Buenos Aires, Argentina
- (Parrilla) 1880, San Telmo – an amazing parrilla that doesn’t have the immense wait of the big-name parrillas. Steak was 10/10.
- (Burgers) The Burger Joint, Palermo – an unconventional New Years Day breakfast, but a delicious one. Great burgers.
Santiago
- (Indian) New Horizon – best value menu del día with a massive plate of delicious curry for about $5 per person.
- (Vegan) Vegan burger street (Avenida Libertador Bernardí O’Higgins just south of Centro Gabriela Mistral) – side-of-the-road handmade vegan burgers for about $2 each, with other assorted vegan treats
San Pedro de Atacama
- (French bakery) Franchuterie – I miss this place so much. Baguettes are fresh and come in a variety of flavours. Croissants are also delish – try the strawberries and white chocolate!
Sucre
- (Venezuelan) Bienmesabe – delicious and supremely filling arepas. Recommend the build-your-own option and the sautéed veces.
- (Bolivian) On top of La Recobita mercado in La Recoleta – the second floor turns into a ‘Wandering Cooks’ lunch spot each day serving overflowing plates for cheap. If you don’t know what to go for, Pollo Al Horno (oven-baked chicken) is a safe option.
Oruro
- (Parrilla) Casa Escobar – the 75 Boliviano Argentinian bife de chorizo is worth its weight in gold. We went back twice. Other meat cuts are also worth it.
- (Snacks) The ‘choripan’ (chorizo sandwich) is king here, at least during Carnaval. No specific place recommended.
La Paz
- (Coffee, lunch) Higher Ground – expensive by Bolivian standards but cheap by Australian, this Australian-run restaurant always delivers more and better than you expect. Menu del días feature delicious soups and cuts of meat. Coffees may be the best in the country.
Cusco
- (Vegetarian) Green Falafel – the quinoa soup and a falafel wrap/pita with fresh juice are unbeatable. Sometimes a bit of a wait, but worth it. Bursting with vege.
- (Indian) Korma Sutra – verging in Australian prices, but worth it. Recommend trying the alpaca chilli curry. Definitely opt for the cumin and pilaf rices.
- (Vegan) Green Point – set in a fruit-tree filled courtyard and serving equally impressive four-course menu, you’ll leave feeling ridiculously full and ridiculously healthy. Everything is so tasty.