Around Medellín
For a cheap feed, follow the crowd of locals to this simple diner on the main plaza. It serves big portions of traditional favorites.
Must-see restaurants in South America
Chiloé
Dalcahue's top seafood restaurant plates up excellent steamed fresh fish and caldillo de mariscos (shellfish stew, CH$4000).
Paraguay
Habib's is the best bet for local specialty lomito árabe – a Paraguayan-style kebab invented by the expat Arab community.
Recife
One of the best budget per kilo places in Boa Viagem, Boa Opção has a good selection of side dishes and mains hot off the grill.
Bahia
A local favorite serving hearty regional dishes from grilled steaks to salmon glazed with maracuja (passion fruit) sauce.
Sucre
Specialty cakes and pastries from the Chiquitania region of Bolivia including the delicious masaco (bananas with cheese).
Coastal Patagonia
Recommended by locals, this unassuming confitería serves satisfying meals and snacks, with grilled meats, beer and wine.
Bariloche & the Lake District
It’s likely half the town saunters in here for an espresso every day. Good coffee and sandwiches make it great for a light bite.
Northern Patagonia
Presided over by the señoras Elvira and Fredelinda, this no-nonsense eatery offers abalone empanadas, fresh fish and meat dishes.
Uruguay
This corner place has decent chivitos (steak sandwiches piled high with toppings) and views of Carmelo's central square.
Rio de Janeiro
Like its better-known version in Ipanema, Capricciosa serves excellent thin-crust pizzas.
Norte Grande
Fish, as well as meat, vegetables and fruity fare, is available at the attractive old Mercado Central, between Maipú and Uribe.
Bolivia
Sandwiches, salteñas (meat and vegetable pasties) and basic meat and pasta dishes served up in a sterile dining room.
North Coast & Lowlands
Formerly called Suly's, this pizzeria has a nice mix of Italian faves like lasagna, spaghetti, pizza and overstuffed calzones.
South Coast
Coffee and chocolate brownies hit the spot at this open-all-day cafe that remains lively after most other places have closed.
Rio de Janeiro State
This friendly place features all-you-can-eat home cooking at lunchtime and all-you-can-eat soup for R$15 on weekday evenings.
Coyhaique
A popular eatery with a sheltered patio serving sandwiches, tablas (cheese and meat boards), teas and fresh juices.
Norte Chico
Tongoy's small fish market has a handful of vendors serving up freshly shucked oysters, ceviche, scallops and other seafood.
San Antonio de Areco
Serving Argentine staples with a twist, this popular restaurant offers plenty of inventive pasta options for vegetarians.
The Lakes District
Large and modern Mercado Municipal has an array of cocinerías (lunch stalls) serving good and inexpensive food.
Puerto Natales
Delicious flavors like tart natural yogurt, arroz con leche (rice pudding) and calafate berry are made on-site.
Córdoba & the Central Sierras
Decent Argentine food and great views out over the river. Portions are big and service is quick, if somewhat impersonal.
Lake Titicaca
Located just after the Kusijata turnoff, Isla Flotante Kalakota is a good spot to stop for a freshly caught trout lunch.
Arica
Very much a local's market, specializing in fresh produce, cheap clothing, food stalls and plenty of Bolivian imports.
Mendoza
Simple trattoria, good option for those looking for steak on a budget, especially for the set lunch (AR$150).
Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses
If you want a change from rice, beans and meat, this simple place a block from the church serves up a variety of pies.
Uyuni
For quick eats, cheap meals are on offer at the market's comedor (dining hall) and nearby street food stalls.
Máncora
Apparently the best pollería (restaurant specializing in roast chicken) in town – and who are we to argue?
Ushuaia
One of Argentina’s most-loved gelato shops has opened its doors in snowbound Ushuaia – and suddenly it’s summer.
La Paz
Stands sell empanadas and chicken sandwiches, while comedores serve up daily fare at this five-story market.
Middle Chile
Stop by this simple French cafe for espresso coffee, sandwiches, salads and cakes, as well as sweet or savory crepes.
Santa Cruz
The biggest and best supermarket in the city, selling all those foods you miss from home. There's also a food court.
Córdoba
A fantastic selection of vegetarian offerings. Pay by the kilo or choose from the limited selection of set meals.
Amazon Basin
A local favorite that specializes in traditional Moxos dishes. Worryingly, also listed in the phone book as a disco!
Leticia
The best-stocked supermarket in town is a good place for self-caterers and anyone hoarding snacks for a jungle trip.
Middle Chile
A laid-back spot near Plaza de Armas for cheap set lunches and bountiful grilled-meat platters on weekend evenings.
Puno
For self-catering, head to the Mercado Central for fresh fruit, nuts and other produce, but be wary of pickpockets.
Lago Agrio
The pizza is probably the thing to go for here. The basic menu is nevertheless pretty good by Lago Agrio standards.
Northern Patagonia
Eating in these market-style shops is like a visit to your Chilean grandma, with fresh fish and oversized portions.
Santa Cruz
Fun, cozy little resto-bar with a lively atmosphere. Great beer and burger selection, and delicious chicken wings.
