33 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.

Don Julio

$$ | Palermo Soho Fodor's choice

One of the finest steak houses in the planet that ranks in the World's 50 Best Restaurants, Don Julio features cowhide tablecloths, wagon-wheel lighting fixtures, a vast indoor grill, and rows of empty wine bottles signed by satisfied customers. A mix of locals and expats packs the place at lunch and dinner to feast on the fantastic ojo de bife (rib eye) and entraña (skirt steak). The wine cellar is one of Argentina's finest; ask to participate in the sensorial tasting before dining. Book well ahead, or line up around the corner.

Marti

$$ | Recoleta Fodor's choice

Having made a name with award-winning fine dining establishment Tegui, which closed in 2021, chef-patron Germán Martitegui has taken a fresh approach with Marti. The discreetly signed entrance leads you to a stylish greenhouse complete with open-plan kitchen, where the team creates a delicious seasonal plant-led menu that’s leading the veggie pack. 

Mishiguene

$$ | Palermo Botánico Fodor's choice

The first purveyor of contemporary Jewish cuisine in the city, Mishiguene brings classic Middle Eastern, Polish, and Russian dishes such as baba ghanoush, varenikes, pastrami, and borscht up-to-date. Vibrant Klezmer music, efficient service, and a party atmosphere add to the reason why these are some of the hottest tables around. Book the chef’s table for an exclusive tasting menu in full view of the open kitchen.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Oviedo

$$ | Recoleta Fodor's choice

In a meat-centric city like Buenos Aires, excellently cooked seafood is a welcome change, and Oviedo turns out beautifully plated fillets of fish—don't miss the daily catch with pickled baby vegetables or the pristine shellfish. Top it all off with wine from one of the city's finest cellars–the pride and joy of owner Emilio Garip–and you're in for a memorable lunch or dinner.

Restó SCA

$$ | Recoleta Fodor's choice

A haunt for foodies who adore the creative, contemporary Argentine cuisine and beautiful presentation, there's nowhere better in the neighborhood for lunch or an atmospheric dinner. The star of the lineup is the roasted, stuffed whole quail with squash. Service is very efficient and a top sommelier is in charge of the wine list, heading a young dynamic team.

Montevideo 938, Buenos Aires, C1019ABT, Argentina
11-4816–6711
Known For
  • Romantic
  • Low key
  • Great wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends. No dinner Mon.–Wed., Reservations essential

Artemisia

$$ | Palermo

In a city known for its steak and potatoes, vegetarians generally have to make do with salads, pastas, and pizzas to get by. That’s slowly changing thanks to gems like Artemisia, which serves up what is arguably the city's best and most creative meat-free fare, spiced up with Peruvian flavors. It also offers what may be the city's best veggie burger, packed with flavorful lentils. If you're traveling with omnivores, there's always one fish dish on the menu. The service tends to be a bit slow, but it fits the relaxed vibe. There's a sister spot at Cabrera 3877, also in Palermo.

Gorriti 5996, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
11-4776–5484
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.

Asian Cantina

$$ | Palermo Hollywood

The city’s finest purveyor of southeast Asian food started out as a closed-door restaurant in the chef's home but these days it has a prime Palermo Hollywood location. Adobo pao (steamed pork buns) from her beloved Philippines and delicious Thai yellow curry are two musts, best accompanied by a lemongrass and vodka cocktail. Book a table under the banana trees at the back for a romantic dinner.

Humboldt 1626, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
11-4776–8122
Known For
  • Authentic flavors
  • Spicy food
  • Chilled-out ambience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Mon.

Brasserie Petanque

$$ | San Telmo

One of the few classic French brasseries in Buenos Aires, Petanque is a place to enjoy hearty French fare accompanied by local wines. The ambience is lively, with marble-topped tables so close to each other that you may find yourself participating in neighboring conversations, though service can be snooty. The best dishes are the most traditional, the confit de pato, or duck confit, is not to be missed.

Defensa 596, Buenos Aires, 1065, Argentina
11-4342–7930
Known For
  • Bistro fare
  • Quality wine list
  • Lunchtime specials
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed.

Café San Juan La Cantina

$$ | San Telmo

Its façade leads into tiny vermouth bar but the back is a huge dining room, where tattooed celebrity chef Lele Cristobal prepares tasty dishes with Spanish and Italian flavors such as lamb meatballs with chickpea mash and ossobuco stew. Start an evening with a glass of the house aperitivo—vermouth comes on tap—with soda at the bar with just eight stools, then move onto the main event for a buzzy evening.

Chile 474, Buenos Aires, Argentina
11-4300–9344
Known For
  • Celebrity chef
  • Hearty fare
  • Buzzy ambience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Chan Chan

$$ | Congreso

Peruvian dishes at bargain prices have made a name for Chan Chan. The deep-fried corn kernels they bring while you wait are almost a meal in themselves.

Dadá

$$ | Retiro

An intimate and artsy setting are the backdrop for a short but creative menu, which includes house specialties like phyllo-wrapped Morbier cheese salad as a starter and the perfectly cooked ojo de bife (rib-eye steak). Relax, enjoy a glass of wine, read the paper, and eat well.

San Martín 941, Buenos Aires, 1004, Argentina
11-4314–4787
Known For
  • Classy bistro fare
  • Intimate setting
  • Buzzy
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Delicious

$$ | Recoleta

It's a hard name to live up to, but there's no doubt this casual café pulls it off, with super fresh sandwiches, salads, and smoothies, which you can eat in or pack into your picnic basket. A shot of espresso and a slice of cheesecake provide the perfect dose of caffeine and sugar to get you back in the sightseeing saddle.

Laprida 2015, Buenos Aires, C1425EKU, Argentina
11-4803–1151
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Tues.–Fri. 9 am–8 pm, Sat.–Sun. 10 am –8 pm, Closed Mon.

Don Carlos

$$ | La Boca

With a prime location right in front of the Boca Juniors stadium, this bodegón is an institution not only for soccer fans but for the likes of movie director Francis Ford Coppola and chef Francis Mallmann. Owner Carlitos Zinola basically chooses your Italo-Argentine menu for you, which could be steak, pasta, tortilla, pascualina tart, or a combination of them all. The neighborhood is dodgy, particularly at night—take a taxi to and from this restaurant.

Brandsen 699, Buenos Aires, Argentina
11-4362–2433
Known For
  • Traditional dining spot
  • Daily menu
  • Located opposite Boca Juniors stadium
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Due Resto Café

$$ | Barrio Norte

This place may resemble a neighborhood coffee shop where folks are just sitting, sipping coffee, and reading the newspaper. But check out the long and narrow dining room at lunchtime, when the kitchen turns out some of the best pasta and fish dishes in the barrio. The menu changes daily, depending on the chef's whims, but you can count on ravioli showing up in a stunning variety of styles. There are also some excellent stir-fried dishes. Don't pass up dessert, which may include a "deconstructed" take on the classic arroz con leche.

El Desnivel

$$ | San Telmo

At this classic parrilla (steak house) the trimmings don't go beyond a mixed salad and fries, and surly waiters are part of the experience.

Defensa 855, Buenos Aires, C1065AAO, Argentina
11-4307–2489
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Mon. 7 pm–1 am; Tues.–Sun. noon–1 am, Closed Mon. lunch

El Palacio de la Papa Frita

$$ | Centro

No frills doesn't mean no charm at this longtime porteño favorite. Steaks, pastas, and salads are the draw, but don't miss the papas soufflés, meaning puffed-up french fries. If you want to go full-tilt local style, order them à la provençal and they'll arrive at your table tossed with minced garlic and parsley. After all, this place and the other three branches around town (Palermo, Recoleta, and another in Centro) aren't called the Palace of the French Fry for no reason.

Lavalle 735, Buenos Aires, 1047, Argentina
11-4393–4849
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

El Preferido de Palermo

$$ | Palermo Viejo

Though it was recently overhauled by the Parrilla Don Julio team, much care has been taken to retain El Preferido de Palermo's authentic and traditional character. Order a plate of cold cuts–the charcuterie cellar is on display—and savor them at the kitchen counter. 

Jorge L. Borges 2108, Buenos Aires, C1425FFD, Argentina
11-4774–6585
Known For
  • Award-winning restaurant
  • Updated blast from the past
  • Delicious classic Argentine dishes for sharing

Gran Bar Danzón

$$ | Retiro

The city's longest established cocktail and wine bar is a dimly lit lounge that attracts the local wine-geek set as well as hard liquor aficionados. They serve some of the best lounge food in town, including great sushi (don't miss the crispy prawn rolls), appetizers such as ceviche, and a great selection of wines by the glass. Note that it's a two-story climb up steep stairs to get here.

Libertad 1161, Buenos Aires, 1061, Argentina
11-4811–1108
Known For
  • Loungey ambience
  • Great wine list
  • Attracts a cool crowd
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential

Iñaki

$$ | Congreso

When Iñaki first opened its doors, it was one of the city's more expensive Basque eateries. Over time it's kept the price increases to a minimum, and today it's one of the most reasonable spots to enjoy this spectacular Spanish cuisine. Killer paella and fried calamarinot the usual battered version, but a much more elegant dish dusted in herb and pepper flour and flash fried—are among the must-try choices. If you want something a little spicier, order raxo, a delicious pork dish in a red chili sauce that's paired, strangely enough, with french fries. The service is cheerful and helpful.

La Cabrera

$$ | Palermo Soho

Huge slabs of Hereford and Aberdeen Angus steaks for sharing are cooked to perfection at this classic parrilla, and they're always accompanied by a variety of small side dishes, so there's little need to order anything other than french fries, though provoletas (gooey, slightly crispy grilled cheese slabs) are a must to start. The same menu is served down the block at La Cabrera Norte, at 5127 Cabrera, which handles the overflow.

Cabrera 5099, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
11-4831–7002
Known For
  • Casual ambience
  • Friendly service
  • Happy hour 6:30 to 8
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential

La Parolaccia

$$ | Recoleta

A family-run and family-friendly Italian trattoria of the sort you might find in any big city, La Parolaccia stands out for its excellent homemade pastas—particularly good are the hand-rolled fusilli. And don't overlook the three-course lunch specials, which can be a great deal. The staff is happy to prepare half portions of pasta dishes for kids. You'll be greeted with a complimentary cocktail and sent off with a digestif of limoncello at the end of your meal.

Las Cuartetas

$$ | Centro

Not known for its decor, this simple spot with tightly packed tables and fluorescent lights is filled with locals who love the coal-fired deep-dish pizza—a style you don't find frequently in this city. It's a great place to go on your own, as solo diners aren't uncommon. Not to be missed is the spinach and white-sauce pizza, a neighborhood favorite. For meat eaters there's the española layered with longaniza sausage, the city's answer to pepperoni. It can take awhile to get the staff's attention, and friendliness is not the first order of the day, but the wait and the attitude won't matter once you sink your fork into one of these slices.

Las Pizarras

$$ | Palermo

The chalkboard-covered walls (las pizarras) at this appealing spot list the market-driven menu of a dozen or so creative dishes. The wine list is equally intriguing. Pricing is civil and portions are huge, though service can be a bit slow.

Thames 2296, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
11-4775–0625
Known For
  • Relaxed ambience
  • Classy bistro fare
  • Great wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential

Mark's Deli & Coffee House

$$ | Palermo Soho

When you hear the term deli, you may think double-decker sandwiches laden with smoked and cured meats, but this place is more California than New York. Look for huge salads with an array of fresh ingredients, inventive sandwiches on excellent housemade breads, delicious pastries, and just-brewed coffee. Sit on the patio outside and you may as well be in a scene from The O.C., right down to the slow service and snooty attitude. Still, this is a great choice for a casual lunch or brunch. The kitchen stays open until early evening, so if you're looking for a quick, casual bite in Palermo Soho, it's a decent choice.

Morelia

$$ | Las Cañitas

Long before grilled pizza became commonplace elsewhere, it was already part of the local tradition, where pizza dough was tossed on the grill, cooked quickly like a flatbread, and then topped with fresh, favored ingredients. The best place to sample grilled pizza is Morelia, which has a popular branch on the trendy restaurant row of Calle Báez. Choose your favorite combination of toppings, though a perennial favorite is the montecattini with prosciutto and arugula. In nice weather grab a seat on the rooftop terrace, one of the best spots in town to eat pizza.

Báez 260, Buenos Aires, 1426, Argentina
11-4772–0329
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch

Museo Evita Restaurante

$$ | Palermo Botánico

The checkered floors and glossy black tables of Museo Evita Restaurante are as stylish as the great lady herself. Sticky and flaky, the medialunas here are some of the best in town.

Piola

$$ | Recoleta

This old-school pizzeria empire, which now has outposts in a dozen countries, made it big by turning out tasty pizzas, one after another. It's not Argentine-style pizza—the crust is too thin, the sauce too plentiful, and the cheese too sparse—more like an echo of the pizza from the chain's home base in Treviso, Italy. It attracts locals looking for something different and visitors from afar who recognize the name. There's a second branch at Gorriti 5751 in Palermo.

Proa Café

$$ | La Boca

Gorgeous port views await here along with fresh juices, smoothies, salads, and pastas.

Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1929, Buenos Aires, C1169AAD, Argentina
11-4104–1003
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Tues.–Sun. 11 am–7 pm, Closed Mon.

Río Alba

$$ | Palermo

This venerable steak house has waiters in bow ties and vests who maneuver around the farmhouse-style dining room, serving flavorful, tender cuts of meat including entraña (hanger steak) and matambrito (pork flank). Although the menu appears pricey, portions are massive, and they know it: the steaks are set atop small hibachis to keep them hot. Your best bet is to order one steak for two to share and a platter of the papas rejillas, and thick waffle-cut chips.

Cerviño 4499, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
11-4773–9508
Known For
  • Casual ambience
  • Friendly service
  • Abundant portions

Roux

$$ | Recoleta

A cozy corner bistro, Roux is a fantastic spot for relaxed business lunches or special occasions. Try the Patagonian king crab ravioli or perfectly cooked venison steak, paired with recommendations from the sommelier. Chef-patron Martín Rebaudino used to lead the kitchen at Oviedo so fish and seafood is always a solid choice.

Peña 2300, Buenos Aires, 1126, Argentina
11-4805–6794
Known For
  • Great seafood
  • Intimate setting
  • Great wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.