Guide to the best South American restaurants in London

Amazónico in London offers an immersive rainforest dining experience reminiscent of its parent establishment in Madrid. The menu merges tropical Amazonian flavours with an unexpected twist of a unique sushi selection inspired by the region's Asian communities and complemented by charcoal-grilled meats and vibrant seasonal dishes. The sophisticated ambience is enriched with live jazz, bossa nova, swing music, DJ sets, and an open kitchen, ensuring a lively and captivating meal.

Having earned acclaim throughout the UK, the Fazenda grill restaurant finally debuted in London in 2023. Celebrated for authentic South American delicacies, particularly premium grilled meats, the London location spans a two-storey space in the 100 Bishopsgate Tower, complete with a mezzanine bar and three exclusive dining rooms. Patrons receive a double-sided card to stop or start the flow of dishes to the table in the classic rodizio style.

Coya offers a vibrant Peruvian dining experience in a space rich with art, design, and music, providing both a main dining room and exclusive areas for members. The venue boasts lush decor, contemporary art, and commissioned murals and serves experimental menus that meld Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese culinary techniques with traditional Peruvian recipes. The lively pisco bar offers signature cocktails and hosts both resident and guest DJs.

Chotto Matte, a global group founded in Soho, embodies a stylish blend of art and the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. The restaurant's design juxtaposes vividly coloured avant-garde walls against a refined interior, while the menu offers a range of dishes like Nikkei gyoza and wagyu beef, with the option to dine from your personal tabletop hibachi grill. Resident DJs and other entertainment further elevate the experience.

Made in Brasil is a fun-loving Brazilian restaurant and cocktail bar with a laidback beach shack ambience. The menu showcases a rich mix of traditional and modern Brazilian dishes, from cassava fries to classic stews, complemented by over 250 cachaças and an array of cocktails from the bar. With its colourful wall art, atmospheric lighting, and varied events programme, the venue has been pumping out tropical party vibes in Camden since 2004.

Meat People in Islington blends Spanish and Argentinian culinary influences in a trendy Grade II listed venue, serving food in a space adorned with wooden details, leather banquettes, and large windows. True to their name, they prioritise quality meat, fostering relationships with Argentine and Uruguayan farmers for premium grass-fed beef. You can enjoy everything from light tapas and Argentinian sandwiches to a variety of steak cuts, complemented by a diverse wine list and cocktails.

The growing Arepa & Co family specialises in arepas and other genuine Venezuelan dishes, served in a relaxed, friendly space. You'll find all the well-known South American staples on the menu, such as crispy tajadas, plantain crostini, and cachapas. The titular arepas come with intriguing fillings, such as braised pork shoulder, charred apple sauce, and guava chipotle glaze. Weekend brunch is offered as well.

Zuaya in Kensington is a tribute to the Latin American culinary arts, offering tapas-style dishes that celebrate the region's diverse flavours. The versatile establishment provides à la carte and set menu choices, suitable for everything from casual lunches with friends to business meetings. The chic venue also boasts a stylish cocktail bar with live DJ sets and a terrace for alfresco relaxation.

Lima brought contemporary Peruvian dining to London's culinary scene in 2012 and a year later the Fitzrovia original became the first Peruvian restaurant to gain a Michelin star, which it retained until 2018. Melding classic South American components with local British produce, the menu at this stylish venue with colourful touches boasts specialities like ceviche and alfajores. A tasting menu is available as well.

These casual joints have built up quite a loyal following around the capital thanks to their filling sandwiches from Cuba, Uruguay, and Argentina. The simple Assenheims 56 eateries havebeen around for more than 30 years and also serve an array of Latin American street eats, for example, grilled chicken or Colombian egg dishes. Open weekdays only, they hit the spot for breakfast and lunch, with takeaway available too.

The Gaucho restaurants were initially launched way back in 1994 to bring the best Argentinian steaks possible to London. They've since expanded all over the capital, their elegant branches offering stylish settings and a variety of menus to choose from. They also take care of entertainment, hosting events such as masterclasses or bottomless brunches with DJs, and are popular among both casual and more glamorous crowds.

Guided by the expertise of Chef Jorge Pacheco, El Inca Plebeyo showcases a modern twist on Ecuador's traditional dishes, enriched by Pacheco's European culinary adventures. While ceviches are the highlight here, the menu also offers an array of Ecuadorian delicacies such as meat platters, pearl barley risottos, and hearty stews. You can also down a shot of premium Latin American spirits with your meal.

Experience the dynamic essence of Latin America at Paladar, where it's not just the cuisine that shines – the venue also showcases exhibitions from talented Latin American artists. The dishes at this welcoming establishment are inventive, fresh, and completely gluten-free. The seasonal main menu is complemented by group feasts, tasting menus, and set lunch or pre-theatre options.

Zoilo in Marylebone offers an authentic Argentinian culinary experience with a menu that is both seasonal and representative of various Argentinian regions. The seasonal dishes range from things like baked Provolone cheese with oregano honey to grilled flank steak complemented by unique sides, and desserts include treats like grilled pineapple with lemon verbena cream. The exclusively Argentine wine list offers selections both by the glass and bottle.

Sushisamba is a top-tier dining destination in the city, blending the culinary arts of Japan, Brazil, and Peru into a modern menu featuring a diverse range of dishes, including vegan and gluten-free choices. Whichever Sushisamba branch you choose, you can expect a stunning setting with lavish decor, breathtaking views, and a sophisticated ambience.

Cravings La Carreta in Peckham offers a snug atmosphere, showcasing authentic Mexican and Venezuelan family recipes in a homely, vibrant setting. Their menu features popular street food items ranging from classic Mexican quesadillas and burritos to Venezuelan arepas and cachapas. Its unpretentious, heart-warming Latin American cuisine has made Cravings La Carreta a top local choice.

Omnino Steakhouse offers a sophisticated steak dining experience infused with South American flair. Set in a modern, intimately lit ambience, it boasts a diverse wine selection from regions such as Argentina, California, France, and Spain, including one of the largest Malbec wine collections in the capital. The wines pair well with the Argentinian steaks and appetizers like empanadas and ceviches.

A culinary journey to Colombia awaits you at El Rancho de Lalo in Brixton. This cosy eatery, brimming with personality, offers traditional dishes cooked with love. You can snack on patacones, empanadas, or genuine Colombian cheeses or fill up with one of the generously portioned mains. The cantina-like setting further enhances the authenticity of the experience.

Run by two Colombian sisters, Morena radiates a modern charm with its blend of exposed brickwork and soft pastel hues. Open all day, it offers a Latin American twist to its menu, complemented by in-house roasted coffee. Start your day with nourishing breakfast choices like avocado toast and acai bowls, and transition to empanadas, poke, and tacos as the day progresses. Additionally, their weekend brunch seamlessly fuses the best of their breakfast and all-day menus.

Llama Inn, a celebrated New York City culinary icon, has launched its inaugural UK branch at The Hoxton hotel in Shoreditch. Occupying the rooftop dining space, Llama Inn tantalises taste buds with South American delights, deeply rooted in Peruvian ingredients, flavours, and customs. Additionally, their cocktail offerings are top-notch, featuring classic NYC mixes like their signature one-shot martini.

Chef Rafael Cagali's second venue at the Town Hall Hotel follows in the footsteps of its sibling, the two Michelin-starred Da Terra, though with a more casual approach. The compact 30-seater restaurant serves an à la carte menu that is again inspired by the chef's Brazilian and Italian heritage. The food is complemented by a carefully selected assortment of fine wines.

Helmed by renowned chefs Ana Gonçalves and Zijun Meng, this Battersea Power Station eatery showcases a menu paying homage to the culinary traditions of Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, and Argentina. Whether it's the delectable grilled chicken or the tantalising steaks, every plate at Solis exudes elegance in its simplicity and taste, taking you on a gastronomic adventure.

Ayllu is a stylish spot for Nikkei fusion cuisine hidden beneath Smith's Bar & Grill in Paddington. It's sophisticated, with dark green walls, elegant décor, and plush seating, and is perfect for enjoying freshly made sushi, sharing plates, and creative cocktails. Guests can also enjoy bento box lunches, lively bottomless brunches with samba performances, curated tasting menus, and live DJ music.