24 Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Visitors may flock to Buenos Aires for the steak and malbec, but the food scene goes far beyond those two attractions. Over the last dozen or so years, the city has burst onto the international food scene with gusto.

There’s a demand for more and more creative food. Here three things have come together to create a truly modern cuisine: diverse cultural influences, high culinary aspirations, and a relentless devotion to aesthetics, from plate garnishes to room décor. Tradition dictates late dining, and the majority of restaurants don’t open until 8 or 9 pm for dinner and don’t get busy until after 10. Dinner is a leisurely affair, and the sobremesa, or after-dinner chat over coffee or digestifs, is nearly obligatory. Rushing from the table is frowned on—anyway, where would you go? Bars and clubs often don’t open until after midnight.

The core of the population is of Italian and Spanish heritage, and pizza, pasta, paella, and puchero (beef boil) are as common as the parrilla (steakhouse). Argentines have taken the classics and made them their own with different techniques and ingredients, but they’re still recognizable to the international traveler. Pizzas and empanadas are the favored local snack food, the former piled high with cheese, the latter typically filled with steak or chicken. And while steak is indisputably king in this town, it’s got fierce competition in tender Patagonian lamb, game meats, fish, and shellfish. In contrast to that of much of Latin America, Argentine cuisine is not known for its spice, and picante dishes are not common.

Cafés, too, are an important part of the culture, and locals will stop in at their favorite for a cafecito at least once a day, not only to knock back a little caffeine, but also to see friends and catch up on the latest news and gossip.

Chori

$ | Palermo Soho Fodor's choice

This bright yellow corner storefront has given the humble sausage sandwich called choripán a radical and much-needed makeover, turning it from basic street food to a sleek fast-food meal. All the chorizos that are the base of the sandwich—from lamb to mushroom and even fish—are produced in house, and there are side dishes such as sweet potato fries as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.

El Cuartito

$ | Centro Fodor's choice

This iconic pizza parlor is frequented by porteños who worship the pies topped with fresh tomato sauce and a mile-high pile of oozing mozzarella. Every square inch of wall space is dedicated to memorabilia of sports legends, musicians, tango dancers, and actors, and every local has their cherished dining spot. The best pizza is the classic mitad-mitad, or half and half—one side a straightforward tomato sauce and cheese, the other swimming with anchovies. Dessert here is a winner, with the classic flan leading the pack.

Talcahuano 937, Buenos Aires, 1013, Argentina
11-4816–1758
Known For
  • Old-school atmosphere
  • Pizza
  • Frequented by locals
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

El Sanjuanino

$ | Recoleta Fodor's choice

It may be cramped, crowded, and kitschy—and very warm in hot weather due to the roaring wood-fired ovens—but the empanadas are delicious and they serve the city's best locro (corn, squash, and meat stew) as well as delicious and iconic game dishes. Ignore the wine list and opt for the house vino served in pitchers, which is just as good and half the price. The waiters have fun with the crowd, and speak at least basic conversational phrases in a half dozen or more languages.

Posadas 1515, Buenos Aires, 1112, Argentina
11-4804–2909
Known For
  • Laid-back ambience
  • Solid fare from the north
  • Cheap and cheerful
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

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Gran Dabbang

$ | Palermo Viejo Fodor's choice

A small and deconstructed spot on busy Scalabrini Ortiz, the focus is firmly on raw ingredients in the kitchen, where chef Mariano Ramón brings together Asian and Latin American flavors using locally sourced products. The result is a taste explosion that has caught the attention of many die-hard Dabbang followers keen for spice and spices who return for lamb curry, oven-roasted carrots with garbanzo miso, and squash seed mole, and don’t mind the fast table turnaround. Also opens for Saturday lunch.

Raúl Scalabrini Ortiz 1543, Buenos Aires, C1414DOC, Argentina
11-3501–0481
Known For
  • Asian flavor
  • Dishes for sharing
  • Award-winning spot
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., No reservations.

Julia

$ | Villa Crespo Fodor's choice

An intimate space for just 22 diners led by talented young chef Julio Martín, enjoy a plant-led (but not exclusive) menu at this adorable bistro named after his daughter. Low lighting makes for an intimate ambience, ideal for a date, while you can also take a table on the sidewalk. Sample the tasting menu or go a la carte; the small culinary team enjoys playing around fermentations. Start with the apple, kiwi, and shiso salad before moving on to the wagyu aged in barley koju. 

BIS

$ | Recoleta

A romantic bistro located down a secluded Recoleta alley, chef Gonzalo Aramburu's BIS deals in classy comfort food with contemporary twists. Expect dishes such as rabbit terrine, wood-grilled octopus, and a steak tartare that comes with mustard ice cream. It opens for breakfast at 8 and keeps serving until 11 pm. The outdoor patio is lovely when the weather cooperates.

Buller Brewing Company

$ | Recoleta

The city's first microbrewery is in a prime position opposite Recoleta Cemetery, and it's a prince among frogs in a saturated craft beer market. There are seven different styles of beer (the Porter is highly recommended), and you can have a sampler of the whole range. Great sandwiches and one of the better burgers in the neighborhood are more reasons to drop in. Head up to the terrace on weekends. There are also storefronts in Villa Crespo and Belgrano. 

Café Tortoni

$ | Centro

Take a seat amid the Tiffany lamps and marble-topped tables, and contemplate the fact that you may be sitting in a chair once occupied by a former president, a renowned tango singer, or a world-famous artist or writer while they nibbled an exquisite pastry. The place and setting are from another age, thankfully well preserved, but you may have to wait for a table at the oldest—and highly popular—café in Buenos Aires. Reservations are a must for the dinner-hour tango show.

Club Eros

$ | Palermo Soho

Known for its no-frills decor, this Palermo Soho stalwart is where generations of locals have been coming to dine. It's located inside a soccer club of the same name and draws its clientele from club members, neighborhood residents, and pretty much anyone who wants honest cooking that doesn't put a dent in their budget. While the menu features three different pastas and a dozen items off the parrilla (grill), your waiter will tell you what's actually available for the day.

Uriarte 1609, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
11-4832–1313
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards, Reservations not accepted

Cuervo Café

$ | Palermo Hollywood

This specialty coffee shop, which roasts its own beans, located on a buzzy Hollywood corner is the ideal spot for a flat white or iced coffee, and a little people watching.

Costa Rica 5801, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Known For
  • In-house coffee roaster
  • Hipster vibe
  • Great caffeine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Cumaná

$ | Barrio Norte

The hearty stews, steaks, and empanadas at chaotic Cumaná are a far cry from Recoleta's European pretensions. Skip dessert, though (nearby ice-cream parlors are better).

Rodríguez Peña 1149, Buenos Aires, C1020ADW, Argentina
11-4813–9207
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Daily noon–12:30 am

Desnivel

$ | San Telmo

Don't expect any frills here, just great steaks, and side dishes such as the papas fritas provenzal, golden french fries tossed in fresh parsley and garlic. Take a table in the cavernous dining room, or grab something to go—steak sandwiches and empanadas fly out the door as fast as they can make them. The portions are huge and the prices are relatively reasonable.

Defensa 855, Buenos Aires, 1065, Argentina
11-4300–9081
Known For
  • Casual ambience
  • Large portions
  • Cheap and cheerful
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.

Down Town Matías

$ | Centro

On a prominent corner of the downtown business district, Down Town Matías is the flagship of a group of Irish-themed pubs. Drop in at lunchtime for a simple steak with mushroom sauce, a well-prepared piece of fish, or a simple sandwich. Pints of ale on tap and plenty of noise, particularly at dinnertime, are the order of the day. Weekday evenings there's an early happy hour followed by live music, generally local rock groups, which can make dinner conversation a challenge. At the other locations outside of downtown, the ambience is a bit more laid-back, and prices are a touch lower.

La Biela

$ | Recoleta

A blast from the past, this traditional café is one of the best spots in Recoleta for people-watching and celebrity-spotting. For the most part, it's a place to linger over coffee and a pastry, or perhaps a savory sandwich at midday, but there's also a full menu of local specialties, and it's open until 2 am. When the weather cooperates, locals and tourists mix and mingle at the outdoor tables—this despite the fact that there's a higher charge for the privilege. That leaves the dining room dominated by a local crowd.

La Giralda

$ | Centro

Don't let the small tables or surly waiters put you off—the signature chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with crisp cigar-shape doughnuts) at this bar notable are to die for.

La Morada

$ | Plaza de Mayo

Local office workers know where to find the best lunchtime empanadas. Vintage adverts, 1960s LPs, and photos of late, great Argentine celebrities are hung so close together you can barely see the walls.

La Perla

$ | La Boca

This colorful old-time café is the place for a licuado (milk shake) or tostado mixto (a local croque monsieur).

Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1899, Buenos Aires, C1169AAC, Argentina
11-4301–2985
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Daily 7 am–8 pm

Lai-Lai

$ | Belgrano

While the city's Chinatown is not all that big, it does have its fair share of notable eateries. Lai-Lai stands out for its varied menu, combining not just the more usual Taiwanese cuisine, but also spicier dishes from the Hunan and Szechuan provinces. Not to be missed are the Szechuan dumplings in broth (empanaditas chinas picantes, in Spanish), tofu in a fiery red sauce, and the big-enough-to-share half duck glazed in honey and tea.

Arribeños 2168, Buenos Aires, 1428, Argentina
11-4780–4900
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards, Reservations not accepted

Mercado de los Carruajes

$ | Centro

Opening at the start of 2022, the long-waited Carriages Market is already being touted as Buenos Aires’ answer to NYC’s Chelsea Market. With more than 40 store fronts housed at this refurbished 19th-century carriage house, this gourmet food and retail marketplace aims to help bring the city center back to life. Stop by for a quick bite, a pint or a glass of wine, and soak up the ambience.

Mr Ho

$ | Centro

A cheery spot that has lifted Centro’s dining options, this family-run spot serves up delicious and authentic Korean dishes. First generation migrant Martín Ho cooks while daughter Abi runs front of house, and together they run an efficient K-food ship, serving up well-priced soups such as Budae Jjigae as well as popular meaty main Bulgogi. There’s also a wide and tasty selection of veggie dishes too. This is an ideal spot for early eaters as dinner starts at 6 pm and ends at 9:30 pm. 

Ña Serapia

$ | Palermo

One of the city's best known and beloved pulperías, Ña Serapia (local slang that means the "Martyred Lady") is tiny, with only a dozen seats wedged into a space big enough for half as many. Grab some cheap eats, including great empanadas, local stews like locro or lentil, or even small pizzas.

Sarkis

$ | Palermo

Sure, this family-style restaurant can be chaotic, but it's the place to go for great Middle Eastern food. You could easily fill up on several of the small dishes from the expansive selection of mezes, which are the restaurant's best work. The lamb kafta completo is the most memorable item on the menu, but there are also great options for vegetarians. Be sure to leave room for one of the honey and nut pastries. Most nights there are belly dancers and coffee-ground readers wandering through the dining room. Arrive early or expect to wait for a table. The place is technically in Villa Crespo, but it's only about a block from Palermo Soho, across Avenida Córdoba.

Siamo nel Forno

$ | Palermo Hollywood

After spending a year studying traditional techniques in Naples, pizzero Néstor Gattorna imported a wood-burning oven, specially milled flour, and extra-virgin olive oil to reproduce the best Neapolitan-style pizza. Italophiles looking for an alternative to cheesy pizza porteña jam into the place for his smoky, perfectly charred pies and equally good calzones. End your meal with a "white pie" filled with Nutella. Service can be abrupt, and you may have to wait in line, but it's worth it.

Costa Rica 5886, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
11-4775–0337
Known For
  • Casual ambience
  • Fast turnaround
  • Traditional Neopolitan pies
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch

Trattoria Olivetti

$ | Palermo Botánico

Casual style, fantastic service and atmosphere, and a prime location in Palermo Chico make this one of the city's top Italian restaurants. For the more adventurous, don't miss the "surf and turf" of gamberi e animelle (perfectly grilled prawns and sweetbreads), or guanciale (braised pork cheeks). The multilayered house lasagna is also fantastic. There's a great wine list too.