Buenos Aires 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.

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  • 1. Chori

    $ | Palermo Soho

    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.

    Thames 1653, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
    11-3966–9857

    Known For

    • Upmarket street food
    • Sausage specialist
    • Budget-friendly
  • 2. Don Julio

    $$ | Palermo Soho

    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.

    Guatemala 4691, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
    11-4831–9564

    Known For

    • Tender rib eye
    • Excellent attention and service
    • Fantastic wine cellar
  • 3. Gran Dabbang

    $ | Palermo Viejo

    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, 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.
  • 4. Julia

    $ | Villa Crespo

    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. 

    Loyola 807, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414AUQ, Argentina
    11-7519–0514

    Known For

    • Intimate spot
    • Highly creative menu
    • Great for a date

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends
  • 5. Mishiguene

    $$ | Palermo Botánico

    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.

    Lafinur 3368, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
    11-5029–1979

    Known For

    • Innovative concept
    • Classic dishes brought up-to-date
    • Fun ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
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  • 6. Tegui

    $$$$ | Palermo Hollywood

    For a sublime eight-course tasting experience, head to Tegui, helmed by chef Germán Martitegui, who regularly ranks in the top 10 of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list. Martitiegui has a deft hand with fish, in particular, and is fond of using fruit in his savory dishes. Opt to pair wines under the direction of sommelier Mariano Camaño and you'll have an especially memorable experience.

    Costa Rica 5852, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
    11-4770--9500

    Known For

    • Molecular gastronomy
    • Excellent service
    • Attention to detail across the board

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 7. Adentro Dinner Club

    $$$$ | Palermo Soho

    Realizing that not every visitor to Buenos Aires has friends or family to invite them to an asado, the traditional backyard barbecue, Colorado native Kelly Brenner and Argentino Gabriel Aguallo decided to take the plunge. They threw open the doors to their charming home, where guests join them on the patio around a massive grill and then adjourn to the farmhouse-style dining area for a family-style steak or seafood fest. Plenty of grilled vegetable dishes, creative salads, and glasses of local wine accompany the meat. More wines are available from the short but well-selected wine list. The exact address is provided when you make a reservation.

    Fray Justo Santamaria de Oro and Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Schedule varies week to week., Reservations essential
  • 8. 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, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
    11-4776–5484

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.
  • 9. 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, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
    11-4776–8122

    Known For

    • Authentic flavors
    • Spicy food
    • Chilled-out ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Mon.
  • 10. Bella Italia

    $$$ | Palermo Botánico

    One of the first Italian restaurants in Palermo Botánico, Bella Italia is the cornerstone of what has become the city's quasi-official Little Italy. The Lena family runs its flagship restaurant and a neighboring café (along with branches in Palermo and Belgrano) with grace, warmth, and elegance. The star of the menu is one of the city's few veal chops, a whopping cut of perfectly cooked meat encrusted with salt and rosemary and served over beautifully roasted potatoes. This dish is easily enough for two, especially if you start with one of the kitchen's stellar pastas. The restaurant also features a well-thought-out and fairly priced wine list.

    Republica Arabe Siria 3285, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
    11-4802–4253

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 11. Casa Coupage

    $$$$ | Palermo

    In the middle of the chaos of Palermo, Casa Coupage is an oasis of tranquility. Located in a converted home, the beige-on-beige dining area takes up most of the main floor. Decor is simple, mostly wine related, plus the odd choice of postage stamps glued in a swath around the rooms at eye level. Your best bet is the frequently changing tasting menu that lets you sample the full range of chef Pablo Bolzan's creative take on traditional Argentine cooking. A limited selection of à la carte dishes is always available. Sommelier Santiago Mymicopulo knows his stuff, and his great wine-pairing options are usually a much better value than ordering from the somewhat overpriced wine list.

    Soler 5518, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
    11-4777–9295

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Sun., Mon., and Tues., Reservations essential
  • 12. 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, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
    11-4832–1313

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No credit cards, Reservations not accepted
  • 13. 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, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Known For

    • In-house coffee roaster
    • Hipster vibe
    • Great caffeine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 14. 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, Buenos Aires, C1425FFD, Argentina
    11-4774–6585

    Known For

    • Award-winning restaurant
    • Updated blast from the past
    • Delicious classic Argentine dishes for sharing
  • 15. El Trapiche

    $$$ | Palermo Hollywood

    This eatery's design aesthetic—a bare, unadorned space illuminated with industrial lighting—doesn't translate to the dishes, which, while not fancy, include hearty portions of grilled and fried Argentine dishes and a smattering of Spanish specialties. At lunch it's packed with Palermo office workers, and at dinner there's a mix of locals and tourists, all tucking into the well-seasoned and properly cooked steaks and chops. Don't miss the boquerones (marinated anchovies) as an appetizer. The entraña, or hanger steak, particularly when accompanied by the excellent papas a la crema (creamed potatoes), are a don't-miss main course perfect for sharing. While the menu might look pricey at first glance, most of the steaks easily serve more than one person. There are also inexpensive prix-fixe lunch options.

    Paraguay 5099, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
    11-4772–7343

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 16. Green Bamboo

    $$$ | Palermo Hollywood

    Covered with more knick-knacks than the space comfortably allows, the bar at the city's only Vietnamese restaurant looks like someone bought out a souvenir shop. The barstools are irrelevant, because there's no place to set your drink anyway. But that's fine, because you can just grab a table or relax on a sofa in the dining area and enjoy one of the signature cocktails while you peruse the menu of Vietnamese classics. Perennial favorites include the crispy smoked eggplant dumplings, prawns with rice pasta, chicken curry, and five-spice spareribs. Bowing to local custom, there's little heat in any of the dishes, even if you ask for extra chilies, but ask for a bowl of Sriracha hot sauce to be brought to your table.

    Costa Rica 5802, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
    11-4775–7050

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 17. i Latina

    $$$$ | Villa Crespo

    These charming and handsome Colombian brothers ran a successful restaurant in Patagonia before moving to Buenos Aires, opening a new place, and receiving enthusiastic reviews. In an intimate space, Santiago Macias turns out some of the most creative, interesting Colombian-influenced food in the city. The prix-fixe tasting menu changes regularly. Flawless service is provided in the dining room under the direction of Santiago's brother Camilo. For something just a little bit different and off the beaten path, this is a don't-miss experience. Wine pairings are extra (230 pesos).

    Murillo 725, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
    11-4857–9095

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch., Reservations essential
  • 18. Kansas

    $$$ | Palermo

    Located alongside the Hipódromo, the city's hottest horse-racing track, this eatery has great views. Boisterous definitely defines the ambience as diners tuck into barbecued ribs, chops, steaks, pastas, and salads, all washed down with copious amounts of beer and iced tea. There are plenty of options for children on the menu. This is the top of the heap for diners searching for a U.S.-style chain, and it attracts local business executives during the day and families at night. Reservations recommended, especially for dinner, and there's almost always a wait for a table.

    Av. Libertador 4625, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
    11-4776–4100

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 19. La Baita

    $$$ | Palermo Soho

    Sophisticated, elegant, and cozy all at the same time, this cozy corner spot in Palermo Soho offers a combination of classic dishes and modern creations. A favorite of Italophile locals, it's the perfect location for a romantic night out, perhaps with a reenactment of the famous scene from Lady and the Tramp. Housemade pastas are the stars here, topped with sauces so vibrant you know they were made the same day. The kitchen sometimes has a heavy hand with salt, so if it's an issue let your server know when you order. Service is friendly and efficient. The wine list, while an excellent selection, is a tad on the pricey side, but you're paying for the atmosphere as well.

    Thames 1603, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1414, Argentina
    11-4832–7234

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon., Credit cards accepted
  • 20. 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, 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

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