La Picada de Carlitos is where Patagonian roasted lamb becomes the meal you'll mention for years. The meat arrives with a crackled exterior and a portion sized for two - the price alone will make you second-guess your budget. The seafood (scallops, conger eel) holds the same standard: clean cooking, intense flavor, portions that don't apologize. The dining room fills with spent trekkers and local families, which gives it actual character. There's a real catch: when it's full, service slows enough to notice, the check takes time, and much depends on which server you land. Stick to the lamb and seafood. Venture elsewhere on the menu and you're gambling - the kitchen's excellence doesn't extend there.
La Picada de Carlitos does Patagonian lamb better than almost anyone in Puerto Natales: the exterior comes out properly charred, the portion runs large enough for two, and the price makes you question what you have been paying elsewhere
What to order
Cordero asado (roasted lamb) and mariscos; skip everything else.
Reservations
Walk-ins accepted. Book ahead if you're a larger group or visiting peak season.
Price range
Moderate - main plates feed two comfortably, honest pricing for the portion and quality.
Vibe
Large, animated room mixing hikers and local families. Casual, no pretenselively when full.