Raíces — Restaurant in Pucón

Good food, but nothing innovative or extraordinary. Can definitely get the same food and quality elsewhere for half the cost. The place is pretty, though, so I guess that's the added value they offer. I also did not appreciate that a fancy restaurant like that did not offer wifi or physical menus to read, and no alternative options. You have to scan QR code with your phone, which then prompts you to send a text via WhatsApp to request the menu. I hate when they trick you into giving your phone number. People without wifi or data, like us since we are not from here, can not see the menu. We had to ask someone from a neighboring table to lend us their phone, and my elderly mother couldn't read the small print. Honestly, the only thing that made us stay was the fact that it was raining super hard. If not, we would have left just on the basis that they don't have menus available, or wifi to facilitate to their customers so that they can see the menu. Good food, not great, too much money. Nothing to write home about. Feels like a tourist trap. In fact only non speaking tourists were ar the restaurant. Now...

I asked for a beer sample (five beers) at 18:10. The girl told me to take a sit and she would promptly bring me it. I waited for 15 minutes, nothing happened. I came to the bar to inquire, they said they'd look at it. Another 10 minutes and I came to the bar again to ask about my sample, they said it was closed (??). I told them I've been long waiting for it and they finally decided to serve me - a different guy (very kind one, the first I found here tbh) brought the beers and started to speak in (a kinda broken) English. I didn't understand why English at this point and asked them to switch to Spanish as it would be way easier to communicate (as apparently we were both fluent in it), he happily did it but was quite confused with my request.

Also, the lady that first attended me said I'd get four beers from the menu but one (that they'd swap with their sponsored beer) and I actually got three from the menu, the sponsored one, and another one I hadn't been told about. Anyways, the beers were...

Quaintly appointed with local antiques and traditional goods. On the pricier side. Dining area was quiet and empty when we visited at 8:30 pm (which we sought after a long day but may discourage others).

We ordered the battered merluza and salmon with tomato polenta and walnuts. Both dishes generously portioned. I was partial to the merluza in particular: the fish was flaky and tender under a thick, crisp tempura batter with a nice earthy seasoning, all nestled among a sweet sautéed mix of tomato and red onion.

As customary in Chile, we also received complementary herbed butter and a smoky tomato-onion salsa, served with scant bread.

Tonight this was just the place I needed, but if returning to Pucón I’d likely seek a cozier and livelier ambiance and homier fare (that’s just my style). Would recommend to mid-centric, mid-budget travelers seeking authentic local flavors in familiar...