The 10 Best Argentinian Restaurants In Buenos Aires

Parrilla Don Julio

Parrillas, or Argentinian steakhouses, are plentiful in Buenos Aires. The hallmarks are fairly standard: an old-fashioned ambiance, free flowing Malbec, attentive waiters and – of course – a vast selection of meats cooked on an asador, or grill. What sets Don Julio apart from all the rest and keeps both locals and tourists flocking to it? Well, quite simply, when it comes to parrilla and those juicy Argentinian steaks, the good folks at Don Julio are artists to say the least.

Parrilla Don Julio, Guatemala 4699, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 4832-6058

Roux

Located in the heart of the stately neighbourhood of Recoleta, just minutes from the cemetery which is famously Eva Perón’s resting place, Roux takes the trend of small plate dining and applies it to Argentinian cuisine. Try funky choices like the langoustines with grilled melon, bok choy, and almond salsa, or stick to the classics, which are still presented with a twist: osobuco ravioli, for instance, or basmati rice seasoned with chimichurri.

Roux, Peña 2300, Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 4805-6794

Astor – Manduque Porteño

This inviting and creative kitchen is a relative newcomer to the city’s food scene but boy is it making some waves. Astor’s seasonally variable options consist of exciting takes on traditional foods, and diners have the opportunity to sample a fixed price meal of three dishes, five dishes or the entire menu. Start off with a yerba mate-infused aperitivo, and then feast the night away to your heart’s content.

Astor – Manduque Porteño, Ciudad de la Paz 353, Colegiales/Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 4554-0802

A large number of Argentinians are of Italian descent, and pizzerias abound in Buenos Aires. One of the best among them is El Cuartito, which has been around since 1934. Despite its name, which translates to ‘the little room,’ the restaurant actually comprises two large dining areas, the walls of which are painted sky blue in support of La Albiceleste, the national fútbolteam of Argentina. Order up a pie and see what Argentinian-style pizza is all about: doughy base, light on the sauce, and positively dripping with cheese. Then, make like the porteños, or Buenos Aires natives, and wash it down with a cold Quilmes beer.

Whether diners are peronistos in political outlook, or in fact quite the opposite, the Juan Perón-themed decor of this restaurant-bar is a lot of fun. Over the top but in the most delightful way, guests will find themselves trying to talk over the strains of the Argentine national anthem as they scoff down enormous and delectable portions of the country’s most famed dishes and cocktails, while enjoying the restaurant’s boisterous atmosphere.

If you’re hungry after wandering the stalls of the San Telmo market, head to Bar El Federal. Housed in a historic building which has at various points been a grocery store, a bar, a warehouse and even a brothel, El Federal is now a hip café, sandwich shop and sit-down restaurant. The restaurant fare is as colorful as the history: steak, pasta, milanesas, seafood, and an extensive list of salads. When it comes to the beverage menu, the choice is simple: fernet con coca, Argentina’s national drink, is the way to go.

Pizzeria Guerrin

Another exemplary pizzeria, Güerrin has been around since 1932, when it was founded by Genovese immigrants to the city. The sheer scope of the pizzeria’s menu is remarkable; there is certainly a topping combination for everyone. What makes this pizzeria truly shine, however, is its fugazza, an Argentinian take on focaccia generally topped with herbs and onions. The one here comes loaded with ham and cheese, or slathered in mouthwatering mozzarella.

Pizzeria Güerrin, Av. Corrientes 1368, San Nicolas, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 4371-8141

Serving up elegant Argentinian food in an equally atmospheric setting, La Cabrera is the restaurant of choice for anyone who knows their steak – the filet mignon is legendary. Vegetarians are not to worry, though, because an array of complimentary side dishes arrive on the table as well: breads, pickled vegetables, mashed potato, salads and more. Watching the wallet? Stop by during happy hour for a discounted meal.

Spanish cuisine is integral to Argentinian cookery, and the owner of this restaurant in the increasingly cool neighborhood of Villa Crespo takes inspiration from his own Spanish heritage. With the motto of ‘Como en Madrid, pero en Buenos Aires,’ or ‘Like in Madrid, but in Buenos Aires,’ the kitchen serves up tapas like papas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce), gambas al ajillo(shrimp in a hot olive oil sauce), and a delicious tortilla española, or Spanish omelette. If that wasn’t filling enough, there’s always passion fruit cake for dessert.