South American cuisine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Montreal, but there’s a wealth of choices for those ready to explore. Come along with us to discover Montreal's abundant South American treasures – specifically the many restaurants serving up the rich, authentic flavours of the continent, from Argentinean steaks to Peruvian seafood.[Image credit: iStock.com/bhofack2]
Located in Old Montreal, L'Atelier d'Argentine serves contemporary Argentinian cuisine in a refined setting. Grilled meats "a la parilla" are the highlight of the menu, which also includes other richly flavoured dishes prepared with high quality ingredients. The restaurant hosts cocktails from 5 to 8 pm, Monday through Friday, and offers a late-night menu and weekend brunch. It has the largest selection of Argentinian wines in town, not to mention cocktails. It has a bar, a lounge and a private dining room.
Mezcla offers "nuevo latino" cuisine, that is to say a fusion of South American cuisines adapted with techniques from French and other European cuisines. The dishes are mostly prepared with local Quebec products and wines are privately imported from Latin America and Spain. On the menu: pulled or braised meat, fish, crab and octopus, sweet and sour flavours, and cassava fries. 5 or 7 course menus are also available.
Located in a historic building in Old Montreal, Rodizio Brasil is a churrascaria where one eats meat the traditional Brazilian way. The specialty is the “rodízio”, which lets you eat your fill of more than 10 sorts of meat, served on large skewers. Following tradition, meat is sliced directly onto your plate. Meat is the main focus at Rodízio Brasil, but there is also a buffet of salads, rice, beans, and fried potatoes: traditional Brazilian side dishes. At the bar, the Boteco, you can enjoy a caipirinha while listening to Brazilian music.
To discover authentic Peruvian cuisine, Mochica offers natural cuisine that respects traditional Peruvian cooking: its spices come from Peru and meats from the Quebec terroir, all served in an exotic decor. Seafood is featured, as well as alpaca meat and a Peruvian stew flavoured with peppermint. You can drink pisco and Peruvian wines (the restaurant only serves privately imported wines). It is open only in the evening, from Wednesday to Sunday.
Established in Mile End since 1985, Barros Luco is a destination for Chilean cuisine. The house specialty is the barros luco, a traditional sandwich made with slightly sweet bread and garnished with beef, tomato, avocado, cheese and spicy salsa. They also make great empanadas, fish and chicken, and since the restaurant is also a bakery, you need not leave empty-handed.
Located on the Plateau, Arepera is a friendly and very colourful little restaurant serving Venezuelan cuisine such as black beans, chicken, shark, avocados, chorizo, plantains, and their specialty, arepas: corn flour rolls originating in Venezuela and Colombia. They offer vegetarian and gluten-free dishes and serve brunch on the weekend.