A Taste of Italy at Restaurante Cecilia

Locations:

Carrera 4A #66-34

Calle 117 # 6A-60

Carrera 11 # 93A-21

Impressions of Contemporary Italian Corner

When you first arrive at Cecilia, it’s hard not to be drawn in by its cozy, yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. The restaurant blends contemporary warmth with the familiar charm of a neighborhood trattoria, we visited one of its establishments at the exclusive Zona G zone. Whether you walk in alone for a calm dinner or come with friends for a long evening of food and cocktails, Cecilia gives off that comforting “local favorite” energy — elegant but not intimidating, stylish but still casual enough for spontaneous plans. 

The interior lighting leans soft and amber, bouncing off textured walls and polished wooden accents. A faint playlist hums in the background, just enough to add rhythm without interrupting conversations. The tables are close enough to catch the aroma of melting mozzarella or sizzling pancetta from your neighbor’s plate — a detail that almost feels like a deliberate tease from the open kitchen.

Yet, even before sitting down, you notice something about the place: it’s designed for the food to take center stage. No excessive decor, no showy presentation, just the promise of Italian comfort dishes.

Familiar Food Comforts with Bogotá Character

At first glance, Cecilia’s menu reads like a confident love letter to Italian classics — pizzas, risottos, pastas, and hearty mains — but there’s a distinctly Colombian sensibility in the combinations. You’ll find plenty of pork-based options, from the Prosciutto and Trufa pizza (pomodoro, mozzarella, stracciatella, and a drizzle of truffle honey) to the Lomo Balsámico, a tender 220-gram cut served with balsamic reduction, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, and Grana Padano.

We started with the Patatas Bravas, a house favorite mentioned by nearly every table around us. Crispy criollas tossed with a sriracha mayo and topped with octopus slices — a playful, almost tapas-style introduction that reminded us Cecilia’s kitchen isn’t afraid to deviate from the strictly traditional. The mix of textures worked beautifully, the heat from the sauce building just enough to make you reach for another bite (and maybe your cocktail).

The Fried shrimps with sriracha mayo followed, another crowd-pleaser: well-seasoned, lightly fried shrimp that manage to stay crisp without feeling greasy. We also shared the Mini Burgers Trufadas, a dish that divides opinions — for some, a fun modern twist with caramelized onions and creamy truffle sauce; for others, too heavy for an appetizer. Still, they carried that umami depth that pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine.

Pasta That Commands Attention

If there’s a standout category at Cecilia, it’s undeniably the pasta. Each plate arrives in generous portions, steaming and aromatic, prepared with a consistency that’s hard to find even among Bogotá’s Italian competitors.

The Rigatoni Vodka, for instance, nails the comforting balance between the tang of the rosé sauce and the smokiness of pancetta. The sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, without drowning it — a small but meaningful detail that shows the kitchen’s technical finesse.

Another excellent choice is the Carbonara, done in the traditional style with egg and cream but with enough Colombian bacon flavor to make it distinct. And then there’s the Trufada, a decadent triviella pasta served with puré de trufas, pulled pork, and panko. The aroma hits before the plate lands, and though rich, it’s balanced enough to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

If you prefer lighter notes, the Pesto Cremoso (fusilli with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and almonds) offers a nutty, fresh contrast, though it could use a touch more basil for purists.

One red flag some guests quietly pointed out — and we noticed too — is the inflexibility of substitutions. The staff, though polite, firmly discourage any adjustments to the dishes. That means if you don’t eat pork or are allergic to a certain ingredient, your options narrow significantly. 

Pizza, Wine, and Conversation

Cecilia’s pizzas are one of its biggest strengths. They’re baked thin and slightly crispy, with the kind of golden crust that invites you to fold a slice in your hand.

The Prosciutto and Trufa remains a house favorite for a reason — the sweetness of truffle honey against salty prosciutto and creamy mozzarella is as satisfying as it sounds. But the Porchetta deserves equal praise, a bold combination of pork belly, cheese, and a drizzle of truffle honey that makes you rethink what comfort food can be.

If you’re looking for something spicier, the Pepperoni Picante with mozzarella, albahaca, and miel picante adds a pleasant kick without overpowering the base flavors. For something simple but flavorful, the Margherita does justice to the classic formula with good mozzarella and tomato richness, though it could use a touch more basil to balance the acidity.

Pair your pizza with a glass of Ramón Bilbao Tempranillo or Pago de los Capellanes Joven, two of the standout red wines on the menu. Cecilia’s wine list is surprisingly robust for a restaurant of its size — varied, with thoughtful options from Spain, Italy, and Argentina that complement the earthy tones of its dishes.

The Risotto That Wins Over Everyone

While the pizzas and pastas shine, Cecilia’s Risotto Teléfono might just be its crown jewel. Prepared with langostinos, cream, tomato, mozzarella, basil, and truffle oil, it’s indulgent but never cloying. The grains are perfectly al dente, creamy without being soupy, and the aroma of truffle and seafood instantly fills the air around the table.

Another variation, the Pollo en Miel de Trufas, sits atop a beetroot risotto with Grana Padano and pistachios — a combination that’s both visually striking and texturally dynamic. The touch of sweetness from the honeyed truffle glaze against the earthy beet base creates a surprisingly elegant balance.

The Lomo Azul, served with blue cheese sauce and fries, is another frequent mention among returning customers. Though rich, it carries that addictive mix of cream and salt that keeps you nibbling even when you’re full.

Desserts and Drinks Worth Staying For

No visit to Cecilia feels complete without a detour into their dessert menu. The Cheesecake de Nutella and Kinder Bueno has developed a small cult following — layers of creamy chocolate and cookie crumble that, while a bit dense, deliver exactly what they promise: sweetness, nostalgia, and crunch. Another solid choice is the Cheesecake de Pistacho, which adds a subtle nutty flavor and a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with an espresso.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the Profiteroles de Pistacho (three pieces per order) are a great way to end on a refined note.

As for drinks, Cecilia’s cocktail bar deserves its own applause. The Cecilia Spritz, made with Martini Fiero, sparkling wine, and soda, is a refreshing start to the meal — bittersweet and bright. For something stronger, the Mezcal del Caribe, infused with activated charcoal, tamarind, and tajín, is a bold option with a smoky tropical profile. And if you like gin, the Gin Tonic Lychee Mandarina is the kind of drink that can convert skeptics — fruity, floral, and incredibly well-balanced.

Their bar also carries premium bottles like Glenmorangie, Don Julio, and Ramón Bilbao wines, signaling that the restaurant aims for a more refined, adult clientele rather than a quick-dining crowd.

Service and Experience

Service at Cecilia walks the line between efficient and reserved. The staff are well-trained, knowledgeable about the menu, and generally attentive — though not overly warm. Orders arrive promptly, and the kitchen maintains good timing even when the place fills up.

Still, there are details that could use fine-tuning. The absence of complimentary bread and balsamic oil, for instance, is noticeable — particularly in an Italian-style restaurant where that gesture is nearly standard. A few guests have even mentioned that as a small disappointment, something that slightly disrupts the otherwise inviting dining rhythm.

Likewise, while servers are polite, the no-substitutions policy can feel rigid, especially when communicated without much flexibility or alternative suggestions. For diners with dietary restrictions, this may come across as unaccommodating.

However, credit where it’s due: the team keeps a calm and professional demeanor even during busy hours, and dishes consistently arrive as described.

The Ambiance: Between Intimate and Social

Cecilia works equally well for a date, a dinner with family, or a night out with friends. The ambiance strikes that ideal middle ground — sophisticated enough for special occasions, yet relaxed enough to feel spontaneous.

Seating can be tight, especially during peak hours, and the restaurant doesn’t have easy access for people with reduced mobility — a practical downside to note. Still, if you manage to get a corner table near the window, it’s easy to lose track of time between conversation, wine, and the steady rhythm of plates coming out of the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Cecilia is one of those restaurants that doesn’t need to reinvent Italian cuisine — it simply does it well, with confidence and flavor. You come here for the pasta that comforts, the risotto that impresses, and the cocktails that make you stay longer than planned.

Yes, it has its quirks — the lack of flexibility in substitutions, the absence of complimentary bread, and limited accommodation for certain dietary needs — but none of that takes away from the fact that Cecilia delivers one of Zona G’s most reliable Italian dining experiences.