Best South American restaurants in London

"Still the best steakhouse in town, taking value into account" insists a fan who loves everything about Casa Malevo. Owner Alberto Abbate is a keen ambassador of his native Argentina, so expect slabs of grass-fed pampas-reared beef ranging from fillet and rib-eye to slow-cooked flank served with a tasty bone marrow sauce. Chimichurri and criolla salsa are always on the table, although the signature horseradish sauce and anchovy salsa verde make for a vibrant contrast. Mediterranean influences also show up in everything from squid salad with avocado and chorizo to veal milanese or red mullet with almonds and tarragon. The ground-floor restaurant has a very agreeable, laid-back atmosphere with rough brick walls, atmospheric photos of gauchos and a glass-roofed conservatory at the rear. "Fantastic, knowledgeable staff" do the business, and the "outstanding" wine list is strewn with bottles from top Argentinian producers.

This ‘typically slick’ branch of the upmarket, Argentinian-themed group still pulls in the diners thanks to its high-visibility location, four floors of carousing opportunities & fine summertime terrace. It’s a striking-looking place, dressed in Gaucho’s signature get-up of chandeliers, black leather & cowhide, with love-or-hate nightclub acoustics & moody lighting. The menu isn’t all about beef – there are brightly flavoured ceviches, spatchcock chicken & lamb chops, too – but the most famous dishes are the ones to order: a selection of pasty-like empanadas followed by steak done any which way. Prices (around £25 a slab) aren’t the most intimidating in town but, with sauces & sides to pay for, the result may be ‘decent – not wow’, an impression reinforced by ‘efficient’ but ‘stressed’ staff. Finish in style with a cocktail in the bar.

Set among concrete office blocks on the ‘wrong’ end of Charlotte Street, the Bloomsbury outpost of the Gaucho chain is a buzzy medialand haunt par excellence. The unassuming ground-floor lobby belies the ‘wow’ factor of the dining room below: descend into a cavernous, double-height space decked out in trademark black & white, with cowhide seating & pendulous light fittings casting a low, warm glow over diners, while ultra-attentive staff are keen to describe & show off the available cuts, from melt-in-the mouth lomo (fillet) to traditional churrascaria (a marinated spiral cut). Start with something Latin (a tangy ceviche made with thumb-sized queenie scallops or light crab & chilli salad with soft-boiled quail’s egg), & round off with sweet, creamy dulche de leche flan. Pre- or post-prandial cocktails can be sipped in the mezzanine cocktail bar.

One of London’s more accessible Peruvian restaurants, this cramped Kingly Court resident is a miniature maelstrom of colour, flavour and sound. Trendy-looking staff set the tone and the vibe is fast-paced but “really friendly”, amid colourful graffiti and black-and-white snaps of Peruvian life. The main event is, of course, the ceviche list, which runs from sea bass via octopus and sweet potato purée to a veggie variant involving barbecued artichoke. There’s also much more to enjoy, including gloriously sticky piles of aubergine and sweet potato doughnuts (picarones), and a full BBQ contingent: the baby back ribs in a sticky soy, ginger and sesame sauce come highly recommended. Much of the menu is gluten-free, and there’s also a good-value lunch deal from Monday to Thursday. The cocktail list is ruled by Pisco (we recommend sticking to the traditional sours), while a short wine list makes room for Chile and Argentina.

Readers love the “great, relaxed atmosphere” conjured at this little patch of Argentina – and we’re fans too. Space is at a premium, with an open kitchen counter in the basement and a long bar with more seating above, but what Zoilo lacks in wide horizons, it makes up for in punchy flavours and cross-country variety. It’s all about the small plates, so commit to an empanada or three while you navigate the menu: bubbling provolone cheese, its farmyard notes offset with oregano honey, has been a hit since day one; from here it’s a brief hop to rib-eye with intensely garlicky chips, grilled lamb chops with green pea and morel ragù or grilled octopus with black tomatoes, Jersey royals and pickled mussel mayo. The sweet tooth of a nation is reflected in a changing roster of dulce de leche desserts, and the all-Argentinean wine list aids exploration.

Forget the hot barometer of Peruvian food, Lima is one of the few restaurants in London making the unfamiliar utterly delicious. Start with an easy-drinking Pisco Sour plus some puffy pumpkin seed bread, but defer further choice to staff who know the baffling menu inside out. From crisp octopus tentacles on polenta-like maize and olive purée (a riot of purple) to blood-red potatoes set against sour, yellow dressing and artichokes, every dish is a picture in vibrant Technicolor. Elsewhere, sweet potato melded into corn purée is a veggie spin on ceviche, while the real thing is spiky, silky perfection involving dense-fleshed chunks of sea bass. Pressed suckling pig is a standout main (especially with a side of creamy sun-dried potato), while avocado cream and chocolate mousse is a knockout dessert. With its neat, grey-on-grey room recently revamped and extended, Lima is now a true destination – a “fun place with a fun atmosphere”.

It might look like a tiny glass cube, but head down into the depths of Gaucho & you’ll find yourself in a sexy, sultry, underground grotto reminiscent of a 70s’ nightclub, with a slightly pokey, glass-walled cigar terrace for recalcitrant puffers. Rich, tasty empanadas or delicate ceviche of lemon sole set the scene for the main event – pampas-reared, properly aged Argentinian beef. Staff bring out the raw cuts on a board to explain the differences in taste & texture – don’t miss the spiral churrasco cuts marinated in garlic, parsley & olive oil. For pud, a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream hits the spot. Gaucho has its own vineyard in Mendoza, & its ‘well-chosen’ Argentinian wine list continues to receive plaudits; expect top-drawer Malbecs & Bonardas, plus Cabernets for the less adventurous.

Riding along on London’s Peruvian bandwagon, this buzzing subterranean spot brings Andean flavours to Marylebone. Pachamama translates as mother Earth, although the shabby-chic interior brings together drawers of family knick-knacks, intricate mirrors and framed photos on grey-toned walls. On a brighter note, the kitchen knows how to present its food, with plates brimming over with bold colour.

All items from the menu’s different sections (‘land’, ‘sea’, ‘salads’ etc) are priced roughly the same, so this truly is pick and mix: go for tangy trout ceviche with ‘bleeding’ tiger’s milk (beetroot juice) alongside a plate of miso-coated lamb belly oozing sticky sweetness. We found the Josper-cooked Dexter rib-eye and grilled herb-fed chicken meekly flavoured, although desserts such as moist pumpkin cake are worth ordering. Weekend DJs and a clutch of Pisco cocktails make this a hip, fun night out.

Swaggering and staggering distance from central Richmond, this branch of the Argentinian grill chain proves popular with the area’s macho men and their glamorous WAGs. Keep to the light, zingy fish ceviches and tiraditos for starters, to leave space for the main attraction. The steaks are beautifully cooked, with minimal fuss. Frankly, ordering anything else (sea bream with serrano ham, prawn risotto) is to miss the point. Puds are substantial, very sweet and largely unnecessary. The drinks list is full of punchy Argentinian wines and much-admired cocktails, so it’s a shame this beautifully sited venue on the Thames towpath no longer serves drinks to non-diners.

This Venezuelan eatery on Regent’s Canal is ideal for those after something a bit different for a quick bite to eat. Arepa refers to the house cornbread which makes the surround for hefty sandwiches, while cachapas (sweet corn-based pancakes) are also on offer. Fillings include Pabellón (shredded beef, black beans, plantains and cheese) and Jardinera, a combination of roast vegetables and goats’ cheese. Start with cassava fingers with garlic and parsley sauce or green plantains with shredded beef and guacamole, and finish with little pastries filled with melted chocolate and served with ice cream. Enthusiastic staff are keen for all comers to try their Venezuelan Santa Teresa rum, which they’re happy to serve neat or disguised in cocktails. Most people find one is not enough. You have been warned.

Savvy diners may have reached peak Peruvian, but this classy newcomer shows a broader view of Latin American cooking courtesy of Spanish chef, Francisco Lafee. His back story includes world-famous Basque restaurants such as El Celler de Can Roca and Michelin-starred Barrafina, but this London outing features creative tapas and sharing plates from clever riffs on ceviches and tacos to prime fish and meat dishes and a whole host of exciting vegetarian and vegan options.

The cooking is ambitious, but supremely skilful and modern: try tuna tartare with crisp seaweed, avocado and a Chinese-influenced dressing involving hoisin, lime, garlic and ginger oil. Sea bream ceviche with Peruvian corn is served warm to contrast with sweet-potato ice cream, while Zuaya’s version of crispy duck salad involves slices of Ibérico duck in a super-light tempura with watermelon, raspberry and a sauce of cloves, fennel, cinnamon and Szechuan pepper.

Elsewhere, a mighty piece of sizzling grilled octopus arrives with smooth potato cream and vibrant chimichurri sauce, followed by lamb tacos flavoured with Ras el Hanout and smoked pineapple. For pudding, we suggest ‘quindim’, a medley of coconut textures presented in the shell.  

Service is as slick as the interiors, on which no expense has been spared. Jungle foliage and a handsome cocktail bar of brass and marble give the ground floor an instant wow factor, while the larger downstairs is full of romantic details and cosy corners that are perfect for post-work cocktails and tapas with friends, date nights or celebrations. Be sure to check out the peaceful outdoor terrace too.

This is a very Piccadilly take on Peruvian cuisine from restaurateur Arjun Waney, a man who can turn even the humblest ingredients into something glamorous. When its jet-setting crowd are in the mood, Coya can feel like the centre of a parallel universe, where the pisco flows and the charcoal glows. Eating is only partially the point, although top-notch ingredients help the food stand out among the capital’s growing crop of Peruvian eateries. Ceviche is “to die for”, from wild sea bass with bergamot, choclo (sweetcorn) and plantain to a Japanese-Peruvian version with celery juice, ginger and daikon for company. Smaller dishes celebrate other Peruvian favourites (corn comes Josper-grilled with extra crispy bits, sweet onion and red chillis), while ox heart is speared with panca chillis and parsley. From there, meat options climb steeply towards the Chilean Wagyu sirloin, and even a humble potato ‘iron pot’ casserole – albeit truffled-up – will set you back £20. Our advice? Go in with eyes and wallet wide open.

Gaucho by name, but not by nature – this super-suave, ‘über-masculine’ riverside steakhouse is more gloss than grasslands. The odd patch of brushed cowhide is one hat-tip to the cowboys from which the restaurant takes its name; the rest is a vision of black, glittering chandeliers and leather. This eponymous chain peddles ‘the finest Argentinian steaks’, with a healthy range of cuts from more traditional rib-eyes and fillets to less-common cuadril (tail of rump) and lomo (tenderloin). The Gaucho sampler is always popular with steak fans, who have described it as a ‘must-do experience’ – although ‘largely forgettable’ sides get the thumbs-down. To counter meat fatigue, starters tend to be light and refreshing: ceviche of scallops with mango and yellow pepper, say. As expected, the bullish wine list is an impressive collection of Argentina’s finest reds.

Lucky north Londoners don’t have to travel far for prime Argentinian steak – Gaucho Hampstead is every bit as accomplished as its central London brethren. The chain’s reputation has been carved from its impeccable beef, offered in a range of weights and cuts: from juicy rib-eyes to the most tender of fillets. The meat is so good, it’s hard to fathom why anyone would want anything else, but the menu is an exhaustive read featuring ceviches and empanadas to start and spatchcocked chicken or slow-cooked lamb to follow. Look out for desserts featuring dulce de leche; they’re bound to be a treat. Also of note are the sultry cowhide interiors, cool and confident service, and the far-reaching wine list including a ‘fine and rare’ section to match the best of the meat.

Steak fans find themselves inexorably drawn to Gaucho, where perfectly prepared slabs of prime, pampas-fed Argentinian beef are the main attraction. Browse the different cuts before choosing your favourite, perhaps with a side of perfectly crisp chips & peppercorn sauce, washed down with a Malbec from the first-rate wine list. Elsewhere, the menu offers plenty of choice from zesty ceviche or shrimp causita starters, to empanadas, grilled pork matambre & dulce de leche tart. Though the food is rarely at fault, there have been grumbles about ‘tedious’ & ‘disappointing’ service, while high prices are a recurring gripe – even among the loyal following of Chancery Lane legal eagles. At least the striking black-&-white cowhide interior, with its dim lights, mirrors & sleek balcony bar provides a suitably sophisticated setting for some wallet-flexing.

This high-end chain expertly blurs the line between restaurant & bar with its moody lighting, mirrored walls, acres of cowhide & cool, thumping beats. There’s a whiff of testosterone in the air as herds of alpha males congregate to graze & guzzle, although ladies won’t be shunned. Gaucho is all about prime, pampas-reared Argentinian beef, with various cuts paraded round for inspection before you order: perfectly judged rib-eyes & juicy churrascos cut like butter & taste even better when bolstered by a side of sweet potato chips with chorizo. If you fancy a punchy starter, try char-grilled squid with aubergine caviar & black olives; if you can manage an indulgent finale, go for dulche-de-leche cheesecake. Food like this requires beefy, defiant red wine, & Gaucho touts a prodigious Argentinian selection arranged by grape variety.

Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez first wowed Londoners with Michelin-starred Lima in Fitzrovia, following on from his world-renowned restaurant Central, located in Lima itself. This more accessible outpost is found within the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, and features a blue and white hued dining room, boasting an extensive menu which focuses on the unusual indigenous ingredients that define Martínez's style. We’d recommend a cross-menu assault to make sure you get the most of your experience, and friendly, talkative staff are on hand to guide you through a menu of unusual yet well-executed dishes; take the deep-fried king prawn and squid marinated in spicy ají amarillo and served with gritty corn, or the seabream ceviche, pepped up with tuna and octopus cubes bathed in a vibrant and citrusy tiger’s milk, and topped with sweet potato purée and crispy corn. Other highlights include the trio, a rainbow-coloured plateful of strips of salmon, tuna and cobia fish marinated in a heady mix of tiger’s milk, cucumber and sesame. Meat lovers will also rate the seared beef loin, which is served cold and marinated with mild dried chillies and a drizzle of algarrobo syrup. Come dessert, the alfajores is a must-order; traditional Peruvian shortbread-style biscuits filled with thick and smooth dulce de leche and served with dulce de leche ice cream, mini macarons and a sticky caramel sauce. Don’t want the night to end? We’d suggest heading down to the basement bar for some post-dinner pisco sours. 

The glitz factor has been amplified at this flagship of the Argentinian steakhouse chain, set over three glimmering floors. Yes, you’ll find Gaucho’s usual monochrome interior, with the signature cowhide-upholstered chairs & walls, & huge crystal chandeliers throughout – only here it’s bigger & better. There’s a cocktail lounge, VIP suite & basement wine-tasting room, all aimed at seducing the concert crowds & expense-account diners, for cheap it ain’t. The menu mirrors that found elsewhere in the group, so Gaucho’s famous ceviches (citrus-cured fish & seafood) whet the appetite for the main event: slabs of expertly cooked beef in all manner of cuts & sizes. Sauces & sides cost extra, so the bill soon mounts up even before you’ve added a bottle of Malbec from the unmissable wine list.

The second London location for glamorous international brand Sushisamba has landed on top of Covent Garden’s Opera Terrace, and there’s one major difference to the Liverpool Street debut – it’s missing the City site’s spectacular view. Overlooking the tourist-heavy crowds of Covent Garden’s piazza instead of glimmering skyscrapers and famous landmarks, the restaurant may have lost some of its ‘occasion dining’ flair, but it is still a thrilling ride.

Stylish interiors and a buzzing atmosphere compensate for the initial lack of spectacle. Make your way to the restaurant via a spiral staircase which is (naturally) decked out in the brand’s signature bright orange hue. Once inside, you’re greeted by the sexy bar, which looks like a grown-up Rainforest Café and features a high-maintenance ‘living’ ceiling of foliage. Elsewhere, there are plush red velvet booths for groups, and a sushi bar-cum-dining counter for those looking to get close to the cheffing action.

All the Sushisamba hits are present on the menu: moreish green bean tempura served with a slick of black truffle aioli makes for a decadent snack, while springy gyoza are stuffed with intensely meaty Wagyu beef and served on a neon yellow pool of sweet-tasting kabocha.

From the selection of vibrantly coloured sushi rolls, the El Topo was our favourite: a tightly-packed roll layered with strips of salmon, a splodge of melted mozzarella, jalapeños and a dusting of crispy shallots. More sizeable dishes include fleshy, wobbly pork belly skewers from a robata grill which are glazed with a sticky-sweet butterscotch miso sauce, and flaky black cod which melts on the tongue.

Cocktails are fun, flirty and expensive, while there’s more opportunity to splash the cash via upmarket wines and Champagnes. We followed our switched-on waiter’s recommendation for dessert and were not disappointed by the arrival of a gooey chocolate and banana cake, finished off with a scoop of rum-spiked ice cream and a sugar-dusted plantain chip. A place to see and be seen, this latest Sushisamba won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s bang on the money for its target audience: and boy, do they have a lot of money.    

"Summertime fun" is guaranteed at this branch of the Gaucho chain, especially when its alfresco waterfront space is rocking. In the less clement seasons, step inside, sit back in a cowhide chair and peruse the South American wine list with its multitude of hearty Malbecs and subtler Torrontes whites (many offered by the carafe). As for the food, "an Argentinian restaurant that can't do good steak is like the Shard's window cleaners not liking heights", so allow the well-informed waiters to explain the various cuts available. Lomo (fillet) and ancho (rib-eye) are popular, although we like the added flavour of spiral-cut churrasco, marinated in garlic, parsley and olive oil. Portions are ginormous, so don't overdo the starters, however tempting the tuna ceviche or tostadas might be. Some diners get as far as the dulce de leche cheesecake before admitting defeat – don't say we didn't warn you.

Things are going swimmingly for Casa Cruz. Jet-setting designer, financier and restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz has won over the fashionable west London crowd, who now feel at ease within this glamorous Holland Park edifice – a pantheon of burnished copper with a handsome oval cocktail bar and a menu that appeals to voguish ‘clean eating’ sensibilities – think raw dishes, hero vegetables and grills of fish, chicken and grass-fed beef. Quality is everything, as in fresh tomatoes with basil and olive oil, charred beets with horseradish or raw tuna soothed by creamy avocado and a kick of wasabi. A plate of sea bream carpaccio with chilli and lime won’t bother your calorie count, nor will weeny portions of roast cod or grilled monkfish, while bigger appetites might prefer steaks or blackened chicken, perhaps followed by lemon polenta cake with crème fraîche. The wide-ranging wine list covers the best of the Old World, supplemented by Argentinian bottles from Mendoza and Patagonia.

Elephant & Castle isn’t the most foodie corner of SE1, but this Latin American restaurant, wine bar and bodega is a real local gem. First impressions might not be particularly inviting (the dark green tablecloths are especially jarring), but the room is livened up by a beautiful  mural which covers an entire wall, while the menu ticks trend boxes with an entirely gluten-free offering. We’d recommend four to five sharing plates between two, starting with the likes of golden empanadas stuffed with stringy beef brisket and livened up with a chilli sauce boasting subtle hints of coriander. Elsewhere, cubes of crispy pork belly with a sriracha and chilli reduction impress, while plump prawns are served on miniature blue corn tortillas and drenched in a vibrant mango salsa.

Star billing, however, must go to a dish of octopus tentacles sitting on top of tempura breadfruit, shreds of sugary-sweet candied lime, and sharp pickled watermelon: a mouth-puckering delight. Cinnamon-dusted blue corn churros are another must-order, liberally dipped into pots of coffee dulce de leche and warm chocolate sauce. Friendly staff and a clued-up sommelier happy to chat about the South American wine list are further pluses at an impressive newcomer that deserves an audience beyond the Elephant.