The 10 Best Restaurants In Bahía Blanca, Argentina

Santino is a sophisticated Italian restaurant located in the centre of Bahía Blanca. The dishes are mostly seafood, which is deliciously fresh, thanks to the town’s coastal location. But for those who aren’t seafood fans, they also offer classic Argentinian dishes such as steak and milanesas (breaded steak or chicken). The interior is simple, with dimmed lighting providing a warm ambiance in the evenings, or there is outside seating for meals during the day. The restaurant has a good wine list, and their Facebook page also regularly posts handy cooking tips.

Dating all the way back to 1890, Gambrinus has been a Bahía Blanca favorite for many generations. The restaurant is housed in an atmospheric old neo-colonial building, with an old-fashioned but homely décor. On the walls are vintage pictures and posters highlighting the history of the establishment, with iron chandeliers in keeping with the traditional vibe. The food is mainly Argentinian with some surprising German dishes, such as liverwurst or chicken schnitzel. As one would come to expect in such restaurants in Argentina, Gambrinus boasts an extensive wine and beer list. A great location for tasty food in a homely atmosphere.

Given that Bahía Blanca’s location is on the coast, it comes as no surprise that it is home to a number of great fish restaurants. Taberna Baska is a seafood restaurant offering dishes inspired by the Basque region of Spain, serving familiar Spanish tapas as well as less common seafood such as cockles, clams and sole. For real fans of seafood the Spanish paella is a must-try, made with a good range of shellfish and seafood in a traditional style.

Hugely popular with locals, El Mundo de la Parrilla serves traditional Argentinian barbecue, or parrilla. In a smart and modern interior, diners can enjoy a great range of meats all cooked in the traditional way, giving it the delicious smokey flavour specific to the parrilla style of cooking. Guests can order a full parrilla to share around the table to get a taste of all the classic cuts, or can order individual cuts to be cooked just to their own taste. The service is extremely friendly and helpful, and waitstaff are happy to try to explain the more obscure cuts of meat.

Pavarotti offers customers a superb range of dishes as well as an outstanding wine list, featuring some of the best bodegas in Argentina. The restaurant prides itself on its partnerships with the most recognisable names in Argentinian wine, such as Trapiche and El Portillo, as well as its own wine cellar to ensure wines are at the optimum temperature when served. Pavarotti describes its menu as ‘international’, as it aims to offer dishes that cater to all tastes; the menu includes dishes such as classic Argentinian steak, Spanish paella or authentic Italian pasta, as well as more unusual traditional Andean offerings.

El Modesto is a quaint restaurant located on the vibrant Avenida Alem. From a foodie’s perspective, El Modesto is most popular for their pasta dishes, but what stands out about this restaurant is its retro-inspired interior. The retro theme encompasses every detail, from the wallpaper and furniture to the artistically mismatched crockery. For a distinctly alternative vibe to the usual Argentinian steakhouse, El Modesto is the place to go.

If huge portions are what you’re looking for, Victor is the place to go to. A favorite with the locals, Victor is usually very busy, always a good sign of a quality joint. It offers a simple but tasty menu that includes the usual steak, as well as a good menu of chicken, seafood, pasta and pizza, so there’s surely something for every individual. The restaurant has established itself as an integral part of the town, since its foundation in 1935 by a local family, and it continues to provide the same family atmosphere today.

In a great location on one of Bahía Blanca’s bustling main streets is Don Tomás, a restaurant that describes itself as a cevecería thanks to its extensive range of beers on offer. While in many Argentinian restaurants the beer options are restricted to the national favourite Quilmes, Don Tomás offers a much larger range, as well as several options of draught beers. To go with the beers, the menu has a great selection of pizzas and other hot dishes. The interior has a bar atmosphere, with outside seating also available on the street to really get a feel for the local environment.

Aptly named, Patio Portugal is a restaurant with its tables surrounding a delightful courtyard garden. It offers customers the chance to enjoy nature right in the middle of busy Bahía Blanca, and enjoy a peaceful and relaxed lunch or dinner. For days of bad weather, there are tables inside, which is also where bands often perform. The food is served in healthy portions, with a range of dishes to choose from: sharing platters, steaks, burgers, and stews, as well as a range of tasty desserts. © Toshihiro Gamo/Flickr

If visitors to Bahía Blanca are tired of the usual steak and are looking for a light meal, Sushi Club is a great Japanese restaurant serving lighter dishes. Located on one of the town’s busiest streets, Avenida Alem, Sushi Club offers a wide range of sushi, which can be ordered in small or large quantities depending on your appetite. More substantial Japanese dishes are also available. The interior is modern and minimalist with a high-end feel, despite the prices being surprisingly affordable.