Arequipa
An unmissable local favorite, this long-running picantería has old-world formal service but a casual atmosphere that turns boisterous even during the week…
Must-see restaurants in South America
Providencia
Providencia's most popular restaurant is run by a Canadian–Raizal couple and the food is generally delightful, both memorable and reasonably priced given…
Pucón
Basque-country chef Michel Moutrousteguy offers a Mapuche-infused French menu that's well worth the trip to Termas Peumayén (for the food, not the service…
Mindo
Oswaldo has moved from the old van to a more permanent site, but it's still all quinoa, all the time: in burgers ($4 to $5), pudding, homemade sorbet and…
Ipanema & Leblon
One of Rio's best restaurants, Zuka prepares mouthwatering cuisine. Try zingy ceviche with Brazilian piquinho pepper or the confection-like delicacy of…
Central Highlands
This rustic outdoor restaurant where the road hits the river in idyllic little Obrajillo entices droves of weekending Lima residents, who go crazy over…
Chiloé
In tiny Putamún (7km outside Castro on the way to the Peninsula de Rilán and Dalcahue) is one of Chiloé's destination restaurants. In a colorful and cozy…
Sur Chico
Mapuche chef Anita Epulef turns seasonal ingredients into adventurous vegetarian Mapuche tasting menus. You can sample such indigenous delicacies as…
Santa Teresa & Lapa
One of the best and loveliest restaurants in Lapa, Casa Momus has a small but well-executed menu of Mediterranean-influenced dishes. Start with prawn…
Rio Grande do Norte
What comes off as a tad ramshackle at first glance reveals itself as Gostoso's most adorable bistro, serving up a choice few gussied-up dishes – curried…
Porto Alegre
Don't judge a cafe by its facade! Enter the fascinating Victorian-vintage world of Agridoce and you'll quickly learn which Southern Brazilian cafe is…
São Paulo
Lana, a journalist by trade, and daughter Luísa, offer their hugely popular version of feijoada, Brazil's national dish, inside a smallish Vila Madalena…
The Lakes District
Awa has a sommelier poached from Borogo and a chef from La Percanta – two of Santiago's finest foodie destinations – so you'd be right to expect big…
Bucaramanga
Often touted as serving the best steak in the whole of Colombia, this traditional parrilla (grilled-meat restaurant) run by a team of brothers is all it's…
Natal
This bright, stylish and creative homage to the shrimp is arguably Natal's best dining experience, and it's permanently packed. Start with a traditional…
São Paulo State
This lowlit Argentine-style parilla, run by a hands-on Brazilian family who keep the hospitality on overdrive (Jorge is especially personable, chatting…
São Paulo
Chef Mara Salles creates some of the very best contemporary Brazilian cuisine in the city at dependable Tordesilhas. There is a palpable lean on…
Ushuaia
This gem presents Fuegian staples like crab and octopus in a creative new context. Black sea bass wears a tart tomato sauce for contrast; there’s stuffed…
Lima
Dimly lit with polished hardwood and offering snappy service, this corner taverna feels more Buenos Aires than Lima; we're just thankful it's here. This…
Catamarca & La Rioja
Excellent homemade pasta plates, beautifully presented and flavorsome, are produced in this warm, cozy corner trattoria that doubles as a pasta shop…
São Paulo
Set well off the culinary eaten track in Barra Funda, friendly Chef Paulo Shin (a D.O.M. alum) nevertheless draws in droves for his authentic Korean…
Porto Alegre
Crammed with as much character as artisanal pasta, this dive-like pasta bar should go on your immediate to-do list – never mind the curmudgeonly old…
Montañita
In the epicenter of town, Montañita's best restaurant has an eclectic menu of global dishes (fajitas, falafels, homemade burgers, sesame-crusted shrimp,…
Northern Highlands
Don't miss this local institution, set up tiki-lounge-style, where you can double-dare your friends to try fried ants or alligator, all while you savor…
The Lakes District
Tucked away around the side of Hotel Waeger, you'll find dark flooring and a rustic, barnyard vibe (old-school metallic buckets as lampshades)…
Puerto Maldonado
This has quickly developed into Puerto Maldonado’s standout restaurant. It calls itself an exponent of Novo Amazonica cuisine – that’s like Novo Andino,…
Bucaramanga
A diverse selection of gourmet plates from faraway lands awaits at this small but seriously hip restaurant run by talented young chefs. Among the options…
Cuzco
A sure bet for delectable Andean cuisine with a twist. Marcelo Batata innovates with traditional foods to show them at their best – like the humble tarwi…
Santa Marta
Ikaro draws you in with its freshly baked bread and micro-roasted coffee and then entreats you to stay with its giant lounging ‘beds’ (ideal for sprawling…
Barranquilla
With its simple stools and tables on an enclosed porch, Italian-run Meeting Point looks more fast-food joint than promising pizzeria. But don't be too…
Puerto Iguazú
This exquisite hotel restaurant, domain of a maverick creative talent, is super-strong on presentation, whether homemade pasta or inventive creations with…
Piura
The real deal. This bright, modern cafe in bustling Santa Isabel, a 10-minute taxi from the center, offers wholesome breakfasts and gourmet sandwiches and…
Cafayate
The indoor-outdoor setting overlooking picture-perfect vineyards at this upmarket, yet slightly corny, winery 3km from Cafayate makes a fine lunch stop…
North Coast & Lowlands
Boasting one of the best chefs along the north coast (born here, trained in Europe), Seaflower serves delicious grilled seafood (try the spaghetti…
Fernando de Noronha
Husband-and-wife team Ana (a Cordon Bleu grad) and Rock (pronounced 'hockey;' Noronha's resident artist eccentric) serve only eight to 10 people per night…
Santa Teresa & Lapa
You could easily miss the low-key entrance to this tranquil lunch spot. Covering the top two floors of a 19th-century building, the restaurant has an airy…
Mendoza & the Central Andes
Considered something of a destination restaurant because it's the flagship of acclaimed celebrity chef Francis Mallman and it's housed in the uber…
Jericoacoara
Right in the center of town, this place is a real crowd-pleaser for Chef Apolinário's more-creative-than-most menu which includes plenty of seafood:…
Mendoza & the Central Andes
Osadia's five-course wine-paired lunch is one of the area's best, with beautifully presented dishes in portion sizes that won't bust your gut. Part of the…
Quito
Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine is given a contemporary twist at this sophisticated new restaurant. Dishes from across the country are prepared with fresh,…
