Must-see restaurants in South America

  • Govinda's

    Arica

    Take a break from meat and fish at this welcoming vegetarian eatery around the corner from the cathedral. The menu changes daily and might feature the…

  • Café da Praça

    Minas Gerais

    At the foot of the long staircase leading up to Igreja Santa Rita, this sweet cafe with outdoor seating serves up prime views of Serro's main square,…

  • Q’atu Panadería

    La Paz

    Leave it to the team behind Gustu to deliver fresh Bolivian products in unique ways at this humble venture into fast food. Part sandwich shop, part bakery…

  • La Cave Du Conde

    Amazonas

    The refined menu, bar service and warm rustic ambience make this a pleasant surprise in the middle of the Amazon, but the main reason to come is to sample…

  • La Choza de Don Wilson

    Papallacta

    Almost everyone comes to this unassuming restaurant for an excellent fillet of trout and shots of aguardiente (sugarcane alcohol). They also have rooms …

  • La Estancia

    Rosario

    A sound choice on the Pellegrini strip, this typical upmarket grillhouse has really excellent cuts of meat – the vacío (flank steak) is special – allied…

  • El Cucharón

    El Calafate

    This sophisticated eatery, tucked away in a small space a few blocks off El Calafate's main street, is a relatively undiscovered gem and an excellent…

  • Delícias Caseiras

    Manaus

    The tables are crammed together and the fans are blowing full blast to accommodate the scads of loyal clients at this great hole-in-the-wall just off…

  • Coiron

    Puerto Madryn

    In the hotel Dazzler, this upscale restaurant doesn't quite live up to that name's expectation, but it does serve decent gourmet meals that come nicely…

  • Parrilla El Trébol

    The Pampas & the Atlantic Coast

    Fun and flavorful, this simple parrilla, specializing in perfectly grilled steaks and top-notch salads, is a locals' favorite. The sausage and blood…

  • Martinni Pizza

    La Paz

    If you believe the napkin reviewers (one day they’ll put Lonely Planet writers out of a job for good), this small pizza joint is the best slice in La Paz…

  • Yorimichi

    Santa Cruz

    This swish Japanese restaurant with bamboo screens separating eating spaces and traditional music tinkling from the speakers, this is the place to come…

  • The Coffee Bean Cafe

    Georgetown

    First impressions of this place may not be overwhelmingly positive, with a poorly-lit, extremely dated interior, but the menu and friendly service make up…

  • Parrilla de Nito

    Bariloche & the Lake District

    The sister restaurant of the celebrated parrilla in Copahue grills up beautiful slabs of bife de chorizo and lomo (sirloins) to customers' specifications,…

  • Sorrento's

    Bariloche & the Lake District

    Hearty local-fare options, such as trout-filled sorrentinos (ravioli) and lamb goulash with spaetzle, are menu staples here, as well as the surprising…

  • Burrito Bar

    Lima

    Londoner Stew created this Mexican fast but fresh food sensation after studying tortilla making on YouTube. The experiment was a smash hit, from Baja…

  • Los Corales

    South Coast

    The prime shorefront position pretty much guarantees fresh seafood including local favorite, pulpo al olvia (octopus in olive oil), a cold appetizer. It's…

  • Caravati

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    The most inviting of Plaza 25 de Mayo's terraces, this cafe is named after the Italian architect who designed much of central Catamarca, including the…

  • Taura

    Inland Patagonia

    With white linen on the tables and seating for a busload, this Argentine restaurant offers above-average fare. Meal-sized salads come fresh and well…

  • Mercado Norte

    Córdoba

    Córdoba’s indoor market has delicious and inexpensive food, such as pizza, empanadas (baked savory turnovers) and seafood. Browsing the clean stalls…

  • Restaurant Juanito

    South Coast

    Juanito, located to the south of the pier, is the pick of Cerro Azul's beachfront seafood restaurants, in terms of both ambience and quality. It has a…

  • Hay Pan

    La Paz

    This cozy little cafe with colorful Andean decor does bountiful breakfasts that include strong coffees and fresh-baked breads. It doubles as a vino bar in…

  • Hecho con Amor

    Guatapé

    Expats swear by this cute little cafe that serves mostly vegetarian plates alongside a bacon wrap for carnivorous visitors. The veggie burgers, tasty dips…

  • La Senda Verde Restaurant

    Bolivia

    This restaurant at the wildlife sanctuary has decent sandwiches and great snacks such as coca-infused alfajor cookies and home-produced coffee from a…

  • Samay Wasi

    Bolivia

    Every Sunday when tourists descend on the market, Samay Wasi puts on a dance show performed by children. A set lunch of traditional dishes is served…

  • Sabor Brazil

    Amazon Basin

    This tiny cafe is a real belly-pleaser with its fresh juices, bountiful açaí bowls, jumbo-sized calzones and delectable desserts (the passion-fruit…

  • Wiphala Pub

    Uyuni

    Named after the multicolored indigenous flag, this place has a traditional atmosphere and welcoming feel with its wooden tables, earthy vibe and board…

  • Cafe y Bar La Julieta

    The Oriente

    Macas' only proper cafe, La Julieta serves great coffees (including an interesting maple coffee), cheesecakes and brownies, salads and sandwiches with…

  • Maria Mata Mouro

    Salvador

    The picture-perfect garden patio and elegant dining room are fine settings to enjoy one of Pelô’s top menus. You’ll find Bahian classics, fresh seafood…

  • Guadalquivir Cafe

    Cali & Southwest Colombia

    This cozy cafe on the plaza serves classic pastuso snacks, including empanadas de anejo (small fried pastries), quimbilitos (sweet pastries of raisin,…

  • Bercy Village

    Recife

    Atmospheric Bercy Village serves up good-value savory and sweet crepes, and fab salads and sandwiches in a cool, semi-outdoor ambience that's pretty…

  • La Pe

    Uruguay

    'P' is for pasta, paella and – in Spanish – pescado (fish). This popular place, smack in the heart of La Pedrera's main street, serves all three, with…

  • Casa La Eliana

    Salento

    Prepares gourmet pizzas, pasta and, if you're in the mood for culinary Russian roulette, hit-and-miss Indian curries, all served on a deck overlooking the…

  • El Patio

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    Tucked away between Tilcara's plaza and church, this place has a lovely shaded patio, garden seating and a cozy interior. It offers a wide range of salads…

  • Café San Blas

    Quito

    It could be because this tiny, bustling neighborhood joint was once part of the owner's house that it has such a homely, welcoming atmosphere. The food is…

  • Naturetto

    Brasília

    This excellent pescatarian (fish but no meat) por-quilo (per kilo) restaurant is worth seeking out for creative dishes and the rustic, inner-city…

  • Dubai

    Salta

    Family-owned and set in a charming corner dining room, this Syrian kitchen offers a welcome break from parrilla fare. Expect solid falafel, hummus and…

  • Bada Grill

    Brazil

    Located just north of the Passarela do Caranguejo and across the street from the beach, this casually elegant eatery has a breezy open terrace that's…

  • Patio Rojo

    Trujillo

    You wouldn't expect to find it in this part of town, but this hip, healthy cafe serves great snacks, sandwiches, main meals and desserts with plenty of…

  • Cafeteria 7&7

    Cuzco

    This sleek 3rd-story cafe bursts with city views, yet the off-street location means it's quiet and conducive to chilling out. With white leather booths…

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