Latin America on a slow flame
In the heart of Queenstown, a new flame is lit.
Caribe on Fire opened its doors a couple of weeks ago in a venue on The Mall — a new BBQ and café that pays tribute to the diversity, intensity, and warmth of Latin American culture.
“This is not just a restaurant — it’s a celebration of our roots, a kitchen born of fire, memory, and togetherness,” says Santiago Bonhomme, one of its owners.
Bonhomme and his wife, Carolina Guajardo, together with Richard Castro and his partner, Hazel Nicoll, are behind this new venture — as well as the neighbouring Caribe Latin Kitchen.
The latter was founded 11 years ago by Castro, a Venezuelan dreamer and paragliding enthusiast. Over time, it became such a beloved local spot that, when the space next door became available, the team knew it was time to expand.
The new venue — previously home to The Lobster Tank and Madame Woo’s Hawker & Roll — has entrances from both Camp Street and The Mall, along with a few outdoor tables.
Together, Caribe Latin Kitchen and Caribe on Fire bring some Latin flavour, music and spirit in the heart of downtown Queenstown, situated on one of its busiest corners.
“Caribe on Fire is born with fresh energy and aesthetics, but the same soul,” Bonhomme says. “It’s a BBQ that honours the great culinary traditions of South America — the Argentine flame, the Uruguayan mystique, the Chilean strength.”
The goal is to offer a culinary experience that is both heartfelt and authentic. For Carolina Guajardo, Latin America is much more than a geographical region:
“It’s a way of life — of storytelling, of resistance and celebration. A blend of accents and silences transformed into music, words and, above all, cuisine. It’s the art of sharing bread and conversation, of gathering around fire that warms and gives meaning.”
From 8 a.m., the day starts with a breakfast and brunch menu that’s truly unique in Queenstown. Each dish is a journey through the flavours of different countries: mornings scented with Colombian coffee, Venezuelan arepas, Mexican huevos rancheros or Brazilian cheese bread. A colourful, diverse, and deeply authentic offering.
At 11:30 a.m., the flames come alive as the BBQ takes centre stage — serving classic cuts and bold dishes in a setting that feels warm, rustic, and contemporary.
In addition to a thoughtful selection of Latin American wines — including Chile’s noble Carménère and Argentina’s world-renowned Malbec — Caribe on Fire also features a cocktail menu that celebrates the best of Latin mixology: vibrant margaritas, refreshing Cuban mojitos, Brazilian caipirinhas, and the beloved Chilean pisco sour — a true delight.
“This is a space to share who we are and what we love,” Bonhomme concludes. “A way to say — through flavour and flame — that our roots are alive.
