​​Betty and Marcelo Review: A Family Asado Experience in Buenos Aires

What is Betty and Marcelo?

At its simplest, Betty and Marcelo is a hosted asado tour in Buenos Aires: a long, communal meal centred around the parrilla, where you sit down at the table with other guests and progressively eat your way through an Argentine asado. It’s an Argentine asado experience sold online like an asado tour, but it feels more like a dinner party.

The “family” part is the key difference. You’re guided through the evening by Betty (and their bubbly daughter, Veronica), while Marcelo works the fire, bringing out dish after dish of perfectly cooked food. It’s a true family business.

Welcome to Betty and Marcelo’s

When you arrive at Betty and Marcelo’s space in Palermo, pretty quickly it’s clear this isn’t going to be the same as eating in a steakhouse in Buenos Aires. The set-up is simple and intentional: one long table shared by everyone, positioned right in front of the parrilla so you can actually watch the asador (Marcelo) doing his thing as the night goes on.

On the evening I went it was raining, so instead of starting outside on the patio with a welcome drink, we were seated straight inside. The space itself is lovely: a beautiful restored building in Palermo that used to be a metalwork shop. Despite the rain outside, it was warm and inviting, with high ceilings, big glass windows and lamb’s wool-draped chairs. There’s a piano and family photos scattered around. Even though it’s not their home, it has a homely feel.

After a first drink, Betty took over. She’s the kind of host who’s genuinely interested in people. She had everyone introduce themselves and asked interesting questions that made it easy for the table to relax into conversation (even if you’ve arrived solo, like I was). When I was there, we had guests from all over, including three travellers from Taiwan who were the first to pin their home country on a large world map covered in pins from previous guests.

From there, the evening settled into a rhythm. Marcelo stayed focused on the parrilla while Betty (and Veronica, who is very generous with the wine) kept the room moving, sharing stories and explaining what we were eating as each course arrived. There was plenty of time to chat with the people around me between plates.

Because it’s a shared table, it can be hit and miss with the group dynamic. I got lucky with a mix of people who were curious, interesting and open to chatting across the table. 

It’s also a really welcoming experience for families. There were kids at my table (tweenagers) and they were genuinely up for trying everything, including cuts that can be a bit intimidating if you haven’t grown up eating them (ie. blood sausage and intestines!). 

The food and drink

One of the things I liked most about this Buenos Aires food experience is that it unfolds slowly, the way a real asado should. You’re not hit with a giant mixed grill all at once. Marcelo cooks each cut with real care, and courses arrive at a steady pace.

Marcelo clearly knows what he’s doing on the grill. He’s been recognised on Argentine YouTube channel Locos por el Asado (starring in their “King of Asado” feature).

We started with Tucumán-style empanadas, which are a little different to the empanadas you’ll see everywhere in Buenos Aires. These were served alongside chimichurri and salsa criolla – for many of the guests it was their first time trying these, and everyone quickly chose their favourite sauce (I’m a chimi gal!).

Next came a starter that’s often a bit surprising for visitors but something that’s a traditional Argentine dish: morcilla (blood sausage). It’s not something most first-time visitors would order off a Buenos Aires restaurant menu – which is why I love food tours because it makes people a little more adventurous. Served bruschetta style and dressed with a punchy parsley, garlic and olive oil mix, it was an excellent way to begin. Even the young kids at the table gobbled it up. 

From there, we were given bread and built our own mini choripán with chorizo (pork sausage), smothered with chimichurri.

Then came the main event: the meats. We ate colita de cuadril (rump steak), matambre (pork flank) and ojo de bife (ribeye). Marcelo grilled each cut individually, which meant we had a bit of breathing space before the next dish arrived. Although I was already undoing the top button of my jeans before the meat even started!

One detail I loved: Marcelo seasons the meat with a salt he makes himself, infused with Malbec so the salt absorbs the wine. I wish I could buy this salt!

As you’d imagine, wine is a big part of the experience. Throughout the night we drank Torrontés (my favourite – a white wine from the Cafayate region in north Argentina), Pinot Noir, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, poured generously as each course came out. There are also non-alcoholic options, so you don’t have to drink to enjoy the evening.

Dessert was the Argentine classic dulce de leche ice cream.

And then, as any proper Argentine night should, we finished with Fernet and Coke, served in glasses shaped like half Coke bottles. It’s a nod to the traditional way people drink it (out of plastic bottles cut in half). I even bought a glass as a souvenir for my husband.

🥩 BOOK BETTY AND MARCELO’S FAMILY ASADO HERE 🥩

Betty and Marcelo asado experience: Final thoughts

If you’re choosing one asado experience in Buenos Aires, Betty and Marcelo is a strong pick. It feels like you’re sharing a long dinner with a local family, and is generous, genuinely welcoming and a great learning experience.

It’s also great value for what’s included, and one of the most unique things to do in Buenos Aires.

A few tips: Don’t eat a big lunch – I was genuinely stuffed by the end of the night. Wear something that washes easily – you’re seated right near the parrilla so you’ll probably end up with a lingering smoke smell in your hair and clothes.

FAQs: Betty and Marcelo Buenos Aires

How far ahead should I book?

If you can, book a few weeks in advance. Betty and Marcelo’s asado is popular with groups and does sell out.

Can Betty and Marcelo cater to vegetarians?

Yes. Let them know when you book, and they can adapt the meal. When I went, a vegetarian guest was served an excellent spread of grilled vegetables and provoleta in place of the meat courses.

Is Betty and Marcelo suitable for solo travellers?

Absolutely. The communal table makes it an easy way to meet people, and Betty and Veronica are great at including everyone from the start.

How long does it run?

Plan for 2.5-3 hours, with a 7pm start. It’s paced like a proper asado, so it’s not something you’ll rush through.

Is Betty and Marcelo kid-friendly?

Yes, for kids who are open to trying new foods. There were tweenagers at my table and they were surprisingly adventurous, even with the more unusual cuts.

Is it worth it if I’m already eating at a steakhouse in Buenos Aires?

I’d still say yes. You’ll probably eat at a lot of parrillas in Buenos Aires, but this is a completely different experience: longer, more social and much more focused on the culture and ritual of asado rather than just ordering a great steak.

Let me know in the comments below if you have questions about the Betty and Marcelo asado experience in Buenos Aires.

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• Where to Eat in Buenos Aires: My Favourite Restaurants
• Where to Stay in Buenos Aires: The Best Neighbourhoods
• The Best Food Tours in Buenos Aires
• Asado Adventure Review: An Authentic Asado Experience in Buenos Aires
• Sherpa Food Tour Buenos Aires Review
• The Argentine Experience Review: Is It Worth It?
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