Chow down in the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, from upscale steakhouses to hidden sushi bars and charming cafes
Ready to chow down in the beef capital of the world? You better be, because the best restaurants in Buenos Aires aren’t messing around. In many ways, eating is the quintessential thing to do in the Argentine capital, and the smell of open flame parrillas (grills) fills the streets across the city. Many will be happy to read that there is more to the city's restaurants than grilled meat, and the Big Apple’s glorious mix of diverse cultures are joyfully represented in its culinary scene. Old school bodegóns rub shoulders with Korean cafes and Indian fusion restaurants, making delicious food easy to find. When in Buenos Aires, be sure to bring your appetite.
What is it? A handsome steak restaurant with an impressive wine list, Don Julio is one of the most respected parrillas in Buenos Aires.
Why go? The title of the best parrilla in Buenos Aires is hotly contested, but Don Julio is certainly in the running with consistently flawless cooking and operating like a well-oiled ship. A hidden gem this ain’t, but it’s popular for good reason. Serious beef fans should request to be seated at the bar for a front-row seat at the grill.
Price? Pricey.
What is it? Chef Gonzalo Aramburu cooked his way across Spain and Paris before returning to his home city to open two ventures: fine dining restaurant Aramburu in San Telmo with an exquisite tasting menu and the more relaxed BIS Restaurante in Recoleta.
Why go? Both ventures push Argentine cuisine and ingredients to their limits, offering diners an intimate and modern take on this countries’ cuisine. Go all-out at their flagship formal restaurant, or sample some of their heralded flavours at BIS.
Price? Blowout.
What is it? A wonderful window into the historic bodegóns of Buenos Aires, the family-run Don Carlos serves traditional Argentinian/Italian fare in La Boca.
Why go? Chef-patron Carlitos is a top grill master and an unparalleled multitasker; between hosting, serving and cooking steaks a punto he can famously deduct what customers need before they’ve opened their mouths. There’s a small but excellent selection of food - from fresh pasta to juicy cuts of beef. The best thing to eat? Whatever Carlitos brings you.
Price? Average.
What is it? A charming Korean restaurant in the often under-explored ‘Koreatown’ serving traditional cuisine in a modest, friendly restaurant.
Why go? Take a taxi southwest of the city centre to discover Flores, aka ‘Koreatown’. A diverse residential barrio, restaurants here are cheap, cheerful, and worth seeking out. Start with Una Canción Coreana, where dishes include pork and kimchi pancakes, kimchi jjigue - kimchi, tofu and pork soup.
Price? Bargain.
What is it? Celebrity chef and TV personality Narda Lepes’ restaurant serves eclectic dishes inspired by global flavours, keeping plant-based ingredients at the heart of her menu.
Why go? A super-cool interior gives way to food that is warm and welcoming. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, vibrant plates are well-thought-out with balanced and textures, while service is attentive and friendly. This isn’t a vegetarian restaurant - the meat dishes here are exemplary too - but the veggie plates are a joy on their own.
Price? Pricey.
What is it? A light and sunny corner café in Palermo, diners flock to this self-described modern trattoria for homemade Italian cuisine.
Why go? From lazy brunches to long boozy lunches, this modest bistro covers all bases. The food here is rustic and delectable - choose from toasted sandwiches, homemade pasta, or antipasti. And if you’re lucky enough to see porchetta on the menu, order it. Order it all.
Price? Average.
What is it? Hip fast food meets traditional fare in Chori, where chefs serve a modern take on choripan - a classic Argentine sausage sandwich.
Why go? Based in the super-cool barrio of Palermo and surrounded by bars and clubs, Chori is the perfect pit-stop for a bite before a night out. Choose from a classic chorizo roll or one of their pimped up creations, all cooked on an open flame parrilla. It’s messy, indulgent and at just 160 pesos each, easy on the wallet.
Price? Bargain.
What is it? A glorious mash-up of Indian and South American food, this modest, no-frills restaurant serves sharing plates that are surprising, innovative and always delicious.
Why go? An unassuming café from the outside, inside Gran Dabbang top chefs are cooking toe-to-toe with some of the best around. A casual dining experience with affordable food that excels with every mouthful, Gran Dabbang is quite simply a must-visit.
Price? Average.
What is it? A celebration of Jewish cuisine and culture, Mishiguene is an elegant space with hearty, first-class food.
Why go? Mishiguene (which means lovably crazy in Yiddish) is on a mission to honour the city’s Jewish heritage with a selection of traditional recipes made to co-founder and head chef Tomás Kalika’s exacting standards. From kibbeh nayeh to spit-roasted Moroccan lamb, dishes here are lovingly made and hugely satisfying.
Price? Blowout.
What is it? Buenos Aires had a boom in ‘closed-door restaurants’ a while back, and sushi restaurant Omakase is one of the best remaining.
Why go? This hidden sushi bar is a well-kept local secret, where diners escape the bustling streets to a tranquil subterranean refuge. Try the tasting menu - choose from the full size or a 4 course - consisting of sashimi, rolls, and nigiri, depending on what chefs have on that day.
Price? Average.
What is it? First and foremost a bakery, Salvaje also moonlights as a cafe, bar, and coffee shop, with a small but carefully curated menu available ‘till 9pm.
Why go? Found in an old warehouse on the border of Colegiales and Palermo Hollywood, this working bakery has been painstakingly hand-built from scratch. Best for brunch or early evening snacks, the menu offers a selection of sandwiches and Ottolenghi-syle small plates, all of which revolve around the signature Salvaje sourdough loaf.
Price? Average.
What is it? A new generation of asadors takes to the grill in this modern parrilla with a new take on the traditional Argentine meat feast.
Why go? With only a handful of tables and a whole lot of great meat, booking is essential at this popular Palermo joint. Cuts of the day are either smoked or grilled, either way, you’ll be presented with a hefty portion of perfectly cooked meat to share.
Price? Average.
What is it? A bright and bustling restaurant that skillfully draws on flavours from Southeast Asia.
Why go? Christina Sunae built a loyal fanbase in Buenos Aires when she first opened a pop-up restaurant at her home, and now her bricks-and-mortar venture is thriving. The menu features pho beef slices and fresh herbs, gaeng hanglay Thai pork curry, and a vegetarian section with pumpkin khao soi.
Price? Average.
Microcosms of the neighborhoods they inhabit, markets – or ferias – are one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, and a great way to immerse yourself in the culture, mingle with locals and pick up a few treats.
