Harry Sasson Bogotá: A Culinary Landmark in Colombia’s Capital
Experience world-class live-fire cuisine, Colombian classics, and global flavors at Bogotá’s iconic Harry Sasson restaurant, set within a historic heritage mansion.
Harry Sasson Bogotá: Culinary Excellence in a Heritage Mansion
Situated in a striking 1914 Tudor-style red-brick mansion, Harry Sasson stands as a testament to Bogotá’s dynamic culinary scene. Helmed by Colombia’s most celebrated chef, Harry Sasson, the restaurant has helped drive the city’s fine dining boom since the mid-1990s. Today, it is ranked among Latin America’s top dining destinations and welcomes guests from around the world to experience imaginative cuisine that boldly fuses local flavors with international inspiration.
The restaurant’s historic setting, atmospheric interiors, and modern glass atrium combine to create a unique ambiance, while the menu showcases live-fire cooking alongside Colombian classics and global specialties.
Table of Contents
- About Harry Sasson
- Setting and Ambiance
- Menu Overview
- Colombian Specialties
- International Influences
- Signature Mains
- Sides & Accompaniments
- Desserts
- Service Details
- Plan Your Visit
- Frequently Asked Questions
About Harry Sasson: Colombia’s Culinary Pioneer
Harry Sasson is one of Colombia’s most renowned chefs. Rising to prominence in the 1990s, Sasson helped spark a culinary revolution in Bogotá, advancing both the artistry and ambition of Colombian cuisine. After the success of his first restaurant, H.Sasson – Wok & Satay Bar, he expanded his presence with the launch of Harry Sasson in the upscale Zona G district. Sasson’s subsequent ventures—Harry’s Bar and HB Harry’s Bakery—cemented his reputation as a leader in Colombian dining.
Today, Harry Sasson’s flagship restaurant regularly appears on lists of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, earning accolades for both its innovation and its reverent approach to Colombian ingredients.
A Striking Setting: Tradition Meets Modernity
The restaurant is housed in a national heritage mansion dating back to 1914. Its distinctive Tudor architecture and red-brick façade provide an imposing and elegant presence, standing out in Bogotá’s cosmopolitan dining hub. Guests entering the building transition from the dark, historic interior to a bright, airy glass-and-steel atrium.
The atmosphere is a seamless fusion of old and new:
- Classical dining rooms with high ceilings, chandeliers, and intimate nooks for private occasions.
- A modern atrium filled with natural light, encircled by green, ivy-clad walls for an ambiance that merges luxury with nature.
- A four-sided bar at the heart of the glass extension, ideal for cocktails or wine before dinner.
- Chef’s table in a private room behind grand wooden doors for immersive tasting experiences.
An open kitchen along the patio, visible through glass, fills the air with the aromas of grilling wood and smoking embers—a hint of the live-fire cooking to come.
Menu Overview: Creative Fusion and Live-Fire Specialties
Harry Sasson’s menu is a vibrant reflection of Colombia’s culinary diversity and the chef’s global sensibilities. It blends Latin American staples, Asian touches, and European classics, executed with a focus on live-fire techniques and robust, ingredient-driven flavors.
- Live-fire cooking anchors the menu—wood-fired steaks, grilled fish, and Japanese robata dishes highlighted by smoky char and bold seasoning.
- International favorites: Expect options like pizza, pasta, and Spanish paella, sitting alongside sashimi and wok-fried specialties.
- Appetizers include nods to Colombian tradition, as well as inventive global fusion bites.
- Special sections for Colombian ingredients—hearts of palm from Putumayo, pan de yuca, and local seafood.
| Menu Category | Sample Dishes |
|---|---|
| Starters | Arepas, pan de yuca, crab nachos, fried calamari |
| Live-Fire Mains | Memo-style beef filet, smoked grouper, seabass on the grill |
| Asian Inspiration | Japanese robata grill items, chicken with red curry |
| Vegetarian | Grilled asparagus, wood-roasted tomatoes, jasmine rice with coconut milk |
| Desserts | Warm chocolate cake, panna cotta, coconut flan |
Colombian Specialties: Authentic Flavors, Reimagined
The kitchen pays particular attention to Colombian classics, refining them with elegant presentation and meticulous technique. Dishes draw on flavors, preparations, and local produce from across Colombia’s diverse regions.
- Arepas from Cartagena: Cornmeal cakes stuffed with egg and morcilla (blood sausage), offering a crisp exterior and richly seasoned filling.
- Pan de yuca: Soft, freshly-baked cheese bread that honors Colombian baking traditions.
- Creole corn in smoked butter: Reinventing a staple grain with added smokiness and depth.
- Hearts of palm salads: Sourced from Putumayo in southern Colombia, often paired with fresh local greens and light dressings.
International Influences and Fusions
Harry Sasson’s international perspective shines in a menu that feels both grounded and globetrotting. Guests encounter Mediterranean, Asian, and modern European elements, sometimes on a single plate.
- Japanese Robata Grill: Highlights include shrimp tail with smoky edges, and seafood with subtle char marks.
- Paella and Pasta: Spanish and Italian classics with a Colombian twist.
- Asian-Inspired Mains: Chicken in fragrant red curry, wok-cooked creations, and expertly grilled seafood.
The wine list offers an extensive global selection, complementing the culinary breadth and underlining the cosmopolitan vibe.
Signature Mains: Where Live Fire Meets Flavour
The heart of Sasson’s menu is its selection of mains, each crafted with attention to seasoning, technique, and sourcing. Standout meat and seafood dishes are cooked over logs in the open kitchen, imbuing every plate with a sense of drama and authenticity.
- Memo-style beef filet: A massive steak, perfectly cooked and finished with green and black pepper, tarragon, butter, and a splash of brandy for richness and complexity.
- Smoked grouper with eggplant ragout: Silkily textured fish paired with savory, slow-cooked vegetables.
- Seabass with lemon, thyme, and beurre blanc: Light, bright, and delicately sauced.
- Seafood soup with saffron: Fragrant broth with a medley of fresh catch.
- Twice-cooked duck with tamarind sauce: Balancing richness and acidity for a memorable entree.
- Veal ossobuco with basil mashed potatoes: Classic Italian comfort elevated through Colombian produce.
- Chicken with red curry and snow peas: Layered with Asian spices and local vegetables.
Sides & Accompaniments: The Perfect Complement
The menu’s sides are far from an afterthought, enabling guests to further explore Colombian flavors or indulge in familiar favorites.
- Grilled asparagus with olive oil and salt: Large, crunchy stalks highlight simplicity and skill.
- Jasmine rice infused with lemongrass and coconut milk: Aromatic, slightly sweet, and a perfect foil to grilled meats or seafood.
- Crab rice with basil and egg: A richer option, bringing together delicate crab and herbed rice.
- Potato trio: Choose from fried, mashed, or heritage native potatoes.
- Sweet plantains in coconut milk and brown sugar: A Colombian classic, sweet and comforting.
- Wood-roasted tomatoes for a deep, caramelized flavor profile.
Delectable Desserts: Sweet Endings
With ten dessert options, Harry Sasson ensures every meal ends on a memorable note. The dessert menu reflects both classic comfort and creative flair:
- Warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream: A molten center and creamy topping create harmony in every bite.
- Apple pie with golden, flaky pastry.
- Lavender panna cotta: An aromatic, delicate twist on an Italian staple.
- Banana milhojas with Nutella: Crispy pastry layered with ripe banana and rich hazelnut spread.
- Coconut flan: Ultra-smooth, sweet, and lush.
Desserts are crafted to provide a sense of comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of surprise—completing the culinary journey on a high note.
Service & Experience
- Atmosphere: Lively yet elegant, with a blend of stately interiors, vibrant atrium seating, and natural touches.
- Clientele: A local favorite for heads of state, artists, business leaders, and international foodies—yet also inviting to everyday diners seeking an exceptional meal.
- Private Dining: Several smaller rooms within the mansion offer intimate dining for romantic evenings or business occasions.
- Full bar: Wines, cocktails, and local as well as imported spirits.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Service is attentive but unpretentious, mirroring the restaurant’s blend of high standards and welcoming hospitality. The total cost for a three-course lunch—including water, tax, and tip—averages about $35–$40 per person, offering great value relative to the quality and prestige on offer.
Plan Your Visit: Essential Details
- Address: Carrera 9 #75-70, Bogotá, Colombia
- Website: harrysasson.com
- Dress code: Smart casual attire recommended
- Reservations: Strongly recommended, especially for peak lunch and dinner hours
- Average price per person: $35 (at time of writing)
- Opening hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday & Holidays: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Just steps from Zona G, Bogotá’s premier restaurant district
- Features: Free WiFi, private dining, full bar, valet and validated parking, wheelchair accessible, highchairs available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Harry Sasson suitable for vegetarian or vegan diners?
A: Yes, the menu offers several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, and the kitchen can often accommodate special dietary requests.
Q: What makes Harry Sasson unique in Bogotá’s restaurant scene?
A: Harry Sasson blends Colombian and international flavors through live-fire cooking in a national heritage mansion, offering both historical ambiance and culinary innovation.
Q: How does the price compare to other fine dining in Bogotá?
A: At an average of $35–$40 per person for a three-course meal, Harry Sasson is considered excellent value for its quality and global reputation.
Q: What is the recommended dress code?
A: The environment is upscale yet relaxed, so smart casual attire is suggested.
Q: Is a reservation necessary?
A: While walk-ins are accepted, reservations are strongly advised for peak lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends and holidays.
Q: Where is the restaurant located?
A: Harry Sasson is located at Carrera 9 #75-70, in Bogotá’s Chapinero district, near the renowned Zona G gastronomic area.
Conclusion
Harry Sasson is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Colombian tradition, chef-driven innovation, and world-class hospitality. Whether you come for the smoke-kissed steaks, signature Colombian staples, or the striking ambiance of a historic mansion, an experience at Harry Sasson has become an essential part of discovering Bogotá’s culinary spirit.
