Aura Andina — Restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama

Food was nice. The service was shocking however. I went to the desk to pay separately, to which the lady sneered that I wasn't paying for my girlfriend's food. She ignored my money and walked past me and brought the card machine to my girlfriend and asked to pay for her half. My gf wanted to pay cash too so lots of confusion. Then she walked back up to me and took my money and remarked it wasn't enough (she hadn't told me how much it was) and arrogantly said that it didn't cover the tip either. We weren't aware of tipping culture in Chile, and considering we had just arrived from Bolivia where propinas aren't customary and it is a border town I'm sure this happens often. She then was very rude to my girlfriend by slamming the receipt on the table and demanding payment (making sure to say it was without tip - for a self service menu del dia) The waitress' attitude was terrible and ruined our experience in this place. Had planned on going back but...

What a lovely surprise. Glad we decided to give a try. We chose this because of good reviews on trip advisor but were a little put off by the relatively bare interior when viewed from outside. DO NOT LET THIS STOP YOU FROM ENTERING. The seating is basic but comfortable and the staff were welcoming and the food was superb. We had the steak loin and salmon with quinotta.both cooked to perfection from fresh. Even though we got there late afternoon towards the end of service. Washed down with a couple of local beers and we were more than satisfied. The decor is aimed at a younger clientele (we are both active 70's) but once seated we enjoyed the music (Latin American but not overwhelming), the friendly informative assistance of the waiter and the generally upbeat atmosphere. Do try it if you are in San Pedro Atacama, I don't think you will be...

Tried booking the day before but via Google and there was no answer via Facebook messenger so decided walk in. On arrival- place was half empty.

Interior- basic, uncomfortable seats- wood with no padding, sat in the courtyard.

Took 10mins for orders then another 20mins for drinks to turn up- pisco.

Had the Res Al romeno and the ceviche.

The rice in the Res Al Romeno wasn’t very nice as the cheese had a very odd taste with olives and mushrooms. Olives in a cheese rice is a very odd combination- also it was preserved olives.

The ceviche mixta was good. The tiger milks was in a small shot glass so could control how much to pour. Lots of onions, two not so garlic bread and some sweat potato .

Pisco was good but without the egg white .

Service was awfully slow. Only go if you are not hungry and...