The Pioneer Eats Here series stayed in the Summit City for this go-round.
South Fort Wayne was the area that was represented for this portion of the series, and there were so many great places to choose from.
However, there could only be one winner. I’m happy to say Colombian Delights was the winner!
I’ve been to Colombian Delights a few times before, so I was excited to see that this was the winner for the best restaurant in South Fort Wayne. I was introduced to the restaurant by Laura Cruz, our Director of Administration, who hails from Colombia. And when she recommends something, you know it’s going to be good.
If you’re ever looking for a new cuisine to try, I would highly recommend Colombian Delights. Here are our thoughts on the meal and overall experience at Colombian Delights!
Laura – Chicharrón with Yuca
Colombian Delights is an authentic Colombian restaurant that truly captures the flavors of Colombia. From the moment you walk in, the staff makes you feel welcome with their warm hospitality. They’re always happy to guide you through the menu, whether it’s your first visit or your first time trying Colombian food.
The food is fresh, hearty, nutritious, and full of vibrant flavors. Every dish is colorful and seasoned with a unique sazón that instantly reminds me of home in Colombia. My go-to meal is the chicharrón with yuca; I grew up eating it, and it tastes exactly the way I remember. You can tell they put a lot of passion, care, and attention into preparing every meal.
Another one of my favorites is their empanadas. They’re traditional, delicious, and packed with authentic Colombian flavor.
Hannah – Picada
I ordered the Limonada De Fresa to drink, and it was the perfect refreshing start to the meal. It was light and sweet and paired perfectly with our hot summer day. I was on the fence about what to order, and our waiter suggested the Picada Colombia as a way to sample a lot of options they offer. It came with a variety of grilled meats, chorizo sausage, and fried pork belly with some sweet plantains and yuca fries. I loved getting to try so many options and look forward to ordering my favorites next time!
Callie – Patacón
I ordered the Patacón with half chicken and half beef.
The plantain was crispy and the perfect base for all the toppings. I really enjoyed getting to try both the chicken and the beef all in one dish. The guacamole was fresh, and the sauces were amazing! I could DRINK that cilantro garlic sauce.
I was also able to try some of Laura’s yuca fries, and they were completely addicting. Definitely different from your typical potato fry, but I loved the texture even more!
Overall, this was a GREAT introduction to Colombian food for me!
Brice – Arepa Con Chicharrón
I’ll be honest. I’ve had this before, and it was as great as it was the first time I had it. It is stuffed with chicharrón that is crispy and packed with flavor. It’s topped with cheese and cilantro garlic sauce. Additionally, I got an Agua de Panela to drink, and it’s refreshing, not overly sweet, and pairs well with the food.
Davis – Bandeja Paisa
Colombian Delights brings traditional cuisine with big flavor to Fort Wayne. The dining room is cozy, and the staff is very friendly and hospitable.
I had the Bandeja Paisa, which is a plate generously loaded with white rice, savory beans, tender steak, flavorful chorizo, crispy chicharron, and fried plantain slices. The dish is topped with avocado and a perfectly fried egg. Everything tasted fresh, hearty, and wholesome. Though the price tag of $23 may seem high, this meal could easily feed two or even three, depending on your appetites. I ate the whole thing!
I asked for their green cilantro garlic sauce on the side, as it pairs perfectly with all their meat. Though I ate much more than I normally would, I didn’t feel lethargic afterwards. Rather, I felt fueled up and ready to tackle the rest of my day. I think that speaks to the quality of the ingredients. Overall, I give this dish a perfect 10/10, though I would probably opt for something lighter if it were later in the day.
Team – Buñelos & Empanadas
The buñelos are something we try to get every time we go to Colombian Delights. They don’t look or sound like much. It’s just bread and cheese. But they are made up in a way that makes you want to go back for more and more.
The same can be said for the empanadas. They are simple, but very flavorful.
This blog series was created to highlight the best restaurants in Northeast Indiana. If you missed out on voting the first time, make sure to follow our social media to vote for your favorite restaurant in one of our 11 counties.
Our previous stops in this series: Caruso’s in Steuben County, Albion Ale House in Noble County, Fulton & Main in Adams County, Botanas Locas in Kosciusko County, Shorty’s Steakhouse in DeKalb County, Destination 814 in LaGrange County, Harry’s in Wabash County, Mercado in Downtown Fort Wayne, The Patio in Roanoke, Sara’s Family Restaurant in Southwest Allen County, and Mi Casa in Ossian.
Brice Vance is the copywriter and brand strategist for NEI and Colombian Delights might be his favorite restaurant in Fort Wayne.
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