The Best South American Restaurants In London
From rich Brazilian flavours to spicy and aromatic Peruvian cuisine, there are plenty of South American restaurants in London that offer a taste of the continent. Whether you’re a fan of juicy Argentinian steaks, citrusy ceviche, sumptuous seafood, or a tasty Pisco Sour, when you can’t buy a plane ticket, London’s South American dining scene is the next best thing. These restaurants bring a splash of South America to the city with some of the most delicious food the continent has to offer.
Sucre
Set in the heart of Soho, Sucre pays homage to Argentina’s rich heritage with bold and sensory dishes that blend Mediterranean flavours, traditionally cooked over an open fire. The atmosphere is vibrant and intimate, and no trip is complete without a cocktail in their moody basement bar.
What to order: Embrace the sharing-style menu with dishes such as the beef & chilli empanada, tuna loin, tomato compote, parmesan and the perfectly charred ribeye. Pair your meal with one of Sucre’s signature cocktails or a glass from their globe-spanning wine list. To finish, the dulce de leche fondant, with mascarpone and hazelnuts, is a must.
WHERE: 47b Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JP
WEBSITE: sucrerestaurant.com
Archie’s Herne Hill
Archie’s has a menu that explores the diverse culinary traditions of Latin America, and you can expect artful presentation and premium ingredients on your plate. From pork belly tacos and moqueca mista (a Brazilian seafood stew) to Oaxaca ceviche and pollo a la brasa (spiced half or whole roasted chicken and charred lemon served with chimichurri), there are plenty of exciting flavours to look forward to, whether you’re visiting for brunch, lunch or dinner.
where: 319 Railton Rd, London SE24 0JN
website: www.archieshernehill.co.uk
Fazenda
Avid meat-eaters, this one is for you. Located in Bishopsgate, Fazenda is a culinary homage to Brazil. Their mission? “To take the essence of churrasco dining to another level.” And that they do, with a menu comprised of small plates and top-quality grilled meats, expect a culinary journey. Our top picks from the menu are the queen scallops and giant king prawns (to share), followed by the signature full churrasco carved at your table. Plus, after your meal, head downstairs to Fino bar for a digestif.
where: 100 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 1GT
Website: www.fazenda.co.uk
Llama Inn
As we approach the warmer months, the rooftop of Llama Inn is a must, ideally with a pisco sour. This Brooklyn hotspot made its transatlantic debut in 2023 and was an immediate hit. The vibe is New York meets Peru, inspired by Chef Erik Ramirez’s background. Think stonebass ceviche, chargrilled cod with aji amarillo curry and sudado, a seafood stew with hucatay and fennel.
where: 1 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH
Website: www.llamainnlondon.com
Pachamama
You might not know it, but that protein-packed superfood everyone’s grown to love, quinoa, originates from Peru, and you’ll find it here on Pachamama’s menu – from the miso-cured carrot with quinoa and Peruvian kimchi to chocolate quinoa ice cream.
The Peruvian-inspired bar and restaurant is nestled away in Shoreditch, serving tasting menus for a South American-style feast. Peruvian food has stolen our hearts and thrown away the key with Pachamama’s delicious offering.
Where: 73 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3HU
Website: www.pachamamalondon.com
Zoilo
If you’re looking for some phenomenal steaks (in fact, some of the best in London, dare we say), then Zoilo is your best bet. The Argentinian grill in Marylebone serves an incredible asado – the Argentinian tradition of grilling meat and fish, and the restaurant’s beef takes centre stage here. The restaurant was opened 12 years ago by chef Diego Jacquet, who wanted to create a place that reflected his Argentinian roots and, to this day, it’s retained its position as one of London’s finest establishments for Argentinian fare.
This is one of my all-time favourite spots for a steak. Zoilo is the kind of place you’re bound to remember – and one you’ll always come back to.
Andrea, Contributing Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor
While we recommend keeping plenty of room for your mains, you’d be wise to start with the restaurant’s classic hand-cut beef empanadas or even their light and creamy sea bream ceviche. When it comes to the main course, you’ll have various cuts to choose from, ribeye to glazed sirloin or an indulgent 34-day aged T-Bone to share. The perfect spot for an intimate date night or for when you want to treat someone special,
where: 9 Duke Street, London, W1U 3EG
Website: www.zoilo.co.uk
Lima Cantina
Lima Cantina stands out by making Peruvian cuisine both approachable and delicious, and the interiors and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination. To start, sip on a refreshing Pisco Sour and sample the homemade bread and tuna nikkei tartare. Let the knowledgeable staff guide you through the menu and choose from dishes like chicken tacos a la brasa, with house corn tortilla and guacamole, and red quinoa with passion fruit, palm hearts, and feta cheese. Perfect for the summer is the lovely, intimate terrace that’s open for lunch and dinner.
Where: 14 Garrick St, London WC2E 9BJ
Website: WWW.LIMA-CANTINA.COM
YOPO
YOPO, tucked away inside The Mandrake Hotel in Fitzrovia, has reopened with a fresh design and updated South American menu with European influences.
The menu includes indigenous and seasonal ingredients, low-intervention Argentinian wines, and traditional dishes. The Bohemian interiors are home to plush furniture and exotic art, including a grandiose ostrich sculpture called ‘Showgirl’.
Where: 20-21 Newman Street YOPO, London W1T 1PG
Website: www.themandrake.com
Zuaya
Zuaya is a Latin American restaurant with a funky name and even funkier ethos. The Kensington-based restaurant draws on punchy flavours from Peru, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil to deliver lesser-experienced dishes to London’s eclectic food scene. With an immersive jungle interior and resident DJ on select nights, the restaurant will take you on a culinary journey through Latin America.
Where: 35B Kensington High St, London W8 5EB
Website: www.zuaya.co.uk
Gaucho
Steak, steak and more steak. Bringing the vibrance and colour of Argentina to the streets of London comes Gaucho. Their beef comes from Argentinian, premium Black Angus cattle bred at hand-selected farms in Las Pampas, and their offering is 100% carbon offset.
Whether you like your steak rare, medium or well done, in true Argentinian style, it’ll be smokey from an open flame, and slathered in your choice of peppercorn, chimichurri or smoked chipotle BBQ sauce.
Argentinian steak from an open flame, slathered in chimichurri sauce.
Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.gauchorestaurants.com
COYA Mayfair
Combining the elegance of Mayfair with traditional Peruvian cuisine, COYA boasts lavish decor and equally impressive dishes. The menu includes a ceviche selection, tacos, and skewers, as well as large plates like miso Chilean sea bass and a decadent wagyu sirloin.
There’s also a Pisco Bar, dedicated to the South American spirit, making it the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink like the Pisco Sour, made with COYA Pisco, sugar, fresh lime guide, egg white, and Angostura bitters.
Where: 118 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NW
Website: www.coyarestaurant.com
Mareida
One of the first purely Chilean-inspired fine dining spots in London, Mareida hasn’t taken its responsibility lightly. The brainchild of restaurateur Prenay Agarwal and his Chilean partner, they brought on board two of the country’s most celebrated chefs – Carolina Bazán to oversee the menu and Trinidad Vial Della Maggiora as the head Chef running the day-to-day. Chilean artwork adorns the wall, and Chilean artists play from the speakers. The bar is carved from stone from a Chilean quarry, the rocks of which also line the walls. It’s a love letter to the country as much as a restaurant.
where: 60a Great Portland St, London W1W 5QA
website: www.mareida.com
Chotto Matte
If you’re looking for confirmation that Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian cuisine) is big right now, Chotto Matte is it. It’s not only big, it’s three floors big. This vast restaurant, dedicated to Japanese Peruvian food, is the Nikkei go-to, with its multiple levels including a cocktail lounge, an à la carte restaurant, a sushi bar and a Robata grill.
The vibrant design, wide array of choices and decent Nikkei fodder make this Soho multi-storey eatery a must for anyone keen to experience this unique cuisine.
Where: Soho
Website: www.chotto-matte.com
Señor Ceviche
This Kingly Court Peruvian restaurant is one of London’s more easily accessible options, with a small space and vibrant interior. There’s a welcoming and fast-paced atmosphere amid colourful graffiti and black-and-white photographs showcasing Peruvian life. A highlight of the menu is the ceviche list, which includes sea bass, salmon, and BBQ Jerusalem artichoke.
There’s a great-value lunch deal available Monday-Friday, and the cocktail list focuses mainly on Pisco – from the Chilcano de Pisco with ginger syrup, angostura bitters and ginger ale; to the Lima Espresso Martini made with Pisco, espresso, and Kahlúa.
Where: Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Website: www.senor-ceviche.com
INCA London
Soho’s INCA London is a dramatically chic restaurant that incorporates Latin flair into its fusion menu, from black cod with den miso, shishimi and aji amarillo mayo, to salmon jalapeno tacos and wagyu beef. As well as its flavourful cuisine, the restaurant features live performances for a dining experience like no other.
Where: 8-9 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF
Website: www.incalondon.com
Ayllu
At Ayllu, chefs take inspiration from the Ayllu community, with small plates designed to share. Combining traditional Peruvian flavours with Japanese influences, you can expect interesting flavours that fuse the freshness of Japanese sushi with the boldness of Peruvian spices. Oysters with aji Camarillo, mango tiger milk and ponzu, beef velouté, miso and ginger served with rocoto sauce and salmon and tuna tacos are just some of the favourites on the menu.
where: 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington
website: www.ayllu.co.uk
