Shops and restaurants line Ushuaia street with mountains in the background. Credit: Wikimedia

The largest city in Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), and the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia has, in the past been a missionary base, penal colony and naval base. Today, it’s one of Chile’s cruise ship destinations offering a wonderful palette of culinary choices.

Several interesting restauran options are available in the small town bordered by the southern peaks of the Andes mountains and the Beagle Channel.

1. Kaupe

An Alpine-like restaurant, the family run Kaupe is located on the mountainside above the city.  From this vantage point, guests can enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of the Beagle Channel.

On the menu, guests will find a number of choices with meat and seafood as the main focus. The steak here is particularly popular as it’s noted to be different from that of anywhere else. Popular seafood include their King Crab and Spinach Chowder. Apart from the family oriented setting and style of cooking, dishes here are prepared with a French flair.

At night, Kaupe transforms into a romantic candlelit scene overlooking the graceful bay, suitable for couples looking for a quiet, romantic evening.

2. Chiko

Chiko is all about seafood. The restaurant is well known in Chile and by extensions South America as a seafood restaurant of premium quality.

Chiko is a relatively small restaurant that offers a few window seats with excellent views of the city. 

Popular choices here include their special creamy crab, calamari rings, paila marina, blackened fish and peppered bass. Due to the demand and therefore the crowd that often flocks the establishment, the service is said to be relatively slow, but the food is worth the wait.

3. Moustacchio

A traditional restaurant, Moustacchio boasts 20 years of service under its belt. Located in the centre of the city, the restaurant offers views out over the lake from inside.

Guests may be treated to a wide variety of seafood as well as grilled lamb, homemade pasta, lobster ravioli, bolognese sauce and meatballs, veggie lasagna as well as their crab and Fuegian house specialty, Patagonian lamb on the spit.

Large groups may also be accommodated. Moustacchio has been known to house groups of up to 30 people at a given time.

4. Chez Manu

Chez Manu is a restaurant for those who can afford a little more luxury. Perched on the mountainside overlooking the city, Chez Manu offers extensive views of Ushuaia.

The restaurant employs the use of special, homemade seasoning to add unique flavours to their food. Along with the seasoning is the added French touch, apparent in dishes such as their Fuegian lamb and mixed plates of cold fruits de mer. They also offer a three course lunch for luxury travellers.

5. Tante Sara

Tante Sara is a restaurant and bar in one. Located on the main street in Ushuaia, Tante serves up excellent coffee every morning. Beyond that, the restaurant is particularly well known for its wide array of tasty sandwiches, all freshly made. Choices include ham and cheese and primavera sandwiches.

The restaurant is also loved for its ambience. Doubling as a quiet corner bistro, Tante Sara serves up the usual suspects for persons looking for a cosy evening with god food. Additionally, this is the only kitchen in Ushuaia open until 2 a.m.

With an enviable dining scene, Ushuaia is a lovely place to visit for the culinary inclined. While the city favours meat lovers as oppose to vegetarians, there is often something for everyone at each an every eatery within the city centre.