Living in the concrete jungle of London, we think the vibe of the vivacious South Americas is a welcome addition to everyone’s lives. Where better to start than their delicious cuisine? South American cuisine is all about Churrasco (grilled meats), succulent steaks, black bean stews and sensational empanadas. Not forgetting their love for finely mixed cocktails, because finding a fantastic Caipirinha in London is something everyone needs to do. Whilst South American cuisine hasn’t gained the widespread attention like other cuisines just yet, we think it is coming up in a big way! So, with this list of our 10 favourite spots, when going out for a Brazilian becomes the new Italian, you’ll know all the best places to go.
Cabana, Brixton
Brazilian mealtimes are characterised by the - seemingly mutually exclusive - relaxing and vibrant atmosphere, which is something Cabana in Brixton are fully invested in. You can also count on barbecue grilled meats, succulent vegetables and exciting flavours to be dished up onto your plate. Not forgetting the Caipirinhas! Or the 20% off you can get with your South London Club Card.
Baron, West Norwood
Okay, so this might seem like a bit of a curveball but stick with us. Baron is a Polish and Brazilian fusion delicatessen. If you need authentic meats and cheeses to replicate some South American (or Polish) flavours in your own home, definitely head down there and pick up some fine cuts and produce. It’s not all meats and cheeses either as they offer fruits, vegetables, rice and beans. With 10% off purchases over £10 with your South London Club card, you’ll want to stock up for the week.
Carioca, Croydon
With branches in both Croydon and Brixton, Carioca really are bringing authentic Brazilian street food to London in a big way. Not just a BBQ house, Carioca like to infuse South American flavours with other world cuisines to keep their customers coming back for more. Carioca are also about brilliant service, offering a friendly Latino smile to all customers and even catering for vegetarians and Vegans, almost a rarity for Brazilian restaurants! Head down there from Tuesday – Thursday with your South London Club card and you can get 15% off everything.
Senzala Creperie, Brixton
Now for some sweet treats, because even though the savoury meat dishes are fantastic, Brazilian desserts definitely give them a run for their money. Although you may associate creperies with French cuisine, Senzala Creperie are all about bringing a Brazilian flair to this tradition. Offering a huge variety of sweet and savoury crepes, the one thing that doesn’t change is the freshness and quality. With 10% off, South London Club cardholders can feel even better about indulging.
Rodizio Rico, Greenwich
Rodizio Rico do things a little differently to your typical London restaurant, whereupon you pay a set price at the door which gives you access to their salad cart of authentic street food and cuts of their delicious meats. Now this is where it gets interesting. Waiters roam the restaurant with skewers of meat to cut right onto your plate throughout your time at Rodizio Rico. You are given a card with a green and a red side, the green welcoming the waiters to load your plate up with freshly-cooked meats, the red meaning you’re taking a break or you’re full. Maybe you peaked with the buffet. Either way, you’ve got to try out this exciting and social way of dining, right in the heart of Greenwich!
Santa Maria del Sur, Battersea
Argentinian steaks just go one above the traditional British fare you have come to expect and there is no better place to test them out than at Santa Maria del Sur, where they are all about fresh ingredients and colourful plates. Think steaks cooked to perfection, enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. We’d recommend going all in here, ordering all three courses and settling in for a feast! Something else Argentine cuisine is big on is delicious red wine, which Santa Maria del Sur don’t do by halves.
El Rancho De Lalo, Brixton
You may not have tried Colombian cuisine before, but we don’t think you need to hesitate any longer. El Rancho De Lalo have established themselves in Brixton as an authority on delicious Colombian flavours. Turn up hungry, because El Rancho De Lalo are all about generous portions, cooked fresh to order. If you’re a meat lover who wants to jump right into Colombian cuisine, we’d recommend the traditional Baneja Paisa.
Constancia, Bermondsey
Located in Bermondsey, Constancia is an Argentine grill and steak house that boast the best empanadas in London. Their beef is cooked in an authentic charcoal parrilla, which they claim is their secret to tender steak that is the ‘best you’ll try’. They source many of their ingredients locally, from Borough Market, and serve a menu that is refined to only the best Argentine flavours. Constancia also pride themselves on their extensive Argentinian wine list, for those who want to wash down their decadent meal with a beverage to match.
Fat Ox, West Norwood
Fat Ox is a butcher specialising in traditional Brazilian cuts of beef, pork and chicken. Attempting to bring a taste of Brazil to West Norwood, they don’t just stop at meats. You can grab some other Brazilian specialties such as churros, acai and rosquinhas. You don’t really need to know what that means, you just need to taste them, trust us. What’s more, South London Club cardholders can get 5% off.
Cabrera Steakhouse, Lee
If you want delicious Argentine steaks and mouth-watering churros served up in an elegant and modern interior, Cabrera Steakhouse is your new go-to. It’s not only their meats that are cooked to perfection, the atmosphere here is wonderful and oft praised, as well as the friendly staff. We’d also recommend their triple cooked chunky chips on the side. A strange choice in an Argentine restaurant, but just trust us on this one.
WHAT IS THE SOUTH LONDON CLUB CARD?
The South London Club is a local discount card to help support small independent businesses across South London whilst saving all who live, work & play in South London money! With over 500+ local discounts to choose from, you will discover & explore all the best hidden gems in South London. Join over 5,000 of us & celebrate all that's independent & South London!