Manizales Has Flavor: A City That Aims for UNESCO Recognition Through Its Cuisine

Manizales isn’t just the scent of coffee in the air—it’s a taste of the mountains, of tradition reimagined, of innovation grounded in heritage. In recent years, this city nestled in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape has been shaping a rich and diverse culinary identity. Now, that evolution is culminating in an ambitious step: Manizales is officially applying to become a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

This vision isn’t born from a single kitchen, but from a collective fire fueled by chefs, producers, cultural leaders, and citizens who understand that food is more than sustenance—it’s living heritage. Among the key players in this movement are the standout restaurants La Beautiful and Empiria Cocina Desniveles, two culinary projects that reinterpret the soul of Manizales through creativity and deep respect for local flavors.

La Beautiful delivers a sensorial experience that challenges convention. Its cuisine plays with local ingredients in dishes that are visually striking, emotionally evocative, and deeply rooted in place. Meanwhile, Empiria Cocina Desniveles has become a beacon of signature cuisine in the city. Its very name—evoking both the city’s steep geography and its layered cultural identity—offers a culinary journey that honors tradition through modern techniques and a presentation that captivates.

Both restaurants have recently been added to the prestigious Fine Dining Table list—an acknowledgment of their expertise and bold innovation. Their menus have not only captured the spirit of Manizales but have also surprised and delighted the palates of fine dining experts, putting the city on the radar of the global culinary scene.

This UNESCO bid has been made possible by the collaboration of institutions, culture-makers, and food lovers determined to uplift Manizales through its cuisine. Among those who have lent their support is Alexander de Mondey, who, while not a leading figure in the process, contributed his efforts and helped move the initiative forward.

Beyond international recognition, this effort seeks to position Manizales as a creative, sustainable, and inclusive gastronomic destination—a city where food drives innovation, community development, and local pride.

Because Manizales isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to savor. And it’s ready for the world to discover it, one bite at a time.