Where to eat in Buenos Aires

50 independent restaurants, bakeries and food spots in Buenos Aires. Chains are left out.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 50.

EatCentro
Abuela Pan
It feels cosy, homey. It’s off the tourist frenzy. Amazing authentic home-made cooking. A wonderful vegetarian restaurant with great food and service. Try the Giant espanada. The food is made with full of love. Service is friendly.
EatCentro
Cabaña Las Lilas
Probably the best place to eat meat in the Puerto Madero neighborhood. It's a highly rated restaurant among travel guides and sites, although not a local's favorite. Don't miss the ojo de bife! This place had the reputation of being the best place to eat steak in Buenos Aires. The steaks are enormous and succulent. If you eat here, count on them having to roll you out as you will be near explosion (probably best to wear trousers with elasticated waists!) It's a constant struggle not to stuff yourself with the mouth watering appetizers before your steak even arrives. When it does, you may chuckle at the little plastic cow figurine jabbed into the meat, smiling at you and bearing the words “Estoy jugoso," - "I am juicy" (meaning rare). You can also share an order of steak, which the restaurant will serve on separate plate. The doneness is different in Argentina than in the U.S., for medium rare, order rare.
EatCentro
Churrasquería La Planchita
The attention is excellent as is the quality of its products. A fantastic variety on the menu. Homemade and fresh flavor. The lentil dish is very good. Generous portions. The food is delivered quickly. Excellent treatment by all the staff.
EatCentro
Dadá Bistro
This small restaurant makes the top lists among locals, and is a highly recommended one in tourist guides. Try the Lomo Dadá, one of the house specialities. Recommended to arrive before 21:00, otherwise you'll have to wait.
EatCentro
El Cuartito Pizza
One of the traditional pizzerias of Buenos Aires, since 1934 El Cuartito maintains most of its original environment and quality in their food. Don't miss the 'fugazzeta rellena con jamon' (fugazzeta with the crust filled with ham), it's delicious. You can go and eat inside, or ask for delivery (they deliver up to 23:30, ask for covered zone).
EatPalermo and Recoleta
Horno Argentino, Cumaná
Rustic, reasonably priced Argentinean food, tamales, empanadas, calzones, locro, pizza, different stews. They also have mate w/ toasts in the afternoon. It's usually crowded with young people. Prices are really cheap.
12:00 - close
EatPalermo and Recoleta
La Biela
Very nice cafe just outside of the cemetery, shaded by an enormous rubber tree. In very ancient times, it was a saying: If you are not greeted at La Biela, you do not exist. When the bill comes, remember that the largest part of the cost was not the meal, but the right to show yourself there.
EatPalermo and Recoleta
La Biela Cafe
A great place to settle in for a few hours outside, under the huge ancient tree. "Biela" translates as "piston rod", and racers used to gather here a long time ago. It was a favourite dining place of the Argentinian writers Jorge Luis Borges and Adolfo Bioy Cesares, and there are statues of them at the front.
EatLa Boca and Barracas
La Perla
A bit overpriced, but very nice if you want a view of the old bridge.
EatPalermo and Recoleta
Las Cholas
Great parrilla specializing in Northern Argentine found in Las Cañitas. The rooftop seating upstairs is a great environment. Don't expect to see many tourists here, just a lot of Porteños out for a three-hour weekend meal. Try the Humita (made with mashed corn, cheese and spices) and Tamales (a sort of flour with minced beef) or anything off of the parrilla is great. Do not skip dessert.
EatCentro
Lo de Nestor Bar cooperativa
Great place, people and atmosphere. The service and attention is excellent. The dishes are super abundant. An endearing place with a lot of mystique. Beautiful decoration. It is a friendly place. There are dishes of the day. The place works as a cooperative.
EatPalermo and Recoleta
Los Inmortales
As a consequence of the Italian immigration, Buenos Aires has a strong tradition in pizzas (pastas as well). 'Los Inmortales' is considered one of the most traditional pizza restaurants in the city, and one of the first 'pizzerias' to offer the "pizza a la piedra" (thin crust). One of five locations.
Sun-Thu 09:00-01:00; Fri Sat 09:30-01:30
EatPalermo and Recoleta
Miranda
High-end but friendly parrilla shows off the best of Argentinean meat. Pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and salads for the side or a meal.
EatCentro
Nuestra Parrilla
Always a great vibe and atmosphere. The choripan to be loved. You can find this place by following that mouth-watering smell. It’s a very small and unassuming (maybe even intimidating?) place with some of the best meat+fire combinations. The service is very friendly and they take such pride in making sure you have a good meal.
EatCentro
Parrilla Bar Polo
Very good local restaurant specializing in beef. Great atmosphere. The staff is friendly. Steak and fries are very good. Enjoy the local experience. Hole-in-the-wall with perfectly acceptable grilled meat. Try the vacío, it'll melt in your mouth.
EatCentro
Parrilla Peña
This is probably the best place in BA to try an "asado de tira" (ribs), the most traditional piece of an Argentine asado. You can also try other different meat cuts, but the "tira de asado" is the distinctive dish. A waiter said the "porcion de tira" is enough for three or more whereas the single tira (una tira), together with some fries or salad was enough for two. Be aware that if you order a "parrillada", the cuts for the "asado" are completely different, they don't even taste the same.
EatCentro
Pirilo
You can feel so much history and love for food in this place. Tiny place with an old atmosphere. One of the most stubbornly traditional pizzerias left in the city. While you can order whole pizzas, the main draw is the pizza sold by the slice at the counter.
EatCentro
Pizzería Güerrin
Similar to El Cuartito, very traditional, local noisy atmosphere, not very expensive. The place is best known for the muzzarella pizza, although you'll find other types as well. You can order a portion along with a glass of moscato.
EatCentro
Siga la Vaca
A must-visit restaurant while in Puerto Madero. You eat cheaper on week days lunch than on weekends, and get unlimited salad, pasta, meat, and bottled water. Also included in the price are one bottle of red wine and one dessert per person. Not very popular among locals.
EatPalermo and Recoleta
Sudestada
Asian fusion dishes from Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore. Exotic twists on Argentinean meats including beef, pork, and rabbit. Vegetarian friendly. Reservations recommended
EatPalermo and Recoleta
The Night Market
Excellent Asian food in a wonderfully decorated space. You purchase tokens (Yuan) which you use to pay for dishes at one of three of the market's "vendors" located in the back of the restaurant. Place your order, grab a table, and wait for the food to be delivered to you. This is not an "Argentinian" restaurant but it is an experience you won't find anywhere else on the continent.
Mon-Thu 20:00-00:00, Fri-Sat 20:00-01:00, closed Sun
EatCentro
Veggie Medio Oriente
Very tasty and they serve plenty. Best vegan meal. The vegiebomba is super delicious. Good quality and large portions. Menu with creative and tasty options. Great Middle Eastern food. Excellent attention.
Mon–Fri 11:00–21:00, Sat 11:00–17:00
EatCentro Not mapped
Bistro 1745
This cafe is inside the grounds of an old monastery in the CBD. The large garden courtyard is surrounded by high white walls and is a marvellous spot to sit and relax. The cafe serves empanadas and other light meals
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
Cadereyta
Excellent Mexican meat and fish dishes in a fun space. Small outside courtyard. Bar.
EatCentro Not mapped
Cafe San Juan
Very nice meals at somewhat higher than average prices. A reservation is recommended.
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
Circolo Italiano
For those looking for Italian food in Recoleta, Il Circolo Italiano is one of the best options for its price/atmosphere/food value. The place offers an executive menu during weekdays at lunch worth trying. You can also go for dinner inside this beautiful house.
EatCentro Not mapped
Desnivel
"Parrilla" at an excellent price, but the surroundings and presentation are sub-par. If you can't tear yourself away from shopping long enough to sit down, you can get choripan and sandwich de lomito to go starting at $2.
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
Di Tommaso
Di Tommaso is an Italian, family-owned restaurant. The family is originally from Caserta, and has kept the recipes from generation to generation. Try the pizzas, risottos or pastas, specially the lasagna.
EatCentro Not mapped
El Gijon
Popular local spot with good food and wine. The chicken and rice are excellent as is the service.
AR$50,000 for two including wine
EatCentro Not mapped
El Nuevo Castels
This place is amazingly popular on Saturday nights with cheerful locals queueing onto the footpath. The food is good and the strawberry dessert magnificent. The staff are usually too busy to chat but are very efficient. A fun spot.
$50,000 for two including wine and dessert
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
El Parillon de Recoleta
Excellent selections of meats, salads and pasta with an Uruguayan influence. Specializes in roast baby pig. Dependable and friendly service, moderate prices.
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
Gran Bar Danzon
A legendary restaurant/pub in Buenos Aires that still maintains its style. Great place to go for some drinks at night or also for couples looking for a romantic dinner.
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
La Cabrera
Jose Antonio Cabrera 5099/5127
This restaurant has been operating since about 2006 and now has a number of branches. The owner must have an impish sense of humour. Nothing from the outside of the restaurant gives you any clue about the food nor does the menu itself. It seems to be a straight up Argentinian steakhouse and you can in fact buy steak but the real genius of the restaurant is the effort put into the garnicions with each one more sublime than the one before. And how many are there? A dozen or more? Worth making the effort to get to if you are in Buenos Aires.
AR$50,000 per head with wine and dessert
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
La Dorita
There are two sections of this restaurant, one on both sides of the street. An outstanding Parilla, excellent selection of beef and sausages. Wine is outstanding and cheap, and the service is great too. If you can stomach it after so much quality beef, the crepe desserts are outstanding. Worth every peso, not that you'll need to spend many for what you receive!
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
Le Restó
Lunch daily and dinner on Thursday and Friday. Call to reserve, since it's really small (just 8 tables). There are 5 menus, vegetarian, white meat, fish and red meat.
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
Marini Buffet
Some would say it's one of the best buffets in the world and not to be missed. Steaks, pork ribs, sushi, pasta, pizza, pastries, dessert, cheese and fruit.
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
Palacio Balcarce
Av. Presidente Manuel Quintana 161, 1st Floor. This is a nice place where you can go and have dinner or also a brunch/tea while enjoying a beautiful atmosphere. Recommended for couples.
EatCentro Not mapped
Rifi
This is just a simple cafe in Montserrat but with good middle eastern food. The Kunafa con cream dessert is excellent it has a subtle flavour very different to most middle eastern desserts. It does not serve alcohol.
AR$50,000 for two if you don't have dessert
EatCentro Not mapped
Rotiseria Miramar
This is an old fashioned rotiseria with extensive wood panelling, timber chairs and bar together with the very Argentinian white table clothes. The menu is traditional too. Vinegar and olive oil on the table for the salads. Simple and good food together with cheerful service.
AR$60,000 for two with wine
EatPalermo and Recoleta Not mapped
Siga la Vaca
Several locations throughout the city, notably in Puerto Madero and Costanera, offers buffet-style asado fresh off the grill and includes a well-stocked salad bar. Including wine, approximately $80 per person.

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Buenos Aires (CC BY-SA 4.0).