Stumbling onto El Refugio with my kids one sunny day in Villa Meliquina was one of my most memorable meals of our winter in Patagonia. The log cabin looks like it was plucked out of Montana, not Argentina, but given the surroundings it fits right in.

The menu is hearty and homemade - with lentil stews, house made pastas, local game meat like deer, and fresh trout from the region's rivers. Given the isolated location and target market of tourists, it isn't surprising that it's a little more expensive than average.

But the stunning views were worth a few extra dollars per dish, in my (normally penny pinching) opinion.

🖍 Family Friendly: They had a bunch of old toys for the kids to play with, which gave me some breathing room (I went alone with two toddlers). Since our first visit they've also installed a pretty epic playground on the grounds.

💸Cash Only: Warning, unless things have changed since our visit, El Refugio is cash only. Come prepared, this tiny town doesn't have an ATM.

📶 No signal: There is no cell signal in Villa Meliquina.