Where to Find the Best South American Cuisine in Los Angeles

Nobody has to tell Angelenos where to get Mexican food, but we might be a little less familiar with our friends further South. Enjoy a culinary adventure with these South American restaurants!

Fuegos LA

• Type: Argentinian
• Location: Exposition Park
• Only about a year old, this restaurant was an instant hit thanks to its excellent empanadas and fun, funky ambiance. It’s also one of the few Argentinian spots you’ll find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. So…there’s no reason not to give it a try!

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Panelas Brazil Cuisine

• Type: Brazilian
• Location: Redondo Beach
• From the barbecue plate to the snacks to the caipirinha, explore the flavors of Brazil in this laid back spot. Enjoy the comfortable, airy ambiance while you sip and snack.

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Mex Peru Gipsy

• Type: Peruvian-Mexican
• Location: Downtown LA
• With a whopping 41 years in service and amazing reviews, this restaurant is an LA institution. When you go for the first time don’t even bother with the menu - you want the lomo saltado and the ceviche. 

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Pao’s Pastries & Cafe

• Type: Bolivian
• Location: Van Nuys
• One of the few Bolivian restaurants in LA, this spot is a must-try. Order their specialties - the salteñas, similar to empanadas, and silpancho, pan fried breaded steak - to enjoy in this cozy restaurant or take to go.

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Dulcisfama

• Type: Ecuadorian
• Location: Gardena
• Bakery and restaurant in one, this family-run establishment is ultra lowkey, the way LA’s most authentic and delicious food tends to be. You’ll feel like you’ve been welcomed into the family’s home as you enjoy a generous plate of homemade food or a sweet bakery dessert.

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H&H Brazilian Steakhouse

• Type: Brazilian
• Location: Downtown LA, Beverly Hills
• If you’re looking for a nice Brazilian steakhouse - the type you imagine when someone says “Brazilian steakhouse” - look no further. Where else can you find all-you-can-eat meat in a classy setting? At $70/p, it’s kind of a steal!

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Chamo

• Type: Venezuelan
• Location: Pasadena
• Known for their mouth-watering arepas, this casual eatery also offers excellent empanadas and other traditional Venezuelan dishes. Take your food to go or enjoy at a cozy table with Latin music as your soundtrack.

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Pedroca’s Burguer

• Type: Brazilian-American
• Location: Lawndale
• Take a typical American burger - juicy and cooked to perfection - then load it with an inordinate amount of toppings infused with Brazilian flavors and you’ve got a “burguer.” Enjoy it in the colorful restaurant atmosphere and wash it down with a Guaraná soda for the full experience.

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Cariaco To Go

• Type: Venezuelan
• Location: Glendale
• As the name suggests, this is a takeout-only spot unless you count the few small sidewalk tables out front. The arepas come stuffed to the max for a filling handheld meal on the go, and you can even pick up extra snacks at the small market inside.

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Mate Conmigo

• Type: Argentinian
• Location: Northridge
• If you’ve ever met an Argentinian then you know that there’s nothing they love more than to chat over a shared yerba mate. And who wouldn’t want to share in that tradition? Try it out along with an empanada or alfajor on the side.

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La Fonda Antioqueña

• Type: Colombian
• Location: Hollywood
• Down to the vertical blinds, this restaurant feels like being invited for a home cooked meal by your friend's mom. Try the bandeja paisa - featuring arepas, chicharrón, and fried plantains - a favorite dish, and big enough to share. 

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Tito’s Sandwiches & Empanadas

• Type: Argentinian
• Location: Monrovia, El Monte
• Since 1971 this casual eatery has been serving up incredible empanadas and sandwiches (the milanesa is a favorite). So successful that they opened a second location, you can enjoy the hearty food in Monrovia or El Monte.

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