
Restaurants we ate at in San Martin de los Andes:
1) Zen Tea
- Shot of potato, ginger, onion soup
- Breadsticks with carrot and curry dip
- Barley and shrimp wok with grilled veggies
- Grilled salmon and pumpkin wrap
2) Helados Mamusia
- Three ice cream flavours: strawberry with chocolate, Baileys, and extreme dulce de leche
3) Tío Paco
- Steak 'a lo pobre' (with caramelized onions and a fried egg on top) with potato wedges
- Ricotta ravioli in a cream sauce with bacon, chicken and walnuts
- Malbec wine
- Cheesecake and coffee
4) Casa de Té Arrayán
- Two types of green tea
- English-style afternoon tea with 3 tiers of sandwiches, scones, baked goods and cake
🍽️ What to Eat in San Martín de los Andes, Patagonia: Best Restaurants, Food Tour & Afternoon Tea Guide! 🍰🇦🇷
🥗 Introduction: Discovering San Martín de los Andes Through Food
Welcome, foodies! In today’s detailed Argentina food adventure, we’re taking you to the picturesque town of San Martín de los Andes in northern Patagonia, showcasing a delicious blend of healthy meals, classic Argentine dishes, and indulgent afternoon tea in mountain settings.
🌱 Healthy Eats at Zen Tea: A Lighter Side of Patagonia
We kicked off our culinary journey at Zen Tea, a modern eatery specializing in health-conscious meals—a refreshing break from Argentina’s typical carb-heavy fare. The menu delighted us with colorful, creative options:
Mains:
Audrey enjoyed a barley bowl topped with sautéed shrimp, zucchini, eggplant, carrots, and a savory soy-based sauce, vibrant in both taste and presentation.
Sam devoured a grilled salmon and pumpkin wrap with avocado and cream cheese, served with rosemary potatoes. The wrap was toasted to perfection and packed with flavor.
🍦 Lakeside Ice Cream: Artisanal Treats
A stroll by Lake Lácar led us to a local food truck for dessert—artisanal ice cream in massive portions. Flavors sampled included:
Forest Berries (with real fruit chunks!)
Baileys Irish Cream
Dulce de Leche Extreme
Each scoop was rich, creamy, and bursting with authentic flavor, making it a sweet stop with stunning lakeside views—even if the wind was fierce!
🍝 Indulgent Classics at Tío Farkle: Pasta & Steak Done Right
Next, we dove into Argentina’s culinary heart at Tío Farkle—a beloved local restaurant where tradition rules the table.
Mains:
Audrey ordered plump ricotta ravioli in a decadent cream, bacon, ham, chicken, and walnut sauce. The dish was rich, comforting, and beautifully presented.
Sam opted for the “bife de chorizo a lo pobre”—a juicy steak topped with a fried egg, caramelized onions, and a side of salsa criolla. This classic is “poor” in name only; it’s an absolute feast!
Red Wine: Paired with a robust Norton Malbec, the meal hit every classic note you crave in Argentina.
Dessert: Complimentary homemade cheesecake with berries and strong espresso ended the meal on a high note.
Service & Value: The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, making the dining experience unforgettable. The value and portions were outstanding—come hungry!
☕ Afternoon Tea in a Cozy Mountain Cabin: The Sweetest Finale
For a change of pace, we climbed to a mountaintop cottage for a true English-style afternoon tea—the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Tea: Each guest received a personal pot of loose-leaf tea, with options like spiced cardamom cinnamon or fruity floral blends.
Three-Tier Tower: The lavish tray included:
Bottom Tier: Assorted mini sandwiches stuffed with ham, cheese, tomato, and lettuce.
Middle Tier: Fresh-baked scones served with real cream and strawberry jam—zesty and fluffy.
Top Tier: A tempting selection of pastries—think coconut dulce de leche alfajores, rich chocolate cakes, and dense berry cheesecake.
Takeaway: Couldn’t finish? Everything was packed up to-go, making this a feast for now and later!
Atmosphere: With breathtaking views over Lake Lácar and a rustic, homey setting, this was a highlight of the trip.
Price: $30 USD for two.
WHAT TO EAT in Argentina 😋 | Our ARGENTINIAN FOOD TOUR of San Martin de los Andes 🇦🇷: