Top South American Restaurants in Seattle, Washington

Last updated on March 31st, 2021 at 07:32 am

The Top South American Restaurants in Seattle

Looking for the Top South American Restaurants in Seattle? We’ve got you covered! There is no hiding it, we are ‘foodies’ here at SouthAmerica.travel. Lucky for us, as South American Travel Experts, we have had the good fortune of traveling extensively throughout all of South America. Whether we are in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, or Bolivia, we have made it a point to sample every new cuisine, diverse specialty dish, and an amazing bottle of wine South America has to offer. As the leading South American Travel Experts and with our headquarters based right in the heart of Downtown Seattle, we thought… “Who would know the South American food scene in Seattle better than us?”. So, here is a list of the top South American restaurants in Seattle.

7. Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen

Rated 4.7 stars on Google, Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen is a fan favorite in Washington. Located in the University District neighborhood of Seattle, this hole-in-the-wall establishment serves authentic and hearty traditional Venezuelan cuisine at low prices. As the establishment name would suggest, the specialty dish is the arepa, a delicious fried dough base of ground maize typically stuffed with various meats, vegetables, and cheeses. However, many traditional Venezuelan dishes and beverages are available, including sweet plantains, empanadas, and Chicha – a sweet rice shake. If you’re longing for typical South American cuisine on a budget, this is your place!

Seattle Neighborhood: University District
Hours Open: Monday – Saturday, 11 AM – 8 PM, Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM
Happy Hour: Not listed.

6. BOCA Restobar & Grill

Serving some of Seattle’s best empanadas, high-quality steaks, and tantalizing cocktails are Boca Restobar and Grill. This Argentine restaurant is located in the lively Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, ranking 4.5 stars of Google by customers. Its small dining area draws in passersby with its warm atmosphere and crystal chandeliers. Serving traditional Argentine cuisine, including skirt steak, ceviche, and mollejitas, diners can enjoy a few of Latin America’s most flavorful dishes. With certain ingredients even being sourced from Patagonia, you won’t find anything more South American than Boca. Be sure not to miss the chance to pair fine Argentine wine with an authentic steak.

Seattle Neighborhood: Capitol Hill 
Hours Open: Monday – Sunday 5 PM – 10 PM
Happy Hour: Every day 5 PM – 6 PM

5. Pink Salt Restaurant

For healthy eating with a Peruvian twist, Pink Salt is an ideal establishment. Located in the cozy Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Pink Salt is owned and operated by Peruvian born restaurateurs who specialize in their national flavors. For years, Peruvian food and drink has been regarded as having the best food in all of South America, blending a wide variety of cultures, including Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and African dishes. Pink Salt wonderfully brings these flavors together in various dishes, including ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Arroz con Mariscos, and fried Yuca. You’d be remiss not to order an authentic Pisco Sour, Peru’s national cocktail, at the Pink Salt bar – literally built of Pink Salt!

Seattle Neighborhood: Magnolia
Hours Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 12 PM – 9 PM. Closed on Monday. 
Happy Hour: Sunday – Thursday, 4 PM – 6 PM

4. Buenos Aires Grill Restaurant

Established in 2002, the Buenos Aires Grill restaurant has impressed Seattleites with its authentic Argentine dishes throughout the years. Located in the heart of Belltown, a few blocks from Downtown Seattle, Buenos Aires Grill serves delicious Argentine food, authentic cocktails, as well as beer and wine from Argentina. With a 4.4 out of 5-Star Rating on Google, it is not just us who are impressed by their authentic delicacies such as empanadas, ceviche, and lip-smacking Argentine steak. With proper planning, you may even catch a live Tango performance! Happy Hour is every day from 4 pm to 6 pm and the ambiance here is great. Perfect for a date night with your significant other.

Seattle Neighborhood: Belltown
Hours Open: Sunday – Thursday, 4 PM – 9 PM, Friday & Saturday, 4 PM – 10 PM
Happy Hour: Every day from 4 PM – 6 PM

3. El Patio

This restaurant specializes in flavorful Venezuelan and Colombian dishes. Rated 4.4 stars on Google, El Patio is a hidden gem located on Aurora Avenue in North Seattle. Perfect for any meal of the day, diners can enjoy a casual breakfast or lunch, with a fine evening of dining to conclude the night. Popular dishes include Chile Relleno, Cocktail de Camarones, and Platano Frito. Pro Tip: Enjoy Live Music on weekend nights and Happy hour 4 PM -6 PM on weekdays! They also have a brunch menu and a full bar.

Seattle Neighborhood: North Seattle
Hours Open: Sunday – Wednesday, 10 AM – 9:30 PM, Thursday – Saturday, 10 AM – 10 PM
Happy Hour: All weekdays, 4 PM – 6 PM

2. Mojito

Located in Lake City Way, Mojito serves typical Colombian and Venezuelan dishes, as well as Latin American fusion food. Their entradas, ceviche, and, of course, Mojitos are genuinely excellent! Rated among the top Latin American restaurants in Seattle, at 4.7 stars on Google, Mojitos is a must-try for anyone looking for good food and music. Go for a Patio Seating on a sunny day! They have Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian Options. Mojito is also pocket-friendly!

Seattle Neighborhood: Lake City
Hours Open: Sunday – Thursday, 11 AM – 9 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM
Happy Hour: Not listed.

1. The Grill From Ipanema

Located in the heart of Belltown, just a few blocks from Downtown Seattle, this place has made it to the top of our list due to multiple reasons. Rated 4.5 stars on Google, The Grill From Ipanema offers a unique, authentic Brazilian dining experience. It is a Brazilian steakhouse in Rodizio style, meaning it’s all you can eat! If you want to experience authentic Brazilian flavors, this place is an essential visit. Enjoy a rotating selection of 17 different dishes prepared in the churrasqueira style, an open-pit fire that adds incredible flavor to any meat. They have Happy Hours Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM, and they play live Music in-house every Saturday night for dinner! This place is not ideal for vegetarians/vegan eaters.

Seattle Neighborhood: Belltown
Hours Open: Wednesday – Friday, 5 PM – 9 PM, Saturday & Sunday 4 PM – 9 PM. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM.