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It is often noted that Buenos Aires feels like Europe in many ways. With its Parisian-looking buildings for one thing, but also in the city’s cuisine, which often gleans inspiration from that of Italy and Spain. Buenos Aires is no copycat though, and fuses these influences with its own unique South American flair to create a menu all of its own. Here are 10 of the best Argentinian restaurants in Buenos Aires to try.

We’ve also picked out some of the best food tours in the city too, so if you want to learn more while you sample some of the tastiest cuisine in the world, book with us now.

Parrilla tour

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Discover the savory delights of Buenos Aires’ renowned beef and vibrant food culture on a guided tour through the trendy Palermo neighborhood. This immersive experience takes you on a walking journey to three distinct parrillas (grill houses), where you’ll indulge in a three-course progressive lunch. Each restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, allowing you to savor diverse flavors, recipes, and cooking styles. Enjoy a curated meal accompanied by wine and soft drinks, and benefit from insider tips on dining in Buenos Aires from your knowledgeable local guide. This small-group tour ensures an intimate atmosphere with no more than 12 fellow food enthusiasts.

Buenos Aires food tour

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Embark on a delectable journey through Buenos Aires’ Palermo neighborhood, discovering its culinary treasures on this small-group tasting tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll visit four distinctive restaurants to sample a wide array of dishes and drinks, totaling at least eight selections. Immerse yourself in Argentine cuisine as your guide shares insights into local culinary traditions and addresses any inquiries you may have. Enjoy the convenience of all food and drinks being included, while the intimate group size ensures personalized attention throughout the experience.
Caminito, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting

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Delve into Argentina’s culinary traditions with an interactive dining experience in Buenos Aires. Start with a Malbec-based cocktail before diving into the world of wine-based mixology with guidance from a sommelier and mixologist (optional). Learn the art of sealing empanadas before enjoying a meal of authentic Argentine cuisine paired with four boutique wines. Conclude your gastronomic journey by mastering the preparation of ‘maté’ paired with alfajores. This small-group experience, limited to 14 participants, ensures personalized attention and the opportunity to connect with fellow food enthusiasts from around the globe.

Paladar Buenos Aires

Hole in the Wall

With the economic downturn came an abundance of puertas cerradas, or ‘closed door’ restaurants, open by reservation only and usually hosted in chefs’ own homes. In this case, Paladar Buenos Aires is the home of a couple named Ivana and Pablo, a sommelier and a chef respectively. Book a reservation in advance and get excited to enjoy unique iterations of Argentinian classics. A highlight is the dessert of quince in syrup topped with a goat’s cheese ice cream.

Pizzeria El Cuartito

Restaurant, Italian, Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - JULY 18, 2017: General view of the El Cuartito pizzeria at the Recoleta neighborhood.
© Javier Palmieri / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

Perón Perón Resto Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Argentina

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.

Bar El Federal

Bar, Market, Restaurant, Grocery Store, Argentina, Pub Grub, Beer, Wine, Cocktails

El Federal Bar. San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
© Bernardo Galmarini / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Parrilla La Cabrera

Restaurant, Argentina, South American

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.

La Esperanza de los Ascurra

Restaurant, Argentina

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.

About the author

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.

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