Must-see restaurants in South America

  • La Pampa

    Sur Chico

    The best beef in the region is further south, but this high-style, two-story steakhouse is the Temuco hot spot for carnivores.

  • Prem

    Sucre

    Tiny, crowded spot where locals crowd the few tables for a tasty vegan set lunch. Good juices, smoothies and cupcakes as well.

  • Mercado Municipal

    Punta Arenas

    Fish and vegetable market with cheap 2nd-floor cocinerías (eateries); a great place for inexpensive seafood dishes.

  • Sweet & Coffee

    Guayaquil

    A modern and inviting cafe in Urdesa that draws people of all ages who come for coffee, decent pastries, quiches and cakes.

  • Restaurant Venecia

    North Coast

    A local institution, this corner restaurant is the place to go for chunks of grilled meaty goodies, seafood and breakfasts.

  • Cantinho Baiano

    The Amazon

    Amazonian river fish are the main attraction here, served in a colorful dining area that gets the occasional river breeze.

  • Panaderia Fragatas

    The Galápagos Islands

    Just past the main plaza, you'll find a tiny bakery selling banana bread, orejas (big cookies) and other treats.

  • Hotel Yacanto

    Córdoba & the Central Sierras

    It may be a hotel restaurant but it has a great reputation for top-notch homemade food. Call ahead to make sure it's open.

  • Mi Comisariato

    Guayaquil

    This cavernous grocery is the most convenient downtown option for self-catering. Looks like a clothing store from outside.

  • Fairyland Café

    Santa Catarina

    An adorable cafe along a quieter section of town. Does good coffee, cupcakes and light bites for a see-and-be-seen crowd.

  • Apocalipse Restaurante

    Minas Gerais

    Apocalipse serves an excellent international per kilo lunch in a spacious upstairs room overlooking the municipal market.

  • El Rincón del Pato

    North Coast

    This place gets the thumbs-up from locals who descend en masse to enjoy good ceviches, grills and regional specialties.

  • El Viento Viene

    Coastal Patagonia

    This little nook is a charming spot for coffee, sandwiches and homemade pie, and also sells innovative arts and crafts.

  • Botánica

    Quito

    Linger over a coffee in the plant-filled covered deck at Botánica. The sandwiches, juices and cakes here are sublime.

  • Água na Boca

    Arraial do Cabo

    A stone’s throw from the bus station, this recommended self-serve includes plenty of seafood in its daily offerings.

  • Costa Brava

    Uruguay

    Perched atop the bluffs overlooking the Atlantic, Costa Brava is all about seafood accompanied by an unbeatable view.

  • Café Rometsch

    Concepción

    Delicious cakes and gelato, generous salads and sandwiches, classy sidewalk tables on the plaza – need we say more?

  • Restaurant Los Colchaguinos

    Middle Chile

    Rich, homey paila marina (seafood stew) is the star attraction at this small, family-run hole-in-the-wall.

  • Bodega

    Lençóis

    This hip and stylish pizzeria and Italian eatery offers prime people-watching, gourmet pies and potent cocktails.

  • El Asadito

    Mendoza

    Deservedly popular cantina-style eatery that does juicy barbecue and meat sandwiches. Vegetarian options as well.

  • Cabo Grill

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Locals flock to this self-serve place at lunchtime for its varied buffet, followed up with free shots of coffee.

  • Chesco Pizzeria

    South Coast

    Hearty, piping-hot pizzas, plus pasta and hamburgers, in a packed fast-food-like setting (order at the counter).

  • La Fonda del Tio

    Bariloche

    No nonsense here – just big servings of homemade pastas and raviolis, along with a carefully chosen wine list.

  • Nutripan

    South Coast

    For midday snacks, nothing beats the piping-hot sweet rolls or dulce de leche–smothered pastries served here.

  • Kuchen Stube

    La Paz

    A favorite for sweet snacks with decadent German pastries, reasonable coffee, fresh juices and quiche lorraine.

  • Cevichería Colorado

    Coca

    Down towards the river, this popular spot is the place for a bowl of frothy ceviche and a cold beer.

  • Pastelatte

    Around Medellín

    A cute cafe serving an array of delicious light meals at reasonable prices. The desserts are top-notch, too.

  • Beef & Buns

    Cochabamba

    Classic Americana decor and a variety of juicy 200g beef burgers; equally above-average chicken sandwiches.

  • Centro Gastrononico El Suizo

    Norte Chico

    This semi-enclosed food court ringed by small bars and restaurants is a lively choice for inexpensive fare.

  • Ketal Supermercado

    La Paz

    If you’re heading off for a picnic, load up here on everything from olives to cheese, crackers and beer.

  • Heladería Mako

    Paraguay

    Delicious pastry delights, artisanal ice cream, great coffee and magazines make this well worth the trek.

  • Antigua Miami

    La Paz

    A hipster-y little cafe with gorgeous floor tiles, strong coffees and belly-pleasing panini sandwiches.

  • Tropicana

    Foz do Iguaçu

    This all-you-can-eat shoestring savior offers absolutely ridiculous taste for money. Expect a madhouse.

  • Siop Bara

    Coastal Patagonia

    This Welsh bakery is the perfect quick, no-fuss stop for pastries, gelato and excellent sandwiches.

  • Los Extremeños

    Córdoba & the Central Sierras

    Family-run spot much loved by the locals for its for first-rate Spanish seafood. Must reserve ahead.

  • La Fourchette

    Chile

    The most distinguished of Valle Nevado’s six restaurants, serving inspired Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Bajo Belgrano Resto Bar

    Coastal Patagonia

    Tuck into this cute restaurant's offerings of pastas, milanesa or stuffed roasted squash.

  • A Cubana

    Salvador

    One of Salvador’s oldest and best ice-cream shops, located at the top of the Elevador Lacerda.

  • Lecka Bistro Alemán

    Loja

    Good, authentic German offerings (particularly the cakes and the beer!) in an intimate setting.

  • La Gatita

    Middle Chile

    Beloved no-frills seafood restaurant with a privileged view over Concón and ultra-fresh food.

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