What are the Best Latin American Restaurants to Eat?

Latin American cuisine spans a vast and diverse culinary geography, from the ceviches of coastal Peru to the moles of Mexico, the arepas of Colombia, and the churrasco traditions of Brazil. United by a shared heritage of indigenous, Spanish, Portuguese, and African influences, these cuisines celebrate bold flavors, ancient techniques like nixtamalization, and an exuberant use of chiles, tropical fruits, and native ingredients such as corn, quinoa, and cassava. Each country and region brings its own distinctive voice to this rich culinary family.

Our reviews of Latin American restaurants evaluate the authenticity of regional preparations, the quality and freshness of ingredients, and the technical skill demonstrated in dishes ranging from delicate ceviches to complex slow-cooked stews. We assess how faithfully a restaurant represents its specific culinary tradition — whether Peruvian, Brazilian, Colombian, or pan-Latin — and whether it achieves the vibrancy and depth of flavor that characterize the best Latin American cooking. The cocktail program, featuring pisco, mezcal, or cachaça, also factors into our assessments.

Explore our guide to Latin American dining, celebrating the extraordinary diversity of flavors from across the continent. From refined interpretations of traditional recipes to vibrant establishments that capture the energy and generosity of Latin American food culture, our reviews will guide you to the most compelling tables representing this dynamic culinary world.