The 10 Best Restaurants In La Boca, Buenos Aires
La Boca is widely known for two things. One: the brightly-hued houses along the Caminito, a pedestrian alley full of tango dancers and souvenir shops. And two: la Bombonera, the home stadium of legendary fútbol team Boca Juniors. Beyond the touristy facade, though, La Boca is home to several notable restaurants, from fine dining to ‘hole-in-the-wall’ spots reflecting the neighborhood’s working-class heritage. A brief note on safety: take a taxi to La Boca and back, particularly at night, and keep an eye on wallets and valuables.
1. El Obrero
Restaurant, Steakhouse
Though this parrilla, or steakhouse, may have had humble beginnings when it first opened its doors in 1954, it is now one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city. Even Bono has eaten here, and there’s a photo on the wall to prove it. Order from the parrilla menu, written on a chalkboard, or go for a Spanish omelette or a bowl of house-made soup. The often-long wait for a table is worth it. El Obrero | © Dana Robinson/Flickr
Il Matterello
Many residents of La Boca are of Genoan descent, and this is evident in the fare at Il Matterello, an Italian cantina serving up delicious renditions of Italian classics from ravioli to tiramisu. It’s a favorite with locals, and although tourists to the neighborhood have started to discover it as well, the prices remain reasonable.
Address & telephone number: Il Matterello, Martín Rodriguez 517, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 4307-0529
2. Patagonia Sur
Restaurant, Argentina
Renowned Argentinian grill-master and cookbook author Francis Mallmann’s restaurant empire may be based in Uruguay, but La Boca’s Patagonia Suris a stalwart in the Buenos Aires fine food scene. Just off el Caminito, the dining room is small and intimate. Enjoy the fixed price menu in a sumptuous environment, with smooth jazz streaming in the background.
3. La Barrica
Bistro, Restaurant, Argentina
Considering its location, right on the corner of el Caminito, and the omnipresent tango music and dancers performing in the restaurant, La Barrica has surprisingly reasonable prices— and the food is good. If the weather is nice, there is no better way to while away an afternoon than relaxing in the outdoor seating area with a glass of Malbec, watching some live tango dancing.
4. La Chirilísima
Restaurant, Argentina
This café-restaurant near the stadium is full of interesting artefacts: a signed poster of Argentinian fútbol legend Diego Maradona, historic photos of the neighborhood, a mural of the old waterfront, and more, and the food is equally special. Pop in on a game day and order the churros with hot chocolate to snack on as you join in with the locals to watch the match on the café’s TV. You’re basically a porteño now.
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