Restaurants in Argentina
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A
Kaupé
For an out-of-body seafood experience, head to this candlelit house. Chef Ernesto Vivian employs the freshest of everything and service is nothing less than impeccable. We can’t leak our faves, since the chef protests that customers always repeat the order! Service is attentive, the wine list extensive and the views of the bay, well, we doubt you’ll bother to notice them. Reservations advised.
reviewed
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B
El Boliche de Alberto
It’s worth dining at this esteemed parrilla simply to see the astonished look on tourists’ faces when a slab of beef the size of a football lands on the table; it’s the AR$46 bife de chorizo (the AR$35 portion is plenty). If the place is full, check out the nearby sister restaurants at Elfein 49 and 158.
reviewed
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C
Cumaná
This bright, upbeat eatery is one of the only places in town serving traditional dishes from far-flung provinces of Argentina. The hearty criollo (Spanish/Indian) cuisine baking in the adobe oven includes locro, a thick corn-based stew made with meat and vegetables. Don’t miss the humita, a creamy cheese and corn mixture wrapped up in corncob leaves.
reviewed
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D
El Desnivel
Eating at dirt-cheap Desnivel is a rite of passage. The convivial parrilla atmosphere is buoyed by deadpan waiters, a mix of hungry locals and eager tourists, the skill and speed of the overworked guys on the grill, and – of course – the affordable beef, sizzling provoleta (grilled provolone) and fried empanadas.
reviewed
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E
Campo Bravo
While this chic parrilla (grill restaurant) is a relaxing place to tackle a huge steak or a pasta during the day, at night it's a very different beast indeed. While the staff remain cool, on a busy night you can wait up to an hour for a table - it's the price you pay for hanging with the most stylish crowd in Las Cañitas.
reviewed
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F
El Cuartito
Since 1934, this legendary pizzeria has seen local men polishing off slices at the counter and families sharing fresh empanadas (savory-filled pastries) at tables, surrounded by faded images of sportsmen.
reviewed
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Cabaña Las Lilas
Porteños are evenly split as to whether this famous eatery is a fantastically overpriced display of hubris or an upmarket example of parrilla perfection. Tellingly, even those who deride this large waterside restaurant won’t hesitate to thumb through the jumbo wine list, especially if the meal’s on someone else’s dime. The fine beef was raised on the restaurant’s own estancia (ranch).
reviewed
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H
Siga la Vaca
Only the truly hungry should set foot in this excellent all-you-can-stuff parrilla. Work your way from the appetizer salad bar to the grill, where the meat hangs out. Eat slowly and pace yourself, and you’ll only need to eat once that day. One drink and a dessert are included in the price, which varies depending on the meal and day.
reviewed
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I
Gran Bar Danzon
Gran Bar Danzon is the kind of place you drop by with the intention of trying a glass of wine or two with friends – but thanks to the cool urban atmosphere, you’re still there four hours later, sampling sushi and confit of duck and pretending not to stare at the parade of pretty people squeezing past your table.
reviewed
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Brasserie Petanque
This bright brasserie is a lively spot for Sunday brunch or a leisurely evening meal. Charismatic waiters pour complimentary aperitifs as you ponder steak tartare or roast chicken and peruse the short but wise list of wines by the glass. The prix fixe lunch menu is a steal.
reviewed
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K
Bio
So your better half’s a devoted carnivore but you’re dying for green cuisine? Don’t drag them kicking and screaming to an extreme organic eatery, just take them to Bio for fantastically fresh pastas and salads. The homemade ginger lemonade is heavenly.
reviewed
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La Casona
The cozy atmosphere belies the wide menu, with some good twists on regional favorites. Try the boar stew in black-beer sauce (AR$37) or the lamb and wild mushroom risotto (AR$34).
reviewed
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L
La Cabrera
If you eat at only one steakhouse in BA, make it this one. Some of the city's best meats are grilled up and presented to you on wooden boards, and in huge portions, along with a few dainty condiments (olives, sun-dried tomatoes, goat's cheese) on the side. The ambience is elegant, and considerably less stuffy than most Palermo Viejo eateries.
reviewed
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La Esquina de Las Flores
One of BA’s most enduring vegetarian alternatives, this modern restaurant also has a small health food store on the ground floor that sells soy flour, whole-wheat breads and organic mate (tea), among other things. There’s a small fast-food section, but if you prefer more relaxed surroundings, go upstairs and choose from the tasty and nutritious menu. There’s even a dish for macrobiotics. There’s another branch at Gurruchaga 1630 in Palermo, where free workshops on healthy cooking are occasionally available.
reviewed
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N
Mott
One of Palermo Viejo’s slickest new joints, Mott revels in its huge airy spaces and contemporary lines. It’s attention-grabbing open facade makes it a very popular spot to see and be seen, especially at the gorgeous bar. Chef Maria Lancio whips up exotic selections like rabbit with roasted egg, salmon in pumpkin cream and spinach-mousse sorrentinos – which might sound better than they really are – but with the people and atmosphere around you so beautiful, who cares about your taste buds?
reviewed
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O
Osaka
Sick of the same old cheap steaks? Then Osaka is your remedy, slicing up some of BA’s most exquisite cold, raw fish – and so much more. Catapulting Peruvian and Japanese cuisines together into a whole new level of creativity, Osaka ponies up sublime fusions that look like works of art and taste out of this world. You’ll have to experience it to believe it, so reserve a week in advance, load up the bank account and clear out those parrilla-worn taste buds.
reviewed
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P
Arte Sano
This small, bright and pleasant health-food eatery cooks up excellent dishes, such as a zucchini, eggplant and tomato tart, soy burgers and veggie stir-fry. Desserts are good for the body, like the yogurt with granola or fruit salad. The tiny bakery attached sells things like brown rice, powdered ginger and whole-wheat breads. Also on offer are yoga, tai chi and dance classes, along with natural food workshops (for more info, see www.artesano-naturista.com.ar).
reviewed
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Los Puestos
Though a little touristy – we can’t guarantee you won’t be treated to a rendition of ‘Sounds of Silence’ on the panpipes at lunchtime – this makes up ground with its decor of local stone and chunky wood. Tasty regional specialties feature heavily – barbecued llama (AR$24) is one – but it’s small touches, such as tiny bread rolls straight from the clay oven, that win friends.
reviewed
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Q
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.
reviewed
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Tarquino
Built entirely of Patagonian cypress, this esteemed restaurant resembles a hobbit house with its wood stairway, carved wooden doorway, fireplace and troll-like architecture. The small menu is almost entirely parrillada (including a delicious cordero, or grilled lamb), though a pasta and a trout dish grace the menu as well. One of Bariloche’s best.
reviewed
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La Nueva Colonial
Enough reason to delay your departure, chef Cesar’s outstanding pastas (we recommend the sorrentinos with pesto) are divine creations, served up with fresh foccacia bread and a bottle of red. And if you don’t like it, it’s free (but a hard argument to make). He also prepares massive pepper steaks, salads and generous-sized desserts.
reviewed
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S
Broccolino
Pick from over 25 sauces (including squid ink!) for your pasta, with a choice of rigatoni, fusilli, pappardelle and all sorts of stuffed varieties. If you can’t decide on your topper, try the delicious Sicilian sauce (spicy red peppers, tomato and garlic) or the pesto with mushrooms and garlic. Portions are large and the bread homemade.
reviewed
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Kato
Tired of the Arístides squeeze? This mellow neighborhood café/bar/restaurant is way hipper than all those places, and there's no fighting for a table. Empanadas, pizzas and sandwiches in a super-chic environment. Those in the know head straight for the lounging action on the sofas out the back.
reviewed
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El Arrabal
One of the few old-style restaurants in Nueva Córdoba (OK, so it may be a reconstruction…), this place serves slightly pricey, imaginative regional and house specialties. It packs out for tango classes (AR$15) at 7pm nightly and the dinner tango show (AR$25) at 11pm Thursday to Saturday. Make a reservation.
reviewed
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Pizzería Güerrín
Just point at a prebaked slice behind the glass counter and eat standing up with the rest of the guys. To be more civilized, sit down and order your pizza freshly baked – this way you’ll also get to choose from a greater variety of toppings. Empanadas and plenty of desserts are also available.
reviewed
