The 10 Best Restaurants In El Bolsn Argentina

El Bolsón, in the southwest of Río Negro Province, Argentina, sits nestled in valleys at the base of Piltriquitron Mountain, near the Chilean border, and is an outdoorsman’s paradise. An influx of hippies who migrated to the town from Buenos Aires in the 1970s ushered in an artisan food industry, and today El Bolsón is known for its microbrewed beer, regional cheeses, smoked fish, chocolates, and jams. Read on for the top 10 restaurants.

La Gorda

Restaurant, Argentina, Vegetarian

Book ahead to snag a table outdoors in the beautiful garden of this charming restaurant. Watch your steak being cooked in the open kitchen, or opt for one of several vegetarian options, and wash it all down with an artisan beer. Portions are large, so consider sharing with a companion.

Café Paseo De Las Flores

Tucked away behind an alley, this magical little café serves up multiple types of coffee and delectable desserts like cheesecake, brownies à la mode, and strawberry pie, making it the perfect mid-afternoon pit stop. Sit outside in the patio, surrounded by flowers and even a small pond, for an atmospheric experience.

Opiparo

Restaurant, Argentina

Sit outdoors at this locals-only haunt which specializes in Argentinian classics such as chorizo and steak as well as salads and Spanish dishes like patatas bravas. The restaurant also boasts an extensive kids menu, as well as a lengthy list of beers.

A Punto

For locally-brewed beers, good food, a friendly staff, and live music, look no further than A Punto. Can’t decide which of the many exemplary beers to order? Ask for samples of several, and try them all. The smoked trout ravioli is worth a mention, as are the empanadas. Depending on the day, there may be live jazz, a band playing, or even a poetry reading going on.

Tomaticán

With a cheerful ambiance and an abundance of art decorating the walls, Tomaticán is a gem in the center of town, just opposite the main plaza. Try the Patagonian lamb and pair it with a craft beer for a delicious and reasonably-priced dinner.

Pasiones Argentinas

Restaurant

For excellent grilled meats, this parrilla, or steakhouse, is the spot. Go for a milanesa, or breaded meat filet, for the true Argentinian experience. Vegetarians, fear not, there are several pasta options available with an assortment of sauces. Bring cash. Milanesas | © Makike.cortes/WikiCommons

Cerveceria Del Centro

This casual spot is perfect for pizza and beers with friends, or for a family dinner, there is space for children to run around and play, and parents can relax and sip on an artisan raspberry beer to accompany their pizzas. You can even sit outdoors if the weather is good.

La Lola

Restaurant

Enjoy a cold beer at an outdoor table as you wait for your lamb to cook on the asado oven at this lovely little restaurant. With varied and plentiful dishes, including a standout spinach gnocchi, La Lola is the perfect place for a summertime lunch or dinner. Chorizos | © Dani Vázquez/Flickr

La Tablita De Juana

Enjoy some luxurious cuisine in a peaceful, modern setting at La Tablita de Juana, and let’s not forget about the incredible view out the windows. Choose from the standout wine list, dig into a tasty pizza, and don’t forget dessert, the strawberry ice-cream mousse is commendable.

El Quincho De Danilo

Restaurant, Argentina

This restaurant is a little ways from the town center, but is worth the five-kilometer drive into El Bolsón’s surrounding countryside; El Quincho de Danilo is set amidst an abundance of greenery and flora and feels like a secret garden. Owner Danilo is chatty and friendly, and the grilled lamb is spectacular, as is the grilled vegetarian platter. Cap off the meal with a cup of chicory-infused coffee, made, intriguingly, on the grill.

About the author

Madeleine Bazil

Maddy is in her second year reading English at the University of St Andrews. Born and bred in Washington, DC, she retains an affinity for political intrigue, urban green space, and Ethiopian cuisine despite newly appreciating the British traditions of queueing, apologising, and Wimbledon. Maddy's freelance writing has been published in media such as Matador Network and Thistle Magazine as well as in St Andrews-based publications. She'll travel anywhere, just give her a moment to lace up her Adidas.