Cocina

The place is nice, although the line is quite long. We wanted the cheese empanadas as an appetizer, but they're not sold inside the restaurant; they're sold at a stand outside, so we had no choice but to go back outside and leave, which wasn't going to happen. The calderito (a type of stew) needed more salt, the lengua criolla (a type of beef tongue dish) was delicious (the best dish on the table), and the ribs were good, but nothing extraordinary. Outside, they have some very tasty obleas (a type of wafer), which I recommend.

We arrived to celebrate a family member's birthday. We had made a reservation, and you have to arrive at a certain time to secure it. The table was ready, and the service was relatively quick considering it was Sunday, so the place was packed. The food is delicious, and while the dishes aren't cheap, the portions are very generous. I think it's worth taking the time to go there and try their menu. Whether you go with friends, family, or your partner, there's something to suit everyone's taste!

Luckily, we arrived at 12:00 on Sunday, April 13, 2026. It was already a bit crowded, but we didn't have to wait in line. If you arrive around 1:00 PM, you'd have to wait in line for over an hour, and it gets incredibly hot standing up there. You need a reservation for the second floor. We went to see what people were saying online, but it's just typical, very ordinary Valle del Cauca food. We ordered smoked ribs, BBQ ribs, ropa vieja stew, and a kids' meal. I thought the food would have a special touch, better than other places, but no, it's very average. The waiters were very attentive, the girls who clear the plates were very helpful, but the girls who handle reservations are a bit strict. A major flaw is that we went to the dessert kiosk, and you expect something different. They only sell ice cream and some cookies 🍪 (I bought one for my son, and it cost 11,000 pesos; I even said to the girl, "Wow! What are they made of?!" The price doesn't seem right). I also bought strawberries and cream from a lady near the line, and the cup cost 13,000 pesos. I don't know why it's so expensive; even at the cholao market in Jamundí, they cost 12,000 pesos and are huge with ice cream. In conclusion, there are better places in Cali (La Barra has good seasoning, Casa de Luis, La Boqueria) without having to make that trip all the way there.

Well, I went out of curiosity to see if what you see on social media is the same in real life, and it's not. The line to get served is terrible. We arrived at 2 pm and someone said that if we didn't want to wait, we'd have to arrive at 11 am. The heat is intense, and if you're not indoors, you're better off leaving. There were some lovely people who arrived after us and stood in line, then they left and we saw them walk right in as if nothing had happened. Once we were finally served, at 3:30 pm, I ordered the sancocho and they were out, so I had to exchange it for a small pot of ropa vieja. My wife ordered carne asada, a kids' meal for my son, and an appetizer. My dish arrived first, then my son's, and then the appetizer (not good). Overall, the food is very average. They have no control over the dogs; the local ones come in and even urinate on the columns (see photo), and the ones brought by customers even sit on the chairs. If they're friendly requests, which I think is great, they should have some control and designate a separate area, like the artificial grass area they have outside. The worst part was that during our stay, they put up a political advertisement about 10 times (it's close to elections). They may support a candidate, but we customers don't care, and even less that they intrude on our relaxation time with that advertising. Bad service, mediocre food—in conclusion, what they show on social media is much worse than what you actually experience there.

Our experience at Cocinando para Vend is a 20/10. We live in Cali and have been several times, and the service has always been excellent. The food is delicious, and they are incredibly friendly. My daughters love the play area. My husband and I always recommend this place. We wish we could go more often!