Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Los Pibes
ARGENTINE $
(mains US$5-12; 6:30-10pm Thu-Tue)
This good-vibe Argentine eatery is an original -
from its menus of nachos, steak and small Argentine-style empanadas to its margs and
mojitos drenched in crushed ice. The kitchen will even cook the fish you catch. Surfers
can gorge on mammoth burgers topped with bacon or eggs, or choose healthy salads with
basil and gouda. It's 1km from town.
La Buena Vida
AMERICAN $
(
www.labuenavida.biz
; mains from US$5; 6am-2pm)
If you're hitting the water early, this
will be the first spot open for a bite. Great bets are the breakfast burritos or the Greek
scrambles with feta, olives, tomatoes and eggs in this funky tiled cafe perched above the
main street. There are also fresh fruit drinks and a lunchtime selection of salads, tacos
and sandwiches on homemade bread.
Pizzeria Jamming
PIZZERIA $
(pizzas US$5-8; from 6:30pm)
Something of a Santa Catalina institution, this open-air
rancho
offers delicious thin-crust pizzas baked in a stone oven. Nightlife tends to con-
centrate here - perhaps it's the cheap beer, though there's also good wine and picnic
tables conducive to sharing. It gets crowded, so arrive early in the night. You will find
Jamming on the road to the beach-facing hotels.
La Panaderia
BAKERY $
(The Bakery; 6549-7464; 6:30am-4pm)
Across from La Buena Vida, this tiny bakery
run by a French and Spanish couple is a local institution. Come before 9:30am, as bread
sells out, and breakfasts (think omelets and pancakes) are slow to get served. There's also
great coffee, lunchboxes to go, cakes and delectable muffins.
Chano's Point
SEAFOOD $$$
( 6736-1652; mains US$10-17)
Venezuelan-run, this thatched restaurant offers lovely sea-
food meals and frozen fruit drinks. Start with fresh local clams or salad with tart passion-
fruit dressing. The fish in coconut curry served Hawaiian-style with fresh pineapple bor-
ders on the divine. And bring your patience because the wait for food is long. It's off a
right-hand turn on the way out to Estero Beach.
Pingüinos
ITALIAN $$$
(mains US$8-12)
This thatched Italian-owned restaurant on the public beach is the best spot
for a sunset beer. Pasta dishes are a tad pricey given their somewhat reckless preparation.
