In the middle of Medellin’s growing food scene, La Provincia stands out as a classic yet great example of contemporary style and inventive cooking.
Although La Provincia has been around for a while now, it still stands tall to its competitors, offering a fusion of flavors, culinary expertise, and warm hospitality. Even though there may occasionally be inconsistencies and a small selection on the menu with a higher price tag, they are mostly outweighed by the restaurants’ commitment to quality and innovation.
History and Current Context:
Founded in 1993, the restaurant has witnessed and participated in the transformation of Medellin’s dining scene. The owner, Maria Adelaida Moreno started in a small, cozy, house-like restaurant and moved to Milla de Oro a few years ago. Their current location is in Cra 42 # 3 sur – 81 Milla de Oro, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia. They offer their services from Monday to Saturday, and their hours are from 12-3 pm and 6-11 pm.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or social media pages for the latest information on their menu, hours, and any special events they might be hosting.
Menu Highlights and Recommendations:
A few moments after sitting down, your waiter will bring a bread basket. Not just any bread basket, though, and not just any bread. We agreed that out of all the restaurants we have tried, the cornbread here is truly the best. Don’t eat it all though, there are great things on the way.
The restaurant has an extensive and well-crafted wine list, perfect for those seeking a calm afternoon or romantic dinner. For those who don’t drink alcohol, La Provincia offers one of the best strawberry-tangerine juices in the city and other basic drinks.
To start, the “Panko-coated squid and prawn pane in chicharrón, with spiced coconut dipping sauce” is a must-try. It’s filled with flavor, perfect to share between 2-3 people, and pretty much the best way to get started. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try out the “Octopus carpaccio with saffron and passion fruit vinaigrette” or maybe the “Beef carpaccio with parmesan cheese”. If you’re not a fan of seafood, give the “Sweet corn and ginger creamy soup” or “Tomato and tarragon soup” a chance.
For the main course, they mainly offer seafood, steaks, and pasta. Here are a few recommendations for the different categories. If you want a little mix of pasta or rice with seafood, we recommend you go for the “Mushrooms and shrimp fettuccine with lemon, fresh basil, and olive oil” or “Risotto with shrimp, calamari, scallops, and mushrooms”. If you are on the search for something with more protein, the “Beef medallion with truffle butter and mushrooms” or on the higher end, the “Rib Eye with café de Paris butter” are both great choices.
The portions of every dish are very generous, so if you still have room for dessert, try out one of their top three: “Pecan pie with dates”, “Crème Brûlée”, or “Dulce de leche lava cake with vanilla ice cream.” However, we have to say, there are better desserts out there.
To end the dining experience, and again if you are not too full, when ordering the check you can also order a small coffee or aromatic, maybe even a tea.
Pros:
Good Food: La Provincia serves a variety of delicious food, ranging from inventive culinary creations to classic Mediterranean dishes. A delightful dining experience is ensured by the thoughtful preparation of each plate, made with fresh ingredients. “One memorable dish from our visit was the Paella Valenciana, a delicious combination of rice, seafood, and meat, seasoned with different spices, offering an authentic Mediterranean flavor,” Santiago Lopez, grade 11, said
Great Ambiance: The restaurant is filled with classic decorations with contemporary charm and elegance. The restaurant’s elegant decor, calm lighting, and cozy seating provide the ideal setting for a special dinner with family and friends.
Friendly Service: La Provincia’s staff have a reputation for providing charming service and careful attention to detail. They make sure that every guest feels welcome, whether you’re looking for menu recommendations or special accommodations for dietary restrictions.
Cons:
Inconsistencies: La Provincia’s food is generally excellent, but there may be occasional variations in its quality or preparation. Customers who are expecting a consistently high standard throughout the menu may find this inconsistency to be disappointing. “Personally, even though the limited menu and occasional inconsistencies were minor drawbacks, they were still impactful in the overall experience, which affected my view of the restaurant,” López said.
Limited Menu: Although the restaurant has excellent food, the menu selections are somewhat limited. A broader variety of tastes could improve the overall dining experience.
Pricey: Eating at La Provincia can be on the higher end in terms of cost, and although it is somewhat justified by the caliber of the food and service, it may not be suitable for those on a tight budget. “In terms of value for money, La Provincia is pretty expensive, so it’s not for everyone or every occasion. I do believe that the portion sizes are good and the quality of the food is good, just a bit pricy for many,” Luciana Restrepo, TCS senior, said.
Overall Rating:
The categories we consider for rating the restaurants we try are the following: Food, Service, and Ambience.
La Provincia receives the following ratings from us:
Food: 4.4 / 5
“Compared to other Mediterranean restaurants we’ve visited, La Provincia’s cuisine stands out in terms of authenticity. Each dish felt like it had been thought out and made with love, carefully crafted and presented,” Mariana Mesa, TCS senior, said.
Service: 4.7 / 5
“La Provincia has always been one of those restaurants you constantly hear about, and I had always been interested in going. When I finally went inside the restaurant, I could immediately tell why many recommended it. It has some exciting and new flavors. I liked it, and thought the service was great, as we were quickly attended,” Restrepo said.
Ambiance: 5 / 5
“When entering the restaurant you can immediately tell the ambiance is so sophisticated, very calm and quiet you could say. It has such an elegant and classic look, making it even more unique compared to some of the restaurants near it,” Mesa said.
La Provincia may not be an everyday restaurant, but its inventive menu, attention to detail, and classy ambiance make it a valuable choice for special events or a treat for fancy palates. Just be aware that it will cost more than your casual dining spots. “Based on my experience, I would consider returning to La Provincia in the future. The overall dining experience was great, and I look forward to exploring more of their menu,” Mesa said.