San Martín de los Andes is the most important tourist city in the southwest of the province of Neuquén. It is located on the shores of Lake Lácar and serves as the northern terminus of the famous Seven Lakes Route (National Route 40), 432 kilometers from Neuquén Capital and 190 kilometers from Bariloche.
In addition to its Andean geography, the city has developed a top-notch culinary scene . Therefore, after a day of skiing at Cerro Chapelco (19 kilometers from the city center) or a hike in Lanín National Park, there are plenty of places to recharge. From historic tea houses on the mountainside to traditional restaurants and fine dining establishments in the city center. It's also common to visit San Martín de Los Andes for a meal on a day trip from Bariloche.
Below, we'll show you the most highly recommended restaurants for lunch and dinner during your vacation in this Patagonian gem. And if you're looking for a fully organized trip, check out our catalog of accommodations, excursions, and packages to San Martín de Los Andes .
Restaurants in San Martín de Los Andes
The town center of San Martín de los Andes is simple and easy to explore on foot. The main restaurants are located along Avenida San Martín and Calle General Villegas . Local cuisine features Patagonian ingredients such as trout, venison, wild boar, pine mushrooms, and berries, but it offers much more. Let's explore some great places to eat while strolling along the main street and its surroundings.
Homemade pasta
If you're looking to sit down and enjoy home-style cooking in a historic and comfortable setting, Doña Quela is a must-visit. The restaurant is located at Avenida San Martín 1137, four blocks from the main square .
It operates within a historic house that retains its original wood and stone architecture. The establishment specializes in homemade pasta. The pumpkin-filled ravioli with pine mushroom sauce is the most popular dish. They also offer traditional recipes such as wild boar goulash.
A very popular spot associated with this traditional approach is La Costa del Pueblo . This restaurant is located on Avenida Costanera, facing Lake Lácar . It offers generous portions and is renowned for its trout with black butter .
Fine dining and contemporary options
Tourists who prefer dishes prepared with modern techniques choose Morphen , located at General Villegas 1162. This restaurant offers a menu of haute Argentine cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients . The wine list is extensive and includes labels from boutique wineries in Patagonia and Mendoza.
Another centrally located option is Ulises , at Avenida San Martín 598 , just two blocks from the Lácar Lake waterfront. The menu focuses on Italian-Patagonian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh pasta and seafood . It's a suitable choice for a formal lunch without requiring a strict dress code.
Where to eat lamb in San Martín de los Andes?
Patagonian lamb is the region's signature dish. It is characterized by its lean meat and intense flavor due to the animal's natural diet on the steppe.
La Casona restaurant is a top choice for trying this dish. It's located at Avenida San Martín 681 , right in the heart of the shopping district. The lamb is prepared either on a spit or a cross , a slow-cooking technique over wood that takes several hours.
Another historic restaurant specializing in game and barbecue is Ku, located at Avenida San Martín 1053. The restaurant maintains a mountain refuge aesthetic and offers complete Patagonian barbecues that include cuts of lamb, venison, and beef.
As they are among the best places to eat in San Martín de Los Andes , both restaurants experience high demand during the winter season and the months of January and February. Therefore, it's important to arrive early or make a reservation.
Chocolate shops and confectioneries in San Martín de Los Andes
San Martín de los Andes has a strong tradition of artisanal chocolate making, like Bariloche and other cities in the Andean Patagonia. Most of the chocolate shops operate as confectioneries and are located just a few meters apart on Avenida San Martín.
Mamusia is located at 601 Avenida San Martín. It's the first chocolate shop established in the city and an undisputed classic for residents and tourists alike . It sells chocolates and bars by the kilo and has a café area serving hot chocolate and European pastries. A must-try is the dark chocolate with nuts.
La Vieja Aldea is located at San Martín 667. Its display case features truffles filled with rosehip and calafate berries , two wild fruits characteristic of the area. The café on the first floor offers a view of the mountains and the bustle of the shopping center.
Abuela Goye , located at San Martín 807, belongs to a well-known Patagonian chain. The shop maintains high standards in the production of chocolates, artisanal ice cream, and fruit-filled alfajores . It's a strategic stop for a sweet break during an afternoon stroll through the civic center.
Where to eat cheaply in San Martín de Los Andes
Organizing a travel budget requires knowing places with affordable prices and daily menus with good quality service.
Torino Bar Bistro is located at 893 Elordi Street, three blocks from Plaza San Martín. It's a lively spot, popular with families and groups of friends. The menu offers quick and affordable options like pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and sushi . The service is fast, making it a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Corazón Contento , located at Avenida San Martín 946, is a restaurant focused on homemade and healthy food. They offer set lunch menus at fixed prices, as well as complete salads, quiches, and fruit smoothies . It's a very convenient option for lunch without breaking the bank.
For quick purchases, traditional places like Empanadas Nonino (Avenida San Martín 730) and Pizzería Tío Paco (Arturo Illia 419) are ideal for buying takeaway food at affordable prices.
Places to eat in San Martín de Los Andes with panoramic views
The city's topography allows some buildings to offer elevated views over the valley. The Arrayán Tea House is the most prominent example. This historic building is located on the Arrayán Circuit (Provincial Route 19), exactly 4 kilometers from the city center . The house sits on the hillside, 400 meters above the level of Lake Lácar. Renée Dickinson, an English-born pioneer, founded the establishment in 1939.
The restaurant's signature dining experience is Patagonian "High Tea." The service includes a tasting tower featuring artisanal cakes, warm scones, sandwiches, and regional sweets, accompanied by a selection of over 20 loose-leaf teas. The tea room boasts large windows and antique furnishings. Seating is limited, so reservations are required and can be made through their online channels.
To get there, take the well-maintained gravel road of Provincial Route 19, the same one that leads to the former Hotel Sol de los Andes. It's also possible to reach it on foot via a moderately difficult hiking trail that starts at the base of the town . One kilometer before reaching the tea house, you'll find the Arrayán Lookout , a perfect spot to photograph the town and the vastness of the lake.
Specialty breakfasts and afternoon snacks
The trend of specialty coffee shops and artisanal bakeries has grown noticeably in the region. These establishments offer hearty breakfast menus, featuring signature recipes and barista creations.
Unser Traum is located at 858 General Roca Street. The name means "Our Dream" in German, and its culinary offerings honor Central European heritage. The house specialties include warm apple strudel, homemade red fruit cakes, and artisanal breads . The dining room is cozy and perfect for escaping the cold on winter mornings.
Zen Tea , located at Mariano Moreno 722, offers light and nutritious options. The menu includes yogurt bowls with granola and fruit, cold-pressed juices, gluten-free options, and a carefully curated selection of single-origin teas and coffees . The shop is open continuously, serving both breakfast and light lunches.
A café that has recently gained popularity is Almacén de Flores . This establishment operates under the concept of farm-to-table, seasonal cuisine . Dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from their own garden and local producers. The restaurant's setting is characterized by its botanical garden and open kitchen.