A Guide to Latin American Sydney
Where to track down empanadas, alfajores, churrasco spots, salsa and language classes around town.
An undisputed perk of living in a metropolis as multicultural as Sydney is that you can experience the wider world without ever having to leave the confines of the city. If a trip to Latin America is on your bucket list, why not save yourself a 13,000 kilometre plane trip and a significant chunk of cash, and have a local South American adventure instead?
We've rounded up a comprehensive guide to Sydney spots where you can experience the flavours, sounds, and vibrancy of Latino culture — from the top Latin American restaurants, cafes, and bars to the best spots to get your salsa on. And, once you've fallen in love with all things Latin America, pick up some Spanish or Portuguese at one of the city's many language centres. That way, you'll be fully prepared when you do finally make it to that side of the globe.
Of course, we couldn't cover everything here, but if your favourite Venezuelan spot, Brazilian barbecue house or Peruvian restaurant isn't in here, let us know where your go-to is in the comments below.
WHERE TO EAT
Last year, this Sydney icon shut the doors of its Cleveland Street home to move to 50 Holt Street — they're still open for functions at Cleveland Street. But fans need not despair, the new location is serving up those coveted mouthwatering meats cooked Argentine-style over an open fire pit, an impressive wine list, and pitch-perfect playlists.
This charming family-run Neutral Bay diner combines the best South American flavours with Aussie produce. An evening at La Puerta involves hearty plates made for sharing (we're especially partial to the Pescada Creole), a wine list that showcases the best Chilean and Argentine varietals, and a backdrop of infectious Latino music.
Opened in August 2016, this popular restaurant and bar has brought the best Latin American flavours to Paddington, with a seasonal menu that features dishes from Mexico all the way down to Argentina. We're especially partial to the alpaca and mozzarella empanadas and the barbecue lamb shoulder with red chimichurri. Meanwhile, the ample drinks list — featuring more than 40 tequila and mezcal varieties — will please even the pickiest connoisseurs.
We Sydneysiders sure do love us some Brazilian barbecue. In a city full of churrasco spots, the upscale Char & Co is one of Sydney's best. Expect an endless supply of succulent spit-roasted meats, a solid selection of side dishes, and distinctive Brazilian cocktails to wash it all down. Come hungry for this one or don't come at all.
CAFE CON LECHE
This tiny family-owned Surry Hills cafe will make you feel like you've stepped out of Sydney and straight into Bogotá or Medellín. Boisterous Spanish mingles with Latin music and the shelves are filled with Colombian crafts and produce. Come for the single-origin Colombian coffee, the freshly-baked arepas (corn cakes), and the weird-sounding but totally delicious hot chocolate with cheese.
LA PAULA EMPANADAS
This unassuming Kensington cafe has been serving up Chilean classics for the past 30 decades. Unsurprisingly, the highlight here are the empanadas. Served either baked or fried, this Chilean staple is the perfect comfort food. La Paula also offers a variety of traditional Chilean sandwiches (our fave is the beef churrasco) and addictive alfajores, dulce de leche stuffed biscuits.
WHERE TO DRINK
Named after Julian Lobo, 'The Sugar King of Havana', this popular CBD mainstay is a veritable rum heaven. With bottles sourced from across Central America and the Caribbean, rum fans — and everyone else — are guaranteed to find something that appeals. With an interior embellished with old Cuban charm, The Lobo Plantation is the perfect place to while away an evening in the city.
Look for the neon sign promising "Everything with tequila", descend the stairs, and you'll have found some of the best tequila and mezcal cocktails in Sydney. The latest venture from the Barrio Chino team, this Martin Place basement bar is the place to go when you're in the mood for innovative drinks and Mexican street eats. Go on Friday and Saturday nights when a great DJ lineup will have you dancing until the wee hours.
JAMTOWN
This tiny bar is more than worth the ferry ride over to Manly. The cheery fitout — colourful benches, pink flamingos, hand-drawn signs — is a near-perfect replica of Jamaica's plentiful beach bars and refreshingly unpretentious. Expect a compact list of rum-based cocktails, authentic bar snacks (whatever you do, do not miss the delectable plantain chips), and DJs spinning the decks at the weekend.
WHERE TO DANCE
LATIN MOTION DANCE STUDIO
No rhythm? No problem. The folks over at the Latin Motion dance studio will get you up to speed in no time. Led by World Salsa and Bachata champions, the talented team of instructors promise to have you shaking your hips with confidence after just a few classes. Alternatively, check out Salsa Republic in Surry Hills.
ESTABLISHMENT, SALSA TUESDAYS
If you still haven't experienced Salsa Tuesdays at Establishment, now's the time — even if you're not a regular at Establishment, give it a go. Get there at 8pm for a free salsa lesson, grab a $12 mojito to loosen you up, and spend the night shaking your stuff all over the dance floor.
THE ARGYLE, SALSA WEDNESDAYS
Head to The Argyle on Wednesday nights for their free salsa fiesta where everyone, from beginners to seasoned salsa dancers, is welcome. Resident DJ Miro will have you dancing the night away to the latest salsa tunes with a healthy dose of bachata thrown into the mix.
WHERE TO LEARN
If all the eating and dancing has moved Latin America to the top of your travel bucket list, why not pick up some language skills before you jet off? The Instituto Cervantes offers some of the best Spanish lessons in the city. Beyond the CBD, The University of Sydney's Centre for Continuing Education and Parramatta Community College both have an affordable and comprehensive range of courses.
More of a Lusophile? Learn to falar português at UNSW's Institute of Languages or Sydney Language Solutions.
WHERE TO GET FULLY IMMERSED
No better way for a huge dose of Latin American culture than a festival. In February, two festivals immersed Sydneysiders in Latin American culture. For a little taste of Rio's iconic Carnaval, head to Sydney's first Portuguese-Brazilian festival, Canguru na Folia (Kangaroo revelry), bringing the music, food, and drinks of the Lusophone world to Sydney's inner west. Meanwhile, the annual Latin American festival returns to the Bondi Pavilion each year with food stalls aplenty, live Latin American music, and free dance workshops.
This comprehensive guide is a jumping off point for highlighting Sydney's best Latin American experiences. Have a favourite Colombian cafe? A go-to salsa spot? Let us know in the comments, we're all ears.
Top image: Tequila Mockingbird.
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