Must-see restaurants in Argentina

  • 1800 Restaurant

    The Pampas & the Atlantic Coast

    In a charming building dating from the early 18th century, this friendly neighborhood restaurant serving typical Argentine grilled meats, chicken and fish…

  • Ladran Sancho

    The Pampas & the Atlantic Coast

    An attractive cafe on the plaza serving classic chicken, beef, lamb and even some roast fish meals. Vegetarians might choose from their range of pastas or…

  • La Paceña

    Belgrano, Nuñez & the Costanera Norte

    With thick, golden pastry and spicy fillings, the Bolivian-style empanadas sold at this family-run joint are some of Buenos Aires' best. Also on the menu…

  • Ñancú Lahuén

    Bariloche & the Lake District

    A cute little log cabin set up in the center of the village, where trout dishes are the specialty (try 'em with the almond sauce), although the menu…

  • La Alameda

    Córdoba

    Pull up a bench and wash down your homemade empanadas with some ice-cold beer. Then write some graffiti on the wall. Locro, a spicy stew of maize, beans,…

  • Bodegón del Fuerte

    The Pampas & the Atlantic Coast

    A popular, upscale dinner haunt thanks to that exquisite back patio. It serves more of that mixed grill típica and local picada platters made to order…

  • Don Costa

    Bariloche & the Lake District

    This barn-like parrilla specializes in goat cooked in its own juices with baked vegetables, but there are also steaks and pasta if goat doesn't float your…

  • Bella Vista

    Iguazú Falls & the Northeast

    A bright and inviting cafe on the plaza serving good-quality meals including breakfasts, filling brunch and an excellent-value daily special. Also has a…

  • Corazón Contento

    Bariloche & the Lake District

    A cute little bakery-cafe serving up an excellent range of snacks, such as empanadas and quiches, as well as inexpensive daily specials. The salads are…

  • Itamae

    Salta & the Andean Northwest

    A sleek Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) spot in Santiago's popular dining district. It offers rolls, nigiri and ceviche, along with a range of cooked food,…

  • Dimitri

    Inland Patagonia

    Overboard adorable, this pastel cafe serves big salads, baked goods and sandwiches with three kinds of homemade bread on mismatched china. There's both…

  • Viva la Pepa

    El Calafate

    Decked out in children’s drawings, this cheerful cafe specializes in crepes but also offers great sandwiches with homemade bread (try the chicken with…

  • Lemongrass

    Puerto Iguazú

    One of few decent cafes in Puerto Iguazú, this offers good fresh juices, good coffee, delicious sweet temptations, sandwiches, pizzas and tasty savory…

  • Abuela Pan

    San Telmo

    Tiny but atmospheric spot with just a handful of tables serving vegetarian and vegan food. The specials change daily – expect things like aubergine…

  • Pastelería Saint Germain

    Córdoba & the Central Sierras

    The baked goodies Ana sells in her home bakery on the road out of town toward the neighborhood of La Banda are downright delicious. If you ask, she'll…

  • Casa de las Empanadas II

    Cafayate

    A larger affair than the original Casa de las Empanadas, this branch has shady patio seating, a wide menu of regional dishes, and live music on some…

  • Il Ballo del Mattone

    Palermo

    Delicious homemade pastas and traditional Italian fare are served at this bright little restaurant with sunny sidewalk tables. Annex to the original at…

  • Patio de la Cañada

    Córdoba

    One of the better-value parrillas (steak restaurants) around, offering top-quality meats at reasonable prices. The all-you-can-eat parrilla (mixed grill;…

  • Danube Azul

    Iguazú Falls & the Northeast

    An unpretentious local restaurant on a corner of the park, Danube Azul is popular for its generous portions of local dishes. It's not fancy but it's clean…

  • Almacén Oui Oui

    Palermo

    The annex of French-style cafe Oui Oui is on the same block and serves an identical menu of coffee, French-style pastries, sandwiches, salads and tangy…

  • Un Altra Volta

    Recoleta & Barrio Norte

    Sample Argentina's fabulous Italian-style gelato at this upmarket ice-cream parlor. The sambayón (made with egg yolks, milk, cream, sugar and Marsala wine…

  • Joaquín

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    A relaxed spot for indoor or outdoor dining, Joaquín is best known for its satisfying fresh pastas. Service is slow and prices are on the high side, but…

  • El Ciervo

    Iguazú Falls & the Northeast

    A fashionable eatery on the plaza serving a small menu of well-prepared Argentine favorites. Good-quality fare and a jovial ambience. Worth sticking…

  • Tres Cumbres

    Mendoza & the Central Andes

    Centrally located modern coffee shop with windows looking out onto the city's main downtown plaza. Simple sandwiches, cookies, muffins, croissants and…

  • El Molle

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    A simple cafe on the main drag with big breakfasts and coffee in the morning, and vegetarian lasagna, empanadas, pizzas, salads and more into the evening…

  • La Taberna

    The Gran Chaco

    On the main drag, this place decked out like a classic American drinking hole serves three dozen types of very good thin-crust pizza. Avoid the outside…

  • La Colina

    Córdoba & the Central Sierras

    Great views, superb food (try the trout) and attentive service make this restaurant a top choice in La Cumbrecita. Call ahead to arrange a pickup, as it's…

  • Sigmund

    Bariloche & the Lake District

    A fabulous trendy eatery with colorful artsy decor, healthy food and a great onda (vibe). Choose from dozens of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and salads, all…

  • El Tono

    Córdoba & the Central Sierras

    Specializing in regional foods and using lots of local ingredients, this place is a good bet anytime, but Friday to Saturday nights feature live trova …

  • Café del Paseo

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    This is your spot on the corner of Plaza 25 de Mayo to observe local life. Professionals mingle with families, and tables of older men chew the fat,…

  • Quadrata

    Córdoba

    Tiny spot that churns out top-notch Italian food at low prices. The pizzas, pastas and panini are the real deal, made fresh daily. Great for a grab-n-go…

  • Rincón Suizo

    Córdoba & the Central Sierras

    This comfy teahouse on the river prides itself on its homemade ice creams, delicious Swiss food (including fondue, raclette and ratatouille) and torta…

  • Gugué

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    One of Tilcara’s more sleek and urbanized restobars. It does a quinoa tabbouleh, five kinds of pizza, quiche, roast trout, a range of pastas and more in a…

  • Cocina Poblana

    Mendoza

    The very tasty, inexpensive Middle Eastern food here (hummus, falafel, dolmas) comes as a welcome break from all that steak. The shish kebab served with…

  • La Bianca

    The Gran Chaco

    Busy and bustling, this long-time local favorite keeps ‘em coming for its well-priced pasta, pizza and soufflés. There’s also meat and salad dishes: it's…

  • Lo Rafael

    Buenos Aires

    Get off the tourist circuit and dig in for a traditional Argentine meal at this cozy corner restaurant specializing in steaks, stews, pastas and a range…

  • Salón Iturrioz

    Inland Patagonia

    With cappuccinos, snacks and wi-fi, this charming brick corner cafe is a godsend to RN 40. It's also a social hub, and the best place to get information…

  • Makánun Diáafah

    Along the Río Paraná

    Excellent-value, super-tasty Lebanese food. It's a cheerful, brightly lit corner spot with generous portions and great prices. Hugely popular but takes no…

  • Roux

    Recoleta & Barrio Norte

    This elegant, sun-drenched corner gem is a hit with local foodies, thanks to its changing menu of creative and beautifully presented dishes from ceviche…

  • Heladería Italia

    Iguazú Falls & the Northeast

    Ice-cream parlors are all over Colón but this locally run place is the pick of the bunch for its delicious home-style flavors. Go early in your visit…

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