Italian restaurants in Argentina
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A
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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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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B
Filo
Popular with the 45-minutes-and-gone business lunch crowd and, by night, couples out on their third dinner date, this large, pop-art-style Italian pizzeria tosses thin-crust pies with fresh toppings. Try one piled high with prosciutto and arugula, then throw back some limoncello before checking out the downstairs art gallery.
reviewed
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C
La Marchigiana
Mendoza’s most frequently recommended Italian restaurant. The decor may seem stark, but the service is warm and a few Argentine twists to the classic Italian menu keep things interesting.
reviewed
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D
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…
reviewed
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E
D’Oro
This tried-and-true Italian wine-bar turns out thin, crispy oven-baked pizzas, mushroom risotto, cappellini tossed with fresh basil and tomatoes, and garlic-topped focaccia bread. A friendly sommelier is on hand to recommend a glass of Cabernet, and atmosphere is busy and pleasantly casual – you’ll have to squeeze in sideways at lunch.
reviewed
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F
Il Ballo del Mattone
The homemade pastas here can be hit or miss, but the atmosphere – full of funky, artsy touches – is priceless. Not surprisingly, the owner is an artist and the little patio in back has a graffiti mural. Friday nights can be packed – a DJ often spins. Its cafe, a few doors down, is a more peaceful proposition.
reviewed
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G
Círculo Italiano
Part of the Italian social club, Círculo Italiano prepares good, moderately priced lunch specials (AR$25 to AR$30 Monday to Friday) and tasty pasta. Come for the ritzy atmosphere, the waiters in linen jackets, the complimentary pâté or the extensive wine list. Stay for the classic rock on the sound system.
reviewed
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H
Amici Miei
There aren’t many places in town where you can dine on gourmet black truffle carpaccio while an impeccably dressed tenor strides through the room crooning ‘O Sole Mio'. Try chef Sebastian Rivas Proia’s exquisite tagliatelle with shrimp at a charming table for two overlooking Plaza Dorrego.
reviewed
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I
La Parolaccia del Mare
The classy Italian restaurant La Parolaccia has a few locations scattered throughout BA’s ritzier barrios; this particular branch specializes in seafood. Reserve a table along the waterfront windows and savor tasty pasta or risotto tossed with freshly caught mariscos (shellfish).
reviewed
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J
Rich
Specializing in exquisite Italian-influenced cuisine in a beautiful old building, Rich is one of the finest and most atmospheric restaurants in town. Budget-watchers shouldn't overlook the tasty rotisería (take-out shop) alongside.
reviewed
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K
Lucky Luciano
It’s hard to go wrong with a bowl of classic spaghetti alla carbonara and a glass of Cabernet. This Little Italy-style trattoria is classy but unpretentious, offering seating in the garden patio or in the large dark-wood interior.
reviewed
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L
Il Matterello
This simple, attractively furnished La Boca eatery specializes in homemade pastas tossed with classic Italian sauces like carbonara and puttanesca. The service is spotty, but the tiramisú is delicious.
reviewed
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M
La Trattoria de la Famiglia Bianchi
Finally, an Italian restaurant that offers something different. Excellent, creative pastas, a good range of meat dishes and some wonderful risottos, with ingredients such as seafood and wild mushrooms.
reviewed
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N
Miguel Angel
This chic eatery, outfitted with sleek white booths, departs from the everyday with savory dishes such as gnocchi and wild mushrooms and pizza with bacon and basil on crisp, thin crust. The lunch menu (AR$45) proves satisfying.
reviewed
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O
Benevento
These guys do only pasta, and they do it very well – it’s all homemade and deliciously fresh. Try the tallarines with smoked ham, asparagus and vodka cream. Big takeout counter.
reviewed
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P
La Piazetta
Popular with the locals, this Italian restaurant offers fine homemade pastas, along with meat and fish dishes and a great assortment of salads. The AR$38 lunch special is a good deal.
reviewed
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Las Margaritas
Charmingly cozy and quiet, this place serves excellent homemade pasta, including a shrimp and squid ink ravioli. The tiramisú is to die for. Reservations essential in summer.
reviewed
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Giorgio
Some excellent, creative mixes here, along with hearty standards such as wild mushroom risotto (AR$28) and bife de chorizo (AR$25). Leave room for the tiramisu.
reviewed
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Q
El Preferido de Junín
The most highly recommended pasta restaurant in town. Also has a rotisería (take out section) in case you were thinking about a picnic down by the creek.
reviewed
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R
Instituto Italiano
The local Italian Club serves up some autentico dishes, exquisite pastas, offers all you can eat pizza and has good-value set lunches.
reviewed
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Cirano
Ignore the flashing fairy lights – there are some good-value eats on offer here, and an excellent set lunch or dinner for AR$25.
reviewed
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Trattoria Mi Viejo Pepe
For homemade pastas, this is the place to come. The huge range of sauces and styles is matched by a near-encyclopedic wine list.
reviewed
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Beixa Flor
For something different try Beixa Flor, which specializes in homemade pasta; reservations are mandatory.
reviewed
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S
Mirabile
Locals favor this low-key restaurant with wooden tables for homemade pumpkin ravioli, lamb sorrentinos and panzottis served with king crab.
reviewed