Romantic dinner at La Makha: how to create the perfect moment in Medellín

Are you looking for a night she’ll never forget? La Makha has the setting, the cuisine, and the time.

Some restaurants advertise themselves as romantic with candles and background music and end up being loud and generic. La Makha doesn’t market itself as a romantic restaurant — it’s a fine dining restaurant at Binnhotel, with an atmosphere that feels intimate not through artifice but through design: the space is quiet, the service is personal, the dishes demand attention and the pauses between courses leave room for conversation.

For a couple looking for a memorable night in Medellín, that kind of restaurant is worth more than one with themed décor. Here’s how to make the most of what La Makha has to offer.

Why La Makha works for a romantic dinner

The 7-course tasting menu takes between two and two and a half hours. That’s not an inconvenience — it’s the structure of the night. Dishes arrive spaced out, the sommelier stops by the table, and chef David Suárez Estrada explains the ingredients when he’s on the floor. The dinner has its own rhythm, and that rhythm asks you to be present — to pay attention to what’s on the plate and to the person sitting across from you.

The space helps. The glass and steel architecture of Binnhotel, the warm lighting in the restaurant, the noise level that lets you talk without raising your voice — all of that builds an atmosphere that the busier restaurants of El Poblado simply can’t offer. It’s not that La Makha is silent; it’s that the sound is calibrated so that a two-person conversation is possible at all times.

The space helps. The glass and steel architecture of Binnhotel, the warm lighting in the restaurant, the noise level that lets you talk without raising your voice — all of that builds an atmosphere that the busier restaurants of El Poblado simply can’t offer. It’s not that La Makha is silent; it’s that the sound is calibrated so that a two-person conversation is possible at all times.

“La Makha is one of the most elegant spaces for couples in Medellín: gourmet dinner in low light, perfect for anniversaries.” — Binnhotel · Medellín for couples

Brindis con copas de vino tinto en cena romántica con velas y plato gourmet en restaurante elegante

The perfect night: step by step

Arrival — Aperitif at La Makha

Arrive a few minutes before the service starts and order a signature cocktail at the bar — the Esfumado or the Silencio are good openers. They give you time to settle in and read the menu without rushing before the first course arrives.

Tasting menu — The 7 courses with pairings

The tasting menu ($420,000 with pairings) is the right call for this kind of dinner. Each course comes with its own drink, the team walks you through the ingredients and the pace never feels rushed. The lamb and the flan are the two courses most guests are still talking about the next day.

The chef’s moment — When David Suárez comes to the table

If the chef is on the floor, he usually stops by tables to explain the dishes. Several guests describe it as the moment that turns a dinner into something else entirely. Nothing to prepare — just ask whatever comes to mind about the ingredient or the technique.

After dinner — ETRO rooftop to close the night

Head up to the ETRO rooftop in the same building for a cocktail with a 360° view of Medellín. The view from El Poblado at night is the natural closing to a dinner at La Makha — and it doesn’t require a taxi or any extra planning.

For hotel guests — Gourmet breakfast the next morning

BINN Hotel guests get a daily gourmet breakfast for two at La Makha. Starting the next day in the same restaurant, with no rush, is the perfect extension of the night before.

What to order for a dinner for two

For a romantic dinner at La Makha there are two routes: the full tasting menu or a selection from the à la carte menu. The tasting menu has the advantage of removing all decisions — the kitchen runs the night. The à la carte works better if one of you has dietary restrictions or simply prefers to choose.

Recommended selection for a dinner for two · À la carte

  • To share as a starter: Buffalo stracciatella from Planeta Rica — the only sharing dish that isn’t a ceviche. It arrives cold and clean, and opens the palate without overwhelming it.
  • Individual starters: Corn Cracker for one, ceviche for the other. Both are cold, precise and tend to spark conversation about the ingredients.
  • Main courses: Catch of the day and lamb — a combination that covers sea and mountain. The lamb is the most substantial dish on the menu; save it for whoever wants the night’s main event.
  • Dessert: Coconut flan with viche canao — the most Colombian closing on the menu and the one that generates the most conversation afterward. Ordering one to share works well.
  • To drink: Ask the sommelier for guidance based on the dishes you’ve chosen. Doña Dominga Carmenere with the lamb and a Tom Collins with the fish are the most reliable pairings on the à la carte menu.

The details that make the difference

  • Book ahead and mention the occasion. The Binnhotel team can arrange specific touches — floral decoration, welcome champagne, table setup — if you let them know when you reserve.
  • Ask for the glass and steel area. It’s the most private section of the restaurant. Requesting it when you book increases the chances of getting it.
  • Come to have dinner, not to eat quickly. The tasting menu takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. That time is part of the plan, not an obstacle. Book with nothing scheduled afterward.
  • Consider staying at Binnhotel. Dinner at La Makha plus cocktails at ETRO plus gourmet breakfast the next morning turns one night into a complete experience without leaving the building.
  • For a marriage proposal, Binnhotel has specific packages that include a private rooftop reservation, romantic setup, champagne and an intimate dinner at La Makha. The team handles every detail.

What occasions it works for

  • Anniversary The full tasting menu with pairings. Book ahead and mention the date for personalized touches.
  • Special first date The à la carte menu is less of a commitment than the full tasting. The atmosphere does the work — no further planning required.
  • Marriage proposal Binnhotel has specific proposal packages with a private rooftop reservation, candles, flowers and dinner at La Makha.
  • Honeymoon The romantic getaway packages at BINN Hotel include dinner at La Makha, a couples’ spa and gourmet breakfast. One booking covers the whole experience.
  • Spontaneous night out If there’s availability without a prior reservation, the restaurant accepts walk-ins. The à la carte menu works well for a dinner without the commitment of the full tasting.
  • Special celebration Birthday, promotion, end of a hard project. La Makha works for any celebration that deserves a proper setting and a menu to match.

Frequently asked questions about romantic dinners at La Makha

Is La Makha a good option for a romantic dinner in Medellín?

Yes. It combines an intimate atmosphere, a 7-course tasting menu, curated pairings and a noise level that lets you hold a conversation all night. The ETRO rooftop in the same building lets you extend the evening with panoramic views of Medellín.

Can you request special decoration for a romantic dinner?

Yes. Binnhotel can arrange floral decoration, candles, welcome champagne and a special table setup if you mention the occasion when booking. For marriage proposals there are specific packages that include a private rooftop reservation.

How much does a romantic dinner for two at La Makha cost?

The tasting menu with pairings costs $420,000 per person ($840,000 for two). For an à la carte dinner with a starter, main course, dessert and wine pairing, the estimated spend per person is between $150,000 and $250,000 depending on your choices.

How long does dinner at La Makha take?

The 7-course tasting menu takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. The à la carte can take between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the pace of the table. The restaurant serves until 9:30 pm Monday through Sunday.

Do you need to be a BINN Hotel guest to dine at La Makha?

No. La Makha accepts reservations from outside guests as well as hotel guests. That said, staying at BINN Hotel lets you combine dinner with the gourmet breakfast the next morning and other hotel services like the couples’ spa.

Discover the restaurant on La Makha’s page at Binnhotel. Instagram: @lamakharestaurante

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