Patagonia restaurant guide – best places to eat
The Patagonia season is not far off and, eating is always one of the great pleasures when travelling in Argentina and Chile.
Here are some of our top tips for restaurants to eat in Southern Patagonia.
El Calafate, Argentina
El Cucharón, 9 de Julio 145
Go where the locals eat. Good Argentine menu, good meat (but not necessarily just meat), good service, good value. Must eat: Chocolate Volcano – ‘Volcán de Chocolate’.
La Cocina, Av. del Libertador Gral. San Martín 1245
Cozy restaurant, home cooking. Traditional flavours – what an Argentine Granny would cook!
La Zaina, Gobernador Gregores 1057
Traditional restaurant, off the main tourist track so better value. Good service and we suggest you try the Patagonian Lamb – Cordero Patagonico.
Pura Vida, Av. del Libertador Gral. San Martín 1876
On the less busier end of the main road. One of El Calafate’s best restaurants, typical Argentine Cuisine, a bit more “gourmet” and as such a little pricier. Great atmosphere.
Isabel, Gobernador Moyano 1020 esq. Cte. Espora
This is a typical restaurant where all the food is cooked on a “ploughman’s disc”. Very typical rural tradition, big portions.
Viva la Pepa, Amado 833
Great place for crepes, salads and pies. Great place for something lighter and less formal. Cosy atmosphere with no more than 10 tables. On nice days there is the option to sit outdoors.
Don Pichón, Puerto Deseado 242
Speciality lamb restaurant, popular with visitors. Gets busy so advisable to book.
Casimiro Biguá, Av. del Libertador Gral. San Martín 963
Downtown fine dining restaurant at the pricier end of the spectrum. Great food and service.
Kau Kaleshen, Gobernador Gregores 1256
For those with a sweet tooth! Great tea and cakes.
El Chaltén, Argentina
La Wafleria, Av. San Martín 640 Local 1
This is a must in Chaltén to replenish those calories after a hard trek. Great sweet and savoury waffles.
La Cervecería, Av. San Martin 564
Great beer, great atmosphere, casual menu including pizza.
Patagonicus, Av Miguel Martin de Guemes 140 corner of Andreas Madsen
Argentine menu plus tea and cakes – comfort food. Amazing view.
Ahonikenk, Av Miguel Martin de Guemes 23
Typical Patagonian restaurant, big portions and Argentinean menu, good service and location.
Puerto Natales, Chile
La Aldea, Barros Arana 132
Cozy restaurant where the emphasis is on good food sourced with fresh local produce particularly seasonal vegetables as well as lamb, hare and fish.
Ultima Esperanza, Eberhard 354
Specialities are seafood as well as lamb.
Cormoran de las Rocas, Miguel Sanchez 72
Great views of Last Hope sound and good menu of international cuisine with a focus on seafood and Patagonian lamb.
La Mesita grande, Arturo Prat 196
Popular pizzeria with large shared table. Good prices.
Asador Patagónico, Prat 158
Meat barbecue restaurant – a must if you want local lamb.
Cervecería Baguales, Carlos Bories 430
Great microbrewery with buzzing atmosphere. Good food too.
Afrigonia, Eberhard 323
A fusion of Patagonia and Africa. If you want the unexpected… famed for its desserts.
Cangrejo Rojo, Santiago Bueras 782
Small homely seafood restaurant. Well worth a visit.
Punta Arenas, Chile
El Arriero, Avenida Bulnes 0977
Popular steakhouse but also offers a good variety of seafood.
La Marmita, Plaza Sampaio 678
A favourite with many visitors. Eclectic decor and hearty food.
La Luna, O’Higgins 1017
Popular with locals, fun decor and good food. Mixture of typical Chilean and international dishes.
Fusiones Gastrobar, O’Higgins 1011 corner of Pedro Montt
Gastro pub, good beer, wine, meat and seafood.
Damiana Elena, Magallanes 341
Hidden gem, elegant setting in old world house, fine food with fine fresh local produce. Popular with the locals.
