Wondering where to eat in Buenos Aires? Here’s my bumper guide to the best restaurants in Buenos Aires!
When planning a trip to Buenos Aires, if you’re anything like me, the first thing you think about is the food. So, to make planning your trip easier (and tastier), I’ve put together a list of my personal recommendations of where to eat in Buenos Aires.
Living in this gastronomical city for almost two years, I made my way through a very long list of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires (all in the name of research, of course!).
This list of my favourite restaurants covers all types of cuisines and budgets, as well as food tours that take you deeper into Argentine food culture. While meat features heavily in Argentine cuisine, I’ve included a few vegetarian and specialty restaurants for when you can’t handle another steak.
Enjoy – you won’t ever go hungry in this city!
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Tips for eating in Buenos Aires
There are a few things to know before you step foot into a restaurant in Buenos Aires.
Argentines eat late. Breakfast is later in the morning, and usually consists of coffee and a medialuna or a ham and cheese tostada (like a thin toastie with the crusts cut off, they’re delicious!). Dinner is eaten very late. If you want to dine like an Argentine, you’ll be eating between 9 and 11pm. Luckily, many restaurants open earlier for us tourists.
It’s not mandatory to tip in Argentina, but if you liked the service and food, consider leaving a 10% tip. In most restaurants, you can add this to the bill and pay on your credit/debit card or you can pay in cash (give it to your waiter directly or leave it on the table). If you see the word propina on your bill, a tip may have already been added, so just triple check before you add more.
Cash discounts. Some restaurants offer a discount (up to 10% usually) if you pay in cash rather than on card. They’ll usually write this on the bill, or you can just ask.
You may see a cubierto charge on your bill. This covers the bread, cutlery and placements on the table. In some cases, it may even cover a glass of sparkling wine. This charge goes to the restaurant, not to the staff. It’s not a tip.
You will have to ask for your bill. Argentines appreciate leisurely eating so a waiter won’t just bring your bill when you’re done eating – you’ll have to ask for it (and in some places, ask for it a few times).
The best restaurants in Buenos Aires
It was a tough job narrowing this list down, as there are so many great restaurants in Buenos Aires to add to your Buenos Aires itinerary.
I’ve only included restaurants I love on this list, so if you think I’ve missed something, let me know so I can add it to my to-eat list and decide if it goes in this article. Eating is one of the best things to do in Argentina.
I would have loved to include a price guide, but prices change far too quickly in Argentina that I felt it wouldn’t be helpful (check out my guide to money in Argentina for an explainer, and my Buenos Aires travel budget to get an idea of current costs).
Map of where to eat in Buenos Aires
Here’s a map of where everything listed here is located, to help you plan your eating adventure.
Best cafes in Buenos Aires
Birkin
Birkin is one of my favourite cafés in Palermo when my husband wants genuinely good coffee (I don’t drink coffee) and I want something sweet to nibble on. The space is bright and pretty, and the pastry counter is the real danger zone, with plenty of cakes and baked treats to choose from (just one more…?).
It does get busy, especially at peak brunch times, so you may have to wait a little bit. The outdoor seating area is nice if it’s warm out.
There are a couple of outposts in Palermo, including one near República Árabe Siria (handy for the Palermo parks area) and another on Nicaragua in Palermo.
It’s all-day dining, so you can have breakfast, brunch, lunch or a drink in the afternoon.
Address: República Árabe Siria 3061 (my preferred outlet) and Nicaragua 6025
Website
Casa Dingo
As an Australian, I normally avoid Aussie-style cafés in other parts of the world – they’re usually gimmicky or I’ll be let down by not-so-great-food.
But the peach-hued corner building that is Casa Dingo kept calling to me – and it was actually really good.
I’ve only been for breakfast, and I am still thinking about the Turkish eggs: perfectly poached eggs on a thick, tangy yoghurt base (the menu calls it Greek yoghurt, but it was more like labne), finished with chilli oil and herbs. Everyone raves about it in the reviews and it definitely lives up to the hype. I only wish it was slightly bigger for the price.
The other reason I’d send you here is the service. It’s friendly and efficient, just the way Aussie cafés tend to do it.
There’s also plenty of space, with two floors, so even when it’s busy you’re still bound to get a table.
Address: Armenia 1908 (Palermo)
Website
Atelier Fuerza
Buenos Aires has a lot of good bakeries, their windows overflowing with glossy medialunas, crispy pastelitos and golden empanadas.
Atelier Fuerza is more of a modern bakery, where you can sit down for a coffee and a pastry and then take a loaf of freshly baked bread home. The breads are what it’s best known for (it’s built a reputation around slow-fermented doughs), but the pastries and cakes are the real temptation if you’re after an easy treat to go with your caffeine. The lemon budín (a kind of dense cake) is tangy and sweet, while the medialunas are soft and flaky.
You can also grab something more substantial, like avocado toast, eggs and granola for breakfast, or a milanesa or sandwich for lunch.
Address: Multiple locations across the city
Website
Moshu Treehouse
Moshu Treehouse is a great pick in Palermo when you want a place to work, a place for a coffee, a place to have a slice of cake or a place for a sit-down lunch.
Located in what looks like an old, dilapidated building, this is a beautiful space with an open patio, indoor plants and interesting design features.
The menu has enough range to work for either brunch or an afternoon sugar fix, and it’s the cakes and pastries that get a lot of love in reviews, alongside solid coffee and well-presented dishes. If you’re hungry-hungry, there are also more substantial options (sandwiches and savoury plates). On our most recent visit, I was starving when we arrived, and ordered the Parmentiegg, mostly because it was something I’ve never seen on a menu before: a potato stuffed with a poached egg and prosciutto.
I was unfortunately also facing the case displaying all the cakes, which is very distracting. They have an amazing carrot cake, lemon meringue and red velvet (the latter is their most famous).
Address: Guatemala 4570 (Palermo)
Website
Ninina
Ninina is one of those bright, buzzy Buenos Aires cafés that’s easy to drop into at almost any time of day. It’s a bright space, with an open kitchen where you can watch the team turning out pastries, which is exactly what you should be here for – flaky medialunas, dense slices of cake and whatever else is calling your name from the counter.
Coffee is consistently good, and the breakfast offering is the familiar crowd-pleasers done well: medialunas and café if you want to keep it classic, tostadas, avocado toast, eggs Benedict, pancakes and granola when you’re in full brunch mode. It also runs as an all-day spot (their own spiel is that the menu is designed for any time of day), so it works just as well for a late lunch or an afternoon merienda as it does for breakfast.
The only thing about Ninina is that service can be hit and miss. Don’t expect fast service – at times the staff seem more keen to talk to each other than serve customers.
Address: Gorriti 4738 (Palermo)
Website
Sheikob’s Bagels
For a proper bagel in Buenos Aires, Sheikob’s Bagels is the place I send people. They’ve been doing New York-style bagels since 2014 and they take them seriously: hand-rolled, boiled then baked, so you get that chewy interior and glossy crust.
Go hungry and make it a sandwich rather than just a bagel. The menu has all the classics, with generous cream cheese (they make it in-house) and options like smoked salmon and breakfast-style fillings, plus solid coffee to match. But they also have more inventive combos, like The Mexican (sundried tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeño cream cheese) and The Brighton (pickled beetroot with a dill and lemon cream cheese).
It’s popular for a reason, so expect it to be busy at peak times, especially on weekends.
Address: Uriarte 1386 (Palermo)
Website
The best steak restaurants in Buenos Aires
Argentina has the highest consumption of beef in the world, and over hundreds of years they’ve perfected the art of cooking a steak. Here are my favourite steak restaurants in Buenos Aires. I also have a longer guide to the best steak in Buenos Aires with even more recommendations.
Top tip! Most restaurants will have both salsa criolla and chimichurri. Salsa criolla is a flavour-packed sauce made of onions, capsicums (bell peppers), tomatoes, garlic, vinegar and olive oil. Chimichurri is made with parsley, garlic, olive oil and vinegar, and often with chilli flakes or oregano.
Don Julio
A consistent presence on the list of the World’s Best Steakhouses and in the top 10 World’s Best Restaurants, it can be hard to snag a table at Don Julio. Despite the many accolades, this popular Buenos Aires steakhouse has retained a sense of fun and is always lively.
If you don’t have a reservation, expect a long wait time (and potential disappointment) – but you’ll get a glass of sparkling wine while you wait.
Start with provoleta or a couple of empanadas, then order a shared cut (bife de chorizo and ojo de bife are always solid). Add one or two sides to break up the meat parade, and let the wine list do the heavy lifting – even a mid-range Malbec will be excellent.
Even though it’s hard to get in, I always booked here when I had friends visiting because it is an institution (although some say it’s not as good as it once was).
Can’t get a reservation? There are still plenty of steakhouses in Buenos Aires that are just as excellent.
Address: Guatemala 4699 (Palermo)
Website
Parrilla Peña
An old favourite (and my local steak house) that’s now a bit touristy but still completely worthwhile is Parrilla Peña in Recoleta. It’s got that old-school parrilla vibe, the waiters seem like they’ve been there forever, and the food has never let me down. I also maintain it has some of the best chimichurri in the city, plus you get a free empanada on arrival, which is always a win.
If you order one thing here, make it the entraña (skirt steak). It’s consistently excellent, but a heads up: the portion is huge even for two people. Ask if they can do a half portion, or be prepared to take leftovers home (which, honestly, isn’t the worst problem to have). We usually keep the sides simple with a salad and fries, then finish with their flan mixto – flan with a dollop of both whipped cream and dulce de leche on the side. I can never go past it.
Even despite all the tourists Parrilla Peña gets now, it’s still a locals’ spot at heart. You’ll see regulars order a bottle of wine, have what they want, and the staff will literally put the rest aside so they can finish it next time they come in.
Address: Rodriguez Peña 682 (San Nicolás)
Website
La Carnicería
If you want a steakhouse that feels more modern than the traditional, white-tablecloth parrillas, book a table at La Carnicería. It’s smaller, buzzy and puts a spin on the classic asado dishes.
This is the spot I recommend when you’re craving meat but want it a little different. Think smoked meats served with mushrooms and cauliflower and pork with carrot, anise and beets. While I never usually order mollejas (sweetbreads) at a restaurant, these ones I will make an exception for.
It’s also worth knowing you’re eating at one of the restaurants from Germán Sitz and Pedro Peña, who’ve built a little Buenos Aires mini-empire – they’re also behind Niño Gordo (their Asian grill) and Chori (their choripán spot), among other projects.
Definitely make a reservation, especially on weekends.
Address: Thames 2317 (Palermo)
Website
How to order steak in Buenos Aires
To order steak, ask for it:
- Jugoso – medium rare (pink and juicy)
- A punto – medium
- Bien cocido – well done
On the menu, you’ll find cuts of meat similar to what you’re used to, but here’s what to look for in Spanish:
- Bife de lomo – tenderloin / filet mignon
- Bife de chorizo – sirloin / strip-style cut
- Ojo de bife – ribeye
- Entraña – skirt steak
- Vacío – flank steak
- Asado de tira – beef short ribs, cut crosswise
- Costillas – ribs (usually beef unless specified)
- Costillas de cordero – lamb ribs / rack-style chops
→ READ NEXT: 12 Great Steakhouses in Buenos Aires
Bar Notables in Buenos Aires
A bar notable is one of Buenos Aires’ officially recognised “notable” cafés and bars – historic venues valued for their cultural significance, architecture or long-standing role in city life. They’re usually filled with locals and serve great comfort food.
Varela Varelita
Varela Varelita is exactly what I want from a bar notable: full of character and the kind of place you can happily park yourself for a while. With walls covered in movie and TV posters, it’s unpretentious and welcoming.
The name comes from the surname of the original owner (Varela) and his son who worked alongside him and was nicknamed “Varelita” to distinguish him from his father.
It’s also had its share of notable regulars. Writer Héctor Libertella was a familiar face here, and that former Argentine vice president “Chacho” Álvarez used to treat the café like his vice-presidential office.
It’s one of the few bar notables where I regularly see younger Porteños set up with laptops, tapping away over coffee like it’s their weekday office.
The menu is pretty simple, which is part of the appeal, so I wouldn’t overthink it: go straight for the milanesa sandwich (the milanesa Varela is the classic order here), then settle in and enjoy the fact that nobody’s trying to rush you out the door.
Address: Av. Raúl Scalabrini Ortiz 2102 (Palermo)
Website
Confitería La Ideal
Confitería La Ideal is one of those Buenos Aires institutions that feels like stepping onto a film set – all stained glass, chandeliers and turn-of-the-century elegance – and it’s worth popping in even if you only have time for a quick merienda.
Indeed, it has been used as a filming location, with Madonna and Antonio Banderas filming a scene for Evita right here.
It first opened in 1912 and, after a long closure, reopened in late 2022 following a major restoration, so it now looks bright and polished while still keeping that grand, old Buenos Aires atmosphere.
The menu is extensive, covering trays of delectable high tea cakes and sandwiches, coffee and hot chocolate, and dainty cakes and pastries.
Just be warned: it’s not cheap. We paid US$17 for a cup of thick hot chocolate and three churros and, while it was delicious, it was definitely more than I was expecting to pay.
Address: Suipacha 384 (San Nicolás)
Website
Café Tortoni
Café Tortoni is touristy, but I still think it’s worth doing once for the setting alone. The interiors in this bar notable are all dark wood and old-world elegance, and it’s been a haunt for many famous Argentines: the writer Jorge Luis Borges, tango superstar Carlos Gardel and artist Benito Quinquela Martín (the man responsible for La Boca’s colours), among others.
If you’re wandering down Avenida de Mayo on the way to Plaza de Mayo, make a quick stop here for a cortado and a medialuna (or another small pastry). It’s good but not the best coffee in Buenos Aires – but the surroundings more than make up for it.
There’s usually not a line if you come here early – 8am or 9am – but expect to queue if you turn up later in the morning.
Address: Avenida de Mayo 825 (San Nicolás)
Website
Classic Argentine food
El Preferido de Palermo
El Preferido de Palermo is one of those Buenos Aires places you can’t miss – partly because the building is painted a very cheerful pink, but mostly because it’s become one of the hardest tables in the city to land. The original spot opened in 1952 as a neighbourhood almacén and bodegón, and it was on its last legs (it closed in 2018) before the owner of Don Julio stepped in and revived it.
What you’re getting here is a spin on the bodegón. It’s a great place to try comida criolla – comforting, home-style porteño cooking shaped by Argentina’s Spanish and Italian roots. Think milanesas (El Preferido is most famous for its sirloin milanesa), pastas, tortilla, chickpea fainá and all the dishes you’ll see repeated across classic bodegones, but done with noticeably better ingredients.
They run a “seed-to-table” approach for produce (they grow vegetables for both El Preferido and Don Julio), which is part of why even the simplest plates taste so good.
Two non-negotiables for me: the fainá (it’s one of the best I’ve had – smoky, rich and far more interesting than it needs to be) and the milanesa, which is what the restaurant is most famous for. Then take a moment to look through the big glass wall inside – behind it you’ll see rows of salamis and hams hanging, which is both a flex and a hint at how seriously they take their in-house charcuterie.
Booking ahead is the reality here, much like at Don Julio, although you can sometimes get lucky with a walk-in at lunch if you time it right.
Address: Jorge Luis Borges 2108 (Palermo)
Website
El Gauchito
El Gauchito is my go-to when someone asks where to try the best empanadas in Buenos Aires. It’s a tiny, colourful little spot in San Telmo that’s built a cult following for its empanadas riojanas – they’re not the most typical style you’ll see around the city, and that’s part of the appeal. You can order them baked or fried, but I always say go fried for the full, crisp crust experience.
Empanadas riojanas are a regional style from the province of La Rioja in northwest Argentina. The classic filling is beef (carne cortada a cuchillo – literally meat cut by knife) plus little bits of hard-boiled egg and green olives, and it often includes potato as well.
But at El Gauchito you can also get humita (corn), chicken, ham and cheese, roquefort and caprese (mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil).
If you’ve never tried locro, this is also a great place to do it. Locro is a thick, hearty stew, and it’s one of the dishes El Gauchito is particularly known for.
Half the fun here is the atmosphere. There’s barely any room to sit – it’s very much a quick feed or takeaway situation – and the walls and ceilings are crowded with memorabilia, photos and objects, including nods to Gauchito Gil, Argentina’s most famous folk saint (you’ll see red-hued shrines to him all over the country, particularly on the side of roads).
Bring cash, because they don’t accept card.
Address: Av. Independencia 414 (San Telmo)
Website
Chori
If you can’t make it out to Costanera Sur or Costanera Norte on a weekend to do choripán the way porteños do – standing at a cart with smoke in your hair and sauce on your fingers – then Chori is the next best thing, and far closer.
It’s a more polished take on the classic places that serve up choripán, Argentina’s famous “sausage sandwich”. This small, bright-yellow place has a small menu, decent seating and all the condiments you’d want. You can also grab a beer, wine or G&T to wash down the meal.
Owned by the same owners as La Carnicería and Niño Gordo (which both feature in this list of my favourite restaurants), it’s a fun, fast food-style place to chow down on one of Argentina’s most famous foods.
Address: Thames 1653 (Palermo)
Website
International food
For when you’ve had enough of steak and need something with a different flavour, here are some great international restaurants to check out.
Niño Gordo
Niño Gordo is one of the most fun dinners you can have in Buenos Aires. It’s often described as Asian-fusion, but it feels more like an Asian grill house with parrilla energy – big flavours, plenty of fire and dishes designed to share.
The standout for us was their take on Peking duck, pieces of sticky chicken served with black wrappers (I wish I could remember what made them black!). The dumplings were good, but I found the wrappers a bit thick (they might need a touch more time steaming). The only thing I regret not trying is the famous wagyu sandwich, but at ARS$88,000 (!!) when we visited, I couldn’t justify that price for a sandwich.
You really do need to book well ahead. If you’re trying your luck with a walk-in (as we were), the best shot is being there right when they open – you’ll likely be offered bar seating, which is entertaining because you can watch the chefs in action, but it also gets hot there once the grills are firing.
The décor is also part of the experience here – fish tanks built into the walls, neon, lanterns and that chubby baby-face logo everywhere you look.
The staff are a big part of what makes it work, too: friendly, relaxed and happy to talk you through the menu without any attitude.
Address: Thames 1810 (Palermo)
Website
Chan Chan
Chan Chan is one of the best-value Peruvian meals you can have in Buenos Aires. It’s the kind of place locals pack out on weeknights when they want something reliably good.
It’s casual, unpretentious and usually busy, with a menu that hits the Peruvian classics. Ceviche is the obvious place to start, but you’ll also see favourites like lomo saltado and seafood-heavy dishes that are a welcome break from steak.
Because it’s so popular (and the dining room isn’t huge), it’s worth going early or being prepared to wait a little, especially on weekends.
Address: Hipólito Yrigoyen 1390 (Monserrat)
Website
La Conga
La Conga is another fantastic Peruvian restaurant I recommend. It’s in Once/Balvanera, and while it’s not a place I’d wander to on foot late at night, it’s an easy trip by taxi or rideshare, especially for lunch or an early dinner.
Once you’re inside, it’s almost always packed, the portions are famously huge and the prices are refreshingly reasonable for what you get.
This is the kind of menu where you can bounce between Peruvian classics – big plates of ceviche, chifa (Chinese-Peruvian dishes like arroz chaufa), pollo a la brasa and seafood – and still end up taking leftovers home.
Go with an appetite and enjoy a place that’s reliably good, generous and great value.
Address: La Rioja 39 (Once)
Website
Sarkis
Sarkis is one of those Buenos Aires restaurants that people in the know recommend for big portions and good prices – and in this case, they’re right.
It’s an Armenian spot that’s brilliant for groups because the best way to eat here is to order widely and share: lots of small plates, grilled meats, dips and breads, with the table gradually disappearing under food. It’s hearty, garlicky, generously portioned and a very welcome break if you’ve been doing steak after steak.
It’s hugely popular, so if you’re not at the door before they open, you’ll likely be waiting a while for a table, especially on weekends.
Address: Thames 1101 (Villa Crespo)
Website
Gran Dabbang
Gran Dabbang is where I go when I’ve hit my steak limit and need something completely different. The food is Asian-inspired (with Indian, Thai and Middle Eastern flavours in the mix) and, importantly for Buenos Aires, it actually has some spice and heat.
It also has serious credentials: it ranked No.18 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024.
The restaurant is simple in design, with colourful walls, but the food is what you’re here for, not fancy decor.
The catch is that they don’t take bookings. It’s walk-in only, so you’ll need to arrive early (or be prepared to queue), but the line tends to move pretty quickly.
Address: Av. Raúl Scalabrini Ortíz 1543 (Palermo)
Website
NOLA
If you’re craving something casual, NOLA has Cajun-style comfort food – and, in a city that tends to play it safe with chilli, sauces that actually have a bit of kick.
It’s best known for its fried chicken – especially in sandwich form – plus other New Orleans-inspired staples, and it’s the kind of place that’s consistently busy because it’s simple, satisfying and hits the spot.
My choice is always a fried chicken sandwich, but they also have chicken wings, fried chicken waffles, red beans and rice, and gumbo.
Address: Gorriti 4389 (Palermo)
Website
Burger Joint
When you’re craving a proper, juicy burger in Buenos Aires, Burger Joint is one of the most fun places to get one.
It’s loud, a little chaotic, and the graffiti-covered walls make it feel more like a mate’s garage party than a restaurant. There’s usually a TV looping Seinfeld episodes in the background.
Choose from a classic hamburger or, if you’re really hungry, the Machete (double meat, double cheddar cheese, spicy jalapeños) or Ginobili (triple meat, fried egg, bacon, cheddar cheese, cucumbers and BBQ sauce) should tide you over.
Address: Jorge Luis Borges 1766 (Palermo)
Website
The best pizza in Buenos Aires
Pizza in Buenos Aires is its own thing, and it’s absolutely worth seeking out. The classic porteño style is pizza al molde – a thick, bready base (closer to focaccia) topped with an unapologetic amount of mozzarella. Locals often eat it with fainá, a chickpea-flour pancake that’s draped over the slice (carbs on carbs).
You should also try fugazzeta, another Buenos Aires icon – an onion-topped pizza.
If you’re wondering where to start, Avenida Corrientes is basically pizza central. It’s the theatre district, so there’s a long-running tradition of grabbing a slice before or after a show – you’ll see people eating standing at the bar late into the night.
A few pizza spots in Buenos Aires to prioritise:
- Güerrín (Avenida Corrientes 1368) is the big-hitter on Corrientes – founded in 1932 and still the place people flock to for classic pizza al molde and fugazzeta, whether you’re grabbing a quick slice standing at the bar or settling in for a proper sit-down.
- El Cuartito (Talcahuano 937) is another Buenos Aires pizza institution. It’s a must if you want that classic, thick, ultra-cheesy porteño style. The blue walls are covered in football, sport and movie memorabilia, and don’t be surprised if someone tries to sell you socks at the table while you’re eating.
- Las Cuartetas (Avenida Corrientes 838) is a classic on Corrientes near the Obelisk – expect thick, cheesy slices and a lively atmosphere.
- PICSA (Nicaragua 4896) is the one I’d send you to specifically for fugazzeta, especially if you want that over-the-top cheese-and-onion hit done really well. They’re known here for their almost deep-dish, fermented sourdough bases.
If that’s too much cheese for you, try the thin, Neapolitan-style pizza at Siamo nel Forno (Costa Rica 5886)or Cosi Mi Piace (El Salvador 4618).
🍕 If you’re keen to try pizza in Buenos Aires, join Frank Almeida on his Buenos Aires Pizza Tour. He’s a fantastic host (you can read my review of his Asado Adventure experience) – and you can get a 10% discount if you book the tour here using discount code RATW10. 🍕
The best ice cream shops in Buenos Aires
Ice cream is an absolute must-eat in Buenos Aires. Porteños take helado seriously – you’ll find Italian-style gelaterías on almost every neighbourhood strip, with flavours that are rich and creamy rather than icy.
And because Argentina’s obsession with dulce de leche is very real, you should always order “something with dulce de leche”.
My favourite ice cream shops in Buenos Aires:
- Rapa Nui
- Tufic
- Lucciano’s
- Cadore
- Gretta Gelato
Fine dining in Buenos Aires
Fogón Asado
Fogón Asado is my pick for a fine-dining splurge in Buenos Aires when you want something more elevated than the classic parrilla experience. It still centres on asado (barbecue), but in a modern, chef-led format. With guests – anywhere between only 10 and 35 depending on the experience you’ve booked – all seated around a huge parrilla, fire takes centre place here.
The evening is a paced tasting-style meal, with all the staff moving around the small space in a well-choreographed show, each person knowing exactly what they need to be doing and when. Course after course showcases Argentine produce, meat and wine – and you will be (happily) rolling out the door by the time you’re done.
Fogón Asado has absolutely exploded onto the scene in recent years – in part thanks to its many accolades, including Number 22 in the World’s Best Steak Restaurants 2026 ranking. Which is to say: make sure you book well ahead.
We booked it for my birthday dinner and it was absolutely worth the money – one of those meals that I will be talking about for a long time.
Address: Gorriti 3780 and Uriarte 1423 (Palermo)
Website
→ READ NEXT: Is Fogón Asado Worth It?
Mishiguene
Mishiguene puts a contemporary spin on Jewish immigrant food, drawing on recipes from the owner’s grandmother and weaving in Middle Eastern flavours.
If the name rings a bell, it’s because Mishiguene has had plenty of international attention – including a feature in Somebody Feed Phil’s Buenos Aires episode, where Phil Rosenthal visits and leans right into the Jewish-food-meets-Argentina storyline (vodka included).
I’ve eaten here several times and the most memorable was when we booked the Chef’s Table. Chef Tomás Kalika served us personally and brought an entire bottle of vodka to share with us (I can still recall the hangover the next day…). Unfortunately, that experience is no longer available – Kalika is far too famous now – but Mishiguene is still absolutely worth booking for a special night out.
The room has a real buzz and the menu is built for sharing. There’s an excellent chef’s menu or you can go a la carte.
Whatever you order, please order the pastrami: it’s still a dish I think about to this day. There’s also an extensive selection of mezze and dishes that take simple vegetables and turn them into something absolutely next level.
Address: Lafinur 3368 (Palermo)
Website
Aramburu
It’s easy to see how Aramburu got its two Michelin stars. A minimalist yet striking design, a calm, intimate dining room and a tasting menu that’s both precise and playful all set the tone before the first course even hits the table.
The dishes arrive like a series of little surprises – beautifully presented without feeling fussy – with flavours that are clean, confident and tightly balanced. Every dish honours Argentine produce. This is the kind of meal where you stop talking for a second because you’re trying to work out how they pulled something off.
The restaurant is hidden down a small alleyway – unexpected for a restaurant of this calibre, but it adds to the allure.
If you’re in Buenos Aires for a special occasion, then the 18-course tasting menu at Aramburu is certainly going to be memorable.
And if you love the idea of Aramburu but want something a touch more relaxed, BIS (its sister restaurant) is a great backup plan for another night – same brains behind it, just in a more easygoing bistro format.
Address: Vicente López 1661 (Recoleta)
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Nuestro Secreto
Nuestro Secreto is tucked away at the back of the Four Seasons Hotel, set inside a gorgeous glass-ceilinged atrium that feels like a hidden garden in the middle of the city.
It’s a parrilla, but a polished one. This is one of the restaurants I used to take colleagues visiting from overseas because it’s an easy crowd-pleaser: it delivers that “Buenos Aires steakhouse” experience without the chaos of a loud, packed parrilla, and the space feels special without being pretentious.
At the helm is Patricia Ramos, who’s successfully made a name for herself in Buenos Aires’ generally male-dominated steak world.
It is a splurge by local standards, so it’s best saved for a night you want to make a bit more memorable.
Address: Posadas 1086 (Recoleta)
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Buenos Aires food tours
If making a choice about where to eat gets too difficult, book a food tour and let someone else steer the ship. Taking a food tour in Buenos Aires is the best way to try a bunch of classic foods in one hit, get local context and walk away with a shortlist of places you’ll want to return to later.
Here are a few solid options, depending on what you’re craving:
- Sherpa Food Tours – a fun, social way to eat your way through neighbourhood favourites with a local guide, with plenty of tastings and drinks along the way. (Read my review or book a Sherpa Food Tour Buenos Aires here)
- Asado Adventure – the one to book if you want to understand asado beyond the restaurant menu, with experiences that centre on Argentine barbecue culture. (Read my review of Asado Adventure or book here using code RATW10 for a 10% discount)
- Betty and Marcelo – more of an at-home asado experience than a traditional tour. You share a meal with a local couple in Palermo and see how asado is done in a family setting. (Read my review of Betty and Marcelo or book the experience here)
- The Argentine Experience – “eatertainment” that’s squarely aimed at first-time visitors. You’ll make empanadas, drink a lot of wine and leave very full (and probably with a few new friends). (Read my review or book The Argentine Experience here)
- A Chef’s Tour – small-group tours that focus on how porteños really eat. Tours visit a mix of classic spots and local institutions (Book A Chef’s Tour here)
- Culinary Backstreets – excellent for travellers who want deeper food context and less “touristy” stops. There’s a strong focus on local food culture and neighbourhood stories. (Book Culinary Backstreets’ Buenos Aires tour here)
And if you want to learn hands-on, cooking classes are a fun option – you’ll usually make empanadas (and often other Argentine staples) and know how to eat like a local for the rest of your trip. The Argentine Experience runs a cooking class designed by a Michelin chef.
What to eat in Buenos Aires
So now you know where to eat in Buenos Aires, but what should you eat. Typical Argentine foods are one of the reasons to visit Argentina, and here are some of the ones you should prioritise.
- Steak – This is probably the first thing that popped into your mind when you thought about food in Buenos Aires and Argentina more generally. The steak in Buenos Aires is incredible, so make sure you include at least one or two (or more!) steak restaurants in Buenos Aires.
- Empanadas – The ideal snack, empanadas are small, pastry turnovers that are baked or fried. If your tummy is rumbling in the afternoon, grab a couple of these to keep you going until dinner. But any more than two or three and you’ll be too full to eat later, trust me!
- Milanesa – I still dream of a milanesa for lunch. Like a schnitzel, a milanesa is a thin piece of beef, veal or chicken breaded and then deep-fried. It’s usually then topped with tomato sauce, ham and plenty of cheese. Some restaurants will serve many different variations, including a caballo which has a fried egg on top.
- Choripán – Chori means chorizo (sausage) and pan means bread, so I think you’ll be able to figure this one out. A thick, fried sausage is stuffed into a crusty piece of bread and then loaded up with chimichurri sauce.
- Provoleta – A disc of cheese that’s cooked on a grill and slapped on the table so hot it’s still bubbling. This is the perfect starter at any steak restaurant.
- Medialunas – Croissant-like pastries that are usually basted with a sticky, sweet coating, medialunas are a must for breakfast or with a cup of coffee.
- Ice cream – The Italian heritage has delivered in Buenos Aires, with rich, creamy ice cream that’s to die for. You’ll find ice cream shops throughout the city and some will even deliver huge tubs to your door.
How to order food in Spanish
If you want to attempt some Spanish when ordering at a restaurant in Buenos Aires, here are a few phrases to get you started.
To ask for a table when you enter a restaurant, say “Una mesa para dos, por favor.” Change the number depending on how many people in your group (uno, dos, tres, quatro etc).
The first thing you’ll do in a restaurant in Buenos Aires is order drinks. The server will ask you something like “Qué van a tomar?” which loosely translates as “what would you like to drink?” Depending on where you are and what time of day it is, you may ask for:
- “Agua” – water (which comes sin gas or con gas)
- “Un café” – a coffee (the most common coffee to order in Argentina is a cortado, an espresso with steamed milk)
- “Una cerveza” – a beer (Quilmes is the national brand in Argentina, although you can order international labels as well, and there are many craft beers now available)
- “Una copa de vino blanco / vino tinto” – a glass of white wine / red wine (or order “una botella” – a bottle)
After you’ve taken a look at the menu and figured out what you want, you can order by starting with one of the following phrases and finishing it with the name of the dish you want:
- “Quiero…” – I want…
- “Me gustaría…” – I would like…
- “Me das…” – Give me… (to English speakers, this sounds rude and direct, but it’s not!)
- “¿Me trae…?” – Could you bring me…?
When you’ve finished your meal and are ready to pay, ask: “La cuenta, por favor”. To check if the restaurant or bar takes credit card, ask: “Acepta tarjeta?”
Final thoughts: Where to eat in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of those cities where eating is half the trip. Whether you’re dipping into a bar notable for a milanesa, hunting down proper choripán, planning a late-night pizza mission on Avenida Corrientes or splurging on a tasting menu, there’s always something delicious around the next corner. I hope this guide has helped you narrow down where to start – and also reassured you that you can’t really go too wrong here.
My biggest tip is to mix it up. Pair a classic parrilla with one or two “different” meals (Peruvian, Armenian, Asian-fusion), save space for helado and pastries, and don’t be afraid to eat on Buenos Aires time – late dinners, slow lunches, plenty of stops in between.
Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!
If you’ve got a favourite restaurant in Buenos Aires I’ve missed, let me know in the comments so I can add it to my ever-growing to-eat list.
Related posts
Before you go, you might like these Buenos Aires travel articles:
- How to Spend 3 Days in Buenos Aires
- What to Do in Buenos Aires: Top 25 Ideas for Your Itinerary
- 12 Great Steakhouses in Buenos Aires
- 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
- Betty and Marcelo Review: A Family Asado Experience
- The Argentine Experience Review: Is It Worth It?
- Fogón Asado Review: Is This Buenos Aires Asado Experience Worth It?
ARGENTINA TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Book your flight to Argentina online with Skyscanner. I like how this site allows you to find the cheapest days.
- Find a great hotel in Argentina. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Argentina on GetYourGuide or Viator. I love a good food tour in particular!
- Saving money? Check out the range of free walking tours across Argentina with GuruWalk (don’t forget to tip!).
- Keep those bottles of wine you’ll be buying safe in these wine bags.
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Argentina will be handy. Also pick up a Spanish language phrasebook to help you navigate your visit.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
PIN IT FOR LATER: WHERE TO EAT IN BUENOS AIRES
Save this guide to Buenos Aires restaurants to Pinterest so you can plan your trip later!
Rebecca,
My wife and I are considering our first trip to Argentina. Thank you for putting this website together. It is incredibly helpful and takes much of the unknown out of the trip. Your love of the country comes through in every article. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Thanks Brad, what a lovely compliment!! Argentina is an incredible country – please let me know if you have any questions as you plan your trip!
Thanks Bec this is awesome!!
Was just in time after your Insta message to me. There’s some more to come as well Lisa!