Must-see restaurants in South America

  • Nuria

    Rosario

    This much-loved Rosario institution – now with several more modern outlets around town – is still a seductively old-fashioned place to pick up delicious…

  • Casa Blanca Cafe

    Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)

    Steps from the pier, this open-air cafe is one of the most popular spots in town. Stop in for tuna or chicken sandwiches, burgers, empanadas, cappuccinos…

  • Pasta e Vino

    Valparaíso

    If you want to compete with local foodies, it's worth reserving ahead. You'll be dining on inventive seasonal pastas in a sleek, intimate atmosphere with…

  • Maracuyá

    Arica

    Treat yourself to a superb seafood meal complete with snappily attired servers and sea views at this villa-style restaurant next to Playa El Laucho…

  • Frutelli

    Ayacucho

    The closest central outlet stocking the delicious CREAM'Z ice creams and really unusual hard candies. Doesn't look much from outside, but let your taste…

  • Miky’s Pollería

    Huaraz & the Cordilleras

    If you are a pollería connoisseur (easily done in Peru), check out Mikey’s Pollería on the plaza for some of the best grilled chicken south of the equator.

  • Lo & Lo

    Puerto Ayora

    A little open-sided place that does ceviche, grilled fish, seco de chivo (goat stew) and balones (mashed plantain balls).

  • 50 Sabores

    Fortaleza

    Mucuripe branch of the popular ice cream shop; there's another one by the beach in Meireles.

  • Cuencan Taste

    Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)

    Join afternoon crowds for fresh-baked magnificence: chocolate or cinnamon bread, empanadas, pastries, and fruit and custard tarts.

  • El Descanso Marinero

    Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)

    Ceviche, lobster and other fresh-caught seafood is served up in a lovely outdoor garden with picnic tables.

  • Mercagán

    Bucaramanga

    A branch of Bucaramanga's famous steakhouse.

  • Restaurante Sardo

    Bogotá

    The restaurant formerly known as Trattoria Nuraghe isn't as well located as its past incarnation, but its new digs are a step up in ambiance and interior…

  • Restaurante de la Escuela Taller

    Bogotá

    This great lunch hot spot is tucked away inside a culinary (among other skills) workshop for disadvantaged youth and feels like a find. Dining here in the…

  • Mesa Franca

    Bogotá

    Colombian chef Iván Cadena evokes the come-one, come-all banquet-style of his Araucanian farm upbringing at this hot Bogotá newcomer, a beautiful example…

  • Central Cevicheria

    Bogotá

    This large, high-concept cevicheria is insanely popular with the upscale Bogotá set. Choose your fish (octopus, shrimp, mixed seafood etc), then add one…

  • La Puerta Falsa

    Bogotá

    If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Maybe that’s why, after two centuries, the 'False Door' is still successfully knocking out the same one-page menu,…

  • De Una Travel Bar

    Bogotá

    With a menu written on a suitcase hung on the door and well-thumbed travel books scattered within, it's no surprise that this cafe is a travelers'…

  • Madre

    Bogotá

    You'd never notice this hip pizzeria and bar from the street – it's tucked away within an unassuming shopping plaza that does little to catch anyone's…

  • Salvo Patria

    Bogotá

    This Chapinero Alto stalwart of coolness and quality helped pioneer Bogotá's now well-established farm-to-table food scene (local producers are listed on…

  • Aji de Gallina (Peruvian dish)

    Café Tostado

    Lima

    Call it a cultural experience. This barely converted auto-repair shop long ago transformed into a bastion of traditional cooking, with long wooden tables…

  • Panchita

    Lima

    A Gastón Acurio homage to Peruvian street food in a contemporary setting ringed by folk art. Skewered meats are grilled over an open flame to melt-in-your…

  • Insurgentes Taco Bar

    Bogotá

    Occupying a former Chapinero Alto mansion now split between two restaurants, hip newcomer Insurgentes is a high-design, good-time taco bar that draws a…

  • Casa Paladino

    Rio de Janeiro

    Going strong since 1906, this frozen-in-time delicatessen is lined with bottles, canned goods and other preserves. The attached restaurant serves Paladino…

  • Shirley

    Rio de Janeiro

    The aroma of succulent paella hangs in the air as waiters hurry to and from the kitchen bearing platefuls of fresh seafood. Shirley, opened in 1954, was…

  • Home Burger

    Bogotá

    What some say is the pinnacle of Bogotá's off-the-charts burger wars, hipster-ish Home Burger eschews gourmet nonsense for down-home simplicity: folks…

  • Pastelería Florida

    Bogotá

    Those needing a bit of pomp or history with their chocolate santafereño (hot chocolate served with cheese) should make the hike to this classic snack shop…

  • Mironga

    Rio de Janeiro

    With its tall ceilings, exposed Edison bulbs, lounge-like music and chunky wooden tables, Mironga channels a Brooklyn vibe, which is unsurprising given…

  • La Xarcuteria

    Bogotá

    Originally started by an American-Colombian chef who might very well be to blame for Bogotá's now-saturated gourmet burger game, La Xarcuteria does proper…

  • Colonia & Co

    Lima

    For extraordinary coffee, fresh blended juices and wonderful brunch, come to this cheerful modern cafe. Straight from Seattle, the Slayer espresso machine…

  • La 73

    Lima

    Named for an iconic local bus, this contemporary bistro serves Peruvian–Mediterranean fare, with sustainable fish. Some dishes seem rushed, but standouts…

  • Mistral Panadería Artesanal

    Bogotá

    Situated in the chic and arty Chapinero Alto neighbourhood, this small French-style cafe is the real deal (even French tourists give their stamp of…

  • La Tapería

    Bogotá

    To the delight of those in the know, delectable tapas such as cherry tomatoes wrapped in blue cheese and bacon with a balsamic reduction are churned out…

  • Bakers

    Rio de Janeiro

    The Bakers is a fine spot for flaky croissants, banana Danishes, apple strudels and other treats. There are also waffles, omelets, salads, gourmet…

  • El Punto Azul

    Lima

    Awash in Caribbean blues, this pleasant family eatery dishes up fresh ceviches, tiraditos (Japanese-style ceviche, without onions) and family-sized rice…

  • Quinua y Amaranto

    Bogotá

    This sweet spot – run by women in an open-front kitchen – offers tasty set lunches, as well as empanadas, salads and coffee. Fare is all vegetarian during…

  • Las Brujas de Cachiche

    Lima

    Quality Peruvian cooking with the live ambience of a tinkling piano. Brujas’ menu has wonderfully prepared classics such as ají de gallina (spicy chicken…

  • El Pan de la Chola

    Lima

    In South America, finding real, crusty whole-grain bread is rarer than striking gold. Enter this small brick cafe that bakes four scrumptious varieties,…

  • Blu

    Lima

    Creamy, dense chocolate, bright herbs, Madagascar vanilla or tart jungle fruit: this is Lima's best gelato, made fresh daily. Keep an eye out for carts…

  • Ceviche with Lime

    La Cevichería

    Cartagena

    A once little-known spot prized by locals, La Cevichería was given ample publicity in an episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations in 2008. Cue the…

  • De/Raíz

    Bogotá

    This stylish plant-based bistro was born out of the upstart owner's MBA thesis project and is seriously steeped in fostering relationships with local…

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