaurant turned 50 in 2011, alongside alfajores. Order Argentine empanadas and a coffee for a quick snack, an alfajor or pastry from the bakery counter, or a milanesa or churrasco for a fuller lunch. The city's official tourism site describes it as an essential stop in the centre for breakfast, lunch or a snack.
Football is part of the story. Don Leo had close links with figures at Independiente Medellín and Atlético Nacional over the years, and the restaurant has sold Argentina national team shirts brought from his home country. Today the business is run by the family, including his daughter Marcela Nieto.
Versalles has been open daily from 7:00 to 20:00, but it stopped opening on Sundays in June 2023 because of falling footfall in the centre, returning for Sundays during the December 2024 Christmas season. Check before planning a Sunday visit. The restaurant has also offered home delivery through WhatsApp.
It suits budget travellers, families and anyone exploring the historic centre on foot. The Metropolitan Cathedral stands on the north side of Parque de Bolívar, so Versalles fits easily into a morning that also takes in the cathedral, Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia. In December 2024 the craft stalls of Parque de Bolívar also reopened after two years of works, adding another reason to linger in the area.
Salón Versalles FAQs
When was Salón Versalles founded?
On 15 August 1961, by the Argentine Leonardo Nieto.
What should I order?
Argentine empanadas, milanesas, churrascos, alfajores and pastries from the bakery.
Is it expensive?
No. It has always been known for affordable prices.
Where is it?
On the Junín passage at Calle Junín No. 53-39, half a block from Parque de Bolívar.
Is it open on Sundays?
It stopped opening on Sundays in June 2023 and reopened on Sundays for December 2024, so check before a Sunday visit.
Is it good for breakfast?
Yes. It opens at 7:00 and is a traditional breakfast stop in the centre.
Is Salón Versalles one of the oldest restaurants in Medellín?
It is described as the second-oldest restaurant in the city, after Podestá.
What is nearby?
Parque de Bolívar, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia.