Bahia
Pai Thomaz (the nickname of the original owner) opened in 1981 and was famous for its superbly spiced Bahian cuisine. The restaurant closed in 2005 and…
Must-see restaurants in South America
São Paulo
Foodies in the know consider this São Paulo's best traditional izakaya (Japanese pub), where Sergio Ouba, Toshi Akuta and Adriano Silva slice, dice, boil…
São Paulo
Opened on the rooftop of Museu de Arte Contemporânea near Parque Ibirapuera in 2018, Vista is true to its name: the outstanding panoramic view on offer of…
Chiloé
Two locals (a historian and a chef) are behind Castro's most authentic restaurant. Its lengthy menu features resurrected island recipes transformed into…
Recife
Airy, bustling Camarada does shrimp in endlessly creative ways – think shrimp fondue, salads, marinated in beer and served in moquecas (stews) – but it’s…
Chiloé
There's a whole lotta culinary love coming out of this divey sandwich joint near the municipal bus terminal. You choose your base (chicken, beef, pork,…
Coyhaique
Fusing Patagonian lore with a sophisticated palate and reasonable prices, Mamma Gaucha could please the fussiest road warrior. Cane ceilings and…
Santa Marta
Ouzo offers a stripped-back, classic Greek and Italian menu that includes superb pizza from a wood-fired oven and a good wine list. The octopus is slow…
São Paulo
Brazilian celebrity chef Alex Atala's small and deceptively casual contemporary Brazilian restaurant serves up some of the finest food in Sampa, which is…
North Coast & Lowlands
Owned by a Spanish chef (Amalur means ‘Mother Earth’ in Basque), this trim, minimalist restaurant is a major step up from your average Ecuadorian small…
Pucón
Israeli transplant Tal makes everything from scratch – often with ingredients straight from the motherland – at this fantastic, cash-only Middle Eastern…
Elqui Valley
An enchanted setting for a meal, El Bosque ('the forest') lives up to its name with outdoor tables surrounded by greenery beside a gurgling river — indeed…
Puyo
With panache to punch above its weight in Quito's coolest neighborhoods, EscoBar makes palapas (rustic, palm-thatched dwellings) seem chic. Sample…
Bahia
This sleek bistro opened in 2018 and specializes in fresh, artful Mediterranean inspired cuisine that utilizes the region's bountiful seafood. There are…
Salento
Tuck into delicious international cuisine out on the deck or in front of the open fireplace at this fantastic modern bistro. On the diverse menu you'll…
Rio de Janeiro
Much to the delight of cariocas, celebrated São Paulo chef Alberto Landgraf recently moved to Rio and opened this small, beautifully designed restaurant,…
Puerto Iguazú
A mainstay of upmarket eating in Puerto Iguazú, this culinary heavyweight still packs a punch. The salads are inventive and delicious, as are the…
Vilcabamba
This beautiful cafe with a people-watching terrace right on the plaza is the best spot in town for a coffee (the owner is Argentine, and knows how to make…
Iquitos
Elegant rubber boom-style refurbishments are all the rage in Iquitos and this 2nd-floor people-watching spot has nailed the vibe. Airy, high-ceilinged and…
Salta & the Andean Northwest
Black Pan is a hip spot, exceptionally well branded, and beloved by Tucumán’s young and upwardly mobile. Its standard is a 120g burger with cheddar cheese…
Huaraz
Cementing a three-way marriage of craft beer, micro-roasted coffee and food made with local ingredients, Trivio joins a few Huaraz restaurants that wouldn…
Ceará
At first this unpretentious bar-restaurant on a corner above the beach seems like any one of thousands in the Northeast. But then you get the menu and…
Huaraz
Whether you send your appetite to India or Thailand, the fiery curries at this hot spot will seize your taste buds upon arrival, mercilessly shake them up…
Lima
A must for original, well-prepared (but not spicy) ceviche – the vegetarian mango ceviche won best at the prestigious Mistura food festival. Serves…
Salta
This cute hole-in-the-wall, well-lit and decorated with original art, is set a few blocks south of the center, but it's worth the walk here for the menu…
San Pedro de Atacama
About 500m east of the plaza, you'll find San Pedro's best bakery. Run by a talented young Frenchman, Franchuteria has beautifully baked goods, including…
Rio de Janeiro
Stained-glass windows, brocaded mirrors and marble countertops create a lavish setting for coffee or a meal here. Dating from the late 19th century, the…
Ceará
Who needs a menu? An honest-to-goodness Japazilian chef from São Paulo has slapped down just five tables and cooks up what's fresh. That means anything…
Lima
This artisan coffee shop breaks coffee-making down to a science and has all the chemistry-set-style machines to prove it. Just blocks from Museo Larco, it…
Lima
Just blocks from the famous Surquillo market, diners share two long tables to feast on sea urchin omelette, stuffed rocoto peppers and stewed osso buco…
Cuzco
A Gastón Acurio venture serving up haute versions of Cuzco classics in an open kitchen. Its riff on anticuchos (beef skewers) is a delectable barbecued…
Belo Horizonte
In 2017, Lisbon-born chef Cristóvão Laruça moved his popular Portuguese restaurant from Belo Horizonte's suburbs to this sleek space overlooking the…
Ayacucho
Not all of the culinary stars that shine in Ayacucho shine in the center. This pizzeria twinkles in a galaxy all of its own out on Av del Ejercito …
Iquitos
Take a boat out to this floating foodie paradise in the middle of the mouth of the Río Itaya to sample some of the city’s best food. The emphasis is on…
Buenos Aires
Order a slice of pizza and a cold glass of beer – and eat it while standing up at the counter – to have the classic experience at one of Buenos Aires'…
Jericoacoara
Jeri's most creative dining experience is romantically lit under the shadow of a giant tamarind tree. Nearly everything is cooked in the brick oven, which…
Montevideo
After nine years honing his culinary technique at Michelin-starred restaurants in Catalonia, chef Martín Lavecchia returned to Montevideo to open this…
Villa de Leyva
The delightful Savia specializes in inventive vegetarian, vegan and organic fare and local eco-artisanal products of the same ilk. Carnivores aren't left…
Along the Río Paraná
The hippie decor and inviting rear patio of this handsome house in a quiet leafy barrio make a welcome evening retreat. A small but interesting menu of…
Middle Chile
It's just 1km out of town, but this warm Italian restaurant really makes you feel like you're in the heart of wine country – especially when you're…
