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Moshi Moshi
This first-floor Japanese restaurant whispers minimalist style, perhaps reflecting the tasteful loft apartments that line the block. Equally stylish is every plate that hits the table here - restaurateur Silvia Morizono knows her stuff - try the combination plates and their sake cocktails.
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Mott
This striking industrial space, with its huge ceilings and nose-bleed inducing mezzanine level tables, is the epitome of Palermo's concrete-chic. The food, however, doesn't excite like the space does, although the desserts and coffee are worth lingering over while you check out Palermo's pretty people sashaying to a funky soundtrack.
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Museo del Jamón
There's something comforting and inviting about old-school Spanish eateries such as Museo del Jamón. Perhaps it's the hanging hams that you know are soon destined to be carved for a delicious plate of crudo (raw proscuitto), or it's the thought that as you wait a delicious paella is being prepared for you while you graze some tapas. Perfect for a rainy BA day.
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Origen
Flying just about the only organic flag in this part of town, Origen is a bright airy eatery with a relaxed vibe, simple home-cooked meals from a blackboard menu, including some great vegie options, and outdoor tables tailor-made for a sunny day.
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Plaza España
A mainstay of the dining scene on this Hispanic-themed strip, this 24hr eatery might not be fancy, but it makes up for it with huge servings of filling and hearty fare such as casseroles and ravioli in Bolognese sauce - not to mention the complimentary glasses of moscato (muscat) and limoncello (lemon liqueur) that bookend your meal.
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Rëd Resto & Lounge
Combining French technique with fresh Argentine ingredients is always a winner and this stylish, understated restaurant doesn't disappoint. An excellent wine cellar and informed service also elevate the experience.
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Restó
The simple, understated environs of this restaurant located in the Central Architects Society building simply help to amplify the culinary fireworks coming from the kitchen of María Barrutia, who has worked for such luminaries as Spain's Ferran Adriá. The daily menu is short, while the dinner menu is more substantial, either are worth making a booking for.
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Richmond
Another favorite of the great Jorge Luis Borges, the elegant old Richmond cafe has been serving afternoon teas since 1917. Old men play chess, checkers, backgammon and billiards downstairs.
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Sabot
Reflecting the very essence of Buenos Aires' food is this porteño eatery that draws everyone from CEOs and bank managers to secretaries and porters. The capital's best roasted goat and pepper steaks are on the menu, but vegetarians also have options. Check out the daily specials, chalked up on blackboards. Service is efficient, prices are moderate and reservations are a must after .
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Sangria
An excellent addition to the dining scene in the Microcentro, Sangria simply does what it says on the label: 'Authentic Tapas'. The food, from the gazpacho through to a classic paella de pollo y frutos de mar (paella with chicken and seafood), is hearty and the extensive tapas menu is perfect for grazing. To up the Spanish theme there is flamenco on Thursday nights.
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Seis 50
The Microcentro's best sushi joint is a hip space with white leather booths featuring individual TV sets. While this is not surprising, coming from notable restaurateur Silvia Morizono, what is surprising is the 'kitchen' menu of local favorites (Argentinean and Italian), clearly there to please the lunchtime crowd. The sushi itself is quality stuff: order one of the combination sushi and sashimi platters and a bottle of crisp white wine from the short wine list.
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Social Paraíso
One of the originals of the dining revolution that this leafy part of town has been nurturing, Social Paraíso is a simple, elegant restaurant that attracts a regular local clientele - get there early. The gutsy menu (try the Patagonian lamb) is matched by a brilliant dessert list.
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Sottovoce
The warm, inviting interior of this classic Italian restaurant always makes us nostalgic for old-school Italian dishes. When your freshly baked bread arrives, you'll probably feel like plumbing for the classics such as eggplant parmigiana, a sleep-inducing gnocchi (freshly handmade, of course) and finish up with a Tiramisú. We're not sure how the business lunch crowd manage to stay awake at work after food this comforting…
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Standard
This wood-paneled wonder takes its inspiration from the 1950s, right down to the bar stools and old-fashioned menu board, all of which will see you instinctively ordering a gin & tonic or a dry martini. The meals have a retro touch as well, with bodegón -style fare such as milanesa (Argentine schnitzel) and empanadas .
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Status
This homely eatery serves up plates of Peruvian cuisine that can be heavy going, so make sure you start your meal with the brilliant ceviche of fish or mixed seafood (worth coming for alone) before moving on to the rice, potato and lamb dishes.
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Sudestada
With a menu drawn from the rich culinary histories of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, Sudestada earns its stripes mainly from its curries. In a stylish, but noisy space, the dishes here range from mild to hot, but if you like it really hot ( porteños don't), just ask.
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Taberna Baska
This long-standing, brightly lit Basque restaurant keeps busy serving up plenty of tapas (try the fabulous chorizo en vino and jamón iberico ) and hearty mains such as paella and other seafood dishes.
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Tomo1
One of the only true venerable BA haute cuisine temples, Tomo 1 is a delightfully old-fashioned gem. While the decor hasn't aged gracefully, the palates of the chef sisters, Ada and Ebe Concaro, have not lost their zing. Their secret is simple, seasonal ingredients bought fresh and treated with respect and presented with old-school flair.
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Ølsen
With its hip, relaxed vibe and too cool crowd, Ølsen could indeed be located in the frosty climes of Scandinavia - especially with its dramatic central fireplace. While the food and service don't always live up to the surrounds, sitting in the table-filled garden facing a Scandi smörgåsbord and a frozen vodka is hard to beat. Sunday brunch is quite the scene.
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