taytrum travels

I recently spent 3 weeks in Buenos Aires and left the city absolutely in love with its food scene. After exploring many different spots from Palermo to San Telmo to Recoleta, here are my top recommendations.

This guide includes vegan spots, ice cream, cafes, classic Argentine cuisine, parrillas, and much more. It also features a map of all the best spots.

What is Argentine food known for?

Argentine food is famous for their steaks and the accompanying Malbec red wine. They’re also known for their chimichurri sauce which is usually spread over grilled meats and vegetables. Chimichurri is a finely chopped blend of parsley, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and garlic. Restaurants often add their own flair to their chimichurri recipes, such as fresh red chili.

Many Italian immigrants came to Buenos Aires and this has further influenced the food here. You can find incredible pastas and Napoli style pizza in Buenos Aires. While traditional Napoli pizza draws in crowds, you should also try Argentinian-style pizza called Fugazzeta. This pizza usually has thicker crust and is piled with onions and mozzarella.

Save room for dessert though too. The country is known for dulce de leche. The most popular treat with this sweet caramel is an alfajor, but you can also try dulce de leche ice cream. An alfajor is like a bit like a big caramel oreo. It usually has two shortbread cookies with dulce de leche cream sandwiched in the center. Sometimes they are covered in chocolate. Crafty ones will even top them with nuts or other creative toppings.

How hard is it to be vegetarian in Argentina?

While the country is renowned for its grilled meats, the city of Buenos Aires has a growing and diverse dining scene. In addition to many vegan specific restaurants at a range of budgets, there are also many good options if you are with a mixed group of dining preferences.

Even at parrillas, I found there to always be options for vegetarians in the form of either a salad, grilled veggie sides, potatoes, veggie burgers, pizza, or pasta. As a vegetarian myself, having more than one option on a menu is really important to me. Buenos Aires did not disappoint!

My Top Picks:

Here are my favorite spots based on experience and a lot of reading. You can find a map at the end of the list with all of their locations!

1. El Obrero

Frequently listed as one of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, El Obrero serves typical Argentine food. They also have a variety of Italian pasta dishes and Spanish classics. It is one of the best places for steak. It’s found in La Boca neighborhood. Even though this may be one of the best parrillas (grills/steakhouses) in the city, it is not overpriced nor fancy. The walls are adorned with soccer memorabilia and photographs.

2. Cuervo Cafe

Found in Palermo Soho, this coffee shop offers quick service. You can order from a window outside or inside. Cuervo, meaning crow, features a hip, cozy design inside with just a few seats. They have more seats outside, however the chairs are more of stools. Because of this, this cafe makes for a better quick stop before further exploring.

3. Los Galgos Bar

Los Galgos Bar is a popular spot in the city. It is great for happy hour cocktails and small share plates such as Spanish tortilla and focaccia. They have both a lunch and dinner menu too if you have a bigger appetite.

The place gets its name from greyhound dogs (Los Galgos in Spanish). The original cafe has a long history in Buenos Aires, but it most recently reopened its doors in 2015

4. Mishiguene

Mishiguene is a Jewish restaurant in Palermo referred to as the “Kitchen of Immigrants.” It is owned by Tomás Kalica, an internationally distinguished chef. In 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 the restaurant made its way onto the Latam 50 Best Restaurants list. It took 8th place in 2020 on this list that covers the entirety of Latin America.

In addition to more unique menu items, they also have an extensive wine list to include orange wines. This is one of the most expensive options on the list, but it left an incredible impression. I highly recommend it.

5. El Peron Peron

If you want meat that falls off the bone, head to Peron Peron in Palermo Soho. They serve large portions and serve amazing food while maintaining the ambiance of an everyday, casual vibe with a flair for politics and sports. If you come here, you must absolutely try the Peroncho Hasta Los Huesos, a cut of veal on the bone braised for 6 hours and served with creamy potatoes.

Despite the high quality and size of the portions, most people will be very pleased to know this restaurant is very affordable for budget travelers. In June 2023, four plates, four drinks, a salad, an appetizer, and dessert came to a total of $68 USD ($17 per person).

6. Don Julio

Don Julio is perhaps the most famous steakhouse in Argentina. This traditional spot is known for its beef and wine. The sirloin steak is their most popular item. Both their lunch and dinner tables reserve months in advance, so dining here can take some planning. I did not reserve in advance, and unfortunately didn’t get to eat here.

Bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) is the most popular entre at this swanky and classy restaurant. Portions are also quite large, so plan to bring your apetite.

7. Chori

This bright yellow shop is hard to miss. Chori, referring to sausage, is a great spot to try a choripan which is essentially a sausage sandwich. They make their own gourmet toppings and serve the sausage on homemade bread. Among other features, this shop was included in the Buenos Aires episode of Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix.

It is a more casual spot, as you order at a counter and staff bring you your food. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.

8. Narda Comedor

While much of Argentine food is centered around meat, Narda Comedor takes a different approach. Celebrity chef Narda Lepes uses international vegetarian friendly dishes as inspiration to create plant based, health-conscious food. The menu has items clearly labeled as vegan, vegetarian, and/or gluten free which makes it good option if you are with a group with a variety of dietary needs. In 2019 it was listed among the 50 best restaurants in Latin America. You can find Narda Comedor in the Belgrano neighborhood.

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9. La Mezzetta

This is a famous pizza spot in Buenos Aires. It was founded in 1939. With all that history, this business is not exactly flashy or trendy. It does one seemingly simple thing to stick around for almost 100 years: serve great pizza. This is the best spot to try Argentina’s famous fugazzeta style pizza.

La Mezzetta has been featured in plenty of travel guides and shows, to include Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix.

10. Fauna

Found in Palermo Soho, this little cafe is completely vegan. They serve coffees, teas, kombuchas, and other drinks. Their food items include small sandwiches, pastries, and smoothie bowls. The shop has lots of plants and a tranquil environment. It makes a great spot for remote work or a quick breakfast if you’re in the area. I visited this cafe several mornings and the staff was very kind and the coffee was excellent.

11. La Cabrera

This parrilla is famous for their soft steaks. Happy hour usually starts at 7 pm, which is when you can score a big discount. If you prefer to eat later, reservations are recommended. Their steaks are served with complimentary sides.

12. Niño Gordo

Niño Gordo is a popular restaurant in Buenos Aires, known for its fusion of Asian and Latin American cuisines. A popular dish is the Baos con Panceta. Served with gochujang mayo, these are like little pork sandwiches. The fried chicken appetizer is also incredible, named Kara-age on the menu. The best vegetarian option is the curry.

They’re also notable for their creative and unique cocktails, often served in quirky cups and glasses. Inside, the decor is exquisitely curated with lots of red lanterns, fish tanks, a sushi bar, and retro diner style chairs and tables. Perhaps most distinct is the giant inflatable baby that hangs over the entrance of the restaurant. Reservations are recommended.

13. Sheikob’s Bagels

If you are looking for a filling and easy breakfast or lunch in Palermo Soho, Sheikob’s Bagels is your spot. They serve creative and unique bagel sandwiches. One of the craziest is the Big Macabeo, named for its Big Mac-like ingredients. They also have great vegetarian friendly options like egg and mushroom, where the ingredients are piled high.

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14. Ninina

Ninina has several locations around Buenos Aires, to include inside Museo Malba. They are a well-known bakery and coffee shop. This is a good spot to try artisan alfajores. While I was there, I couldn’t resist trying a giant slice of carrot cake alongside a cortado.

If you have a slightly bigger apetite, they also have small plates like sandwiches and salads.

In the spring and summer, the outdoor patio at Museo Malba is a great spot to sip their wine selection. They feature a wine named for the cute, regionally unique animal: Mara. Try the Mara de Uco Valley Semillon.

15. Evita

Museo Evita is not only a museum dedicated to the first lady and Argentina icon Eva Peron, but it also has an excellent restaurant tucked behind it. There is both indoor seating and a covered patio. I loved this place so much I went back twice for their flan!

Among other things, their menu contains some of Eva’s favorite dishes such as milanesa. Their lunch special in particular is a great deal. It includes bread, an entrée, a side, a glass of wine, and dessert. They have great options for vegetarians as well. I had a creamy ravioli with pumpkin filling.

The back patio features checkerboard floor tiles and space heaters in the winter. It is also a garden with potted plants all around. They have folded blankets on each chair during the winter. Because of this, it is a great spot to dine out and get some fresh air, even if it’s chilly.

16. Baru

Baru is a Colombian restaurant in Palermo Soho. It’s colorful exterior and music draws in clientele. Here you can find typical Colombian and Caribbean foods. One of my favorite things here is Bandeja Paisa. The traditional Bandeja paisa includes rice, beans, pork, chicharrón, plátano maduro, arepas, and a fried egg.

17. Yiyo el Zeneizi

This restaurant used to be a general store and cantina, but recently reinvented itself during the pandemic. The decor features lots of interesting antiques. While renovating the space, they found over 2,000 antique bottles of aperitivos, many of which are now perfectly aged and available to try on their specials menu. The food is a modern twist on traditional Argentine fare. They have many tapas style or picadas plates. Try their tortilla española with its lime aioli.

18. Cosi mi Piace

This is a place that I stumbled upon. I didn’t see it on any guidebook or featured on any other blog beforehand, but I think it deserves more attention. I loved this place so much I went back twice. Cosi mi Piace is an Italian restaurant in Palermo Soho. They make excellent wood fired pizzas. On the table, they also serve a spicy olive oil which I absolutely loved.

They have a large array of indoor seating across two stories as well as a small patio with ambiance lighting.

19. Trippin’ Cafe

Trippin’ Cafe can be found nearby Florida St. in the Retiro neighborhood. It is a good spot if you are looking for a quiet refuge or a place to do some remote work. This stylish cafe has a variety of dishes from small plates like avocado toast to full menu items like steak and fries. You can also just grab a coffee and pastry. It has international influences in its decor, coffee, and menu items.

20. El Sanjuanino

Affordable food can be hard to find in the Recoleta neighborhood, but El Sanjuanino does just that. Plus, it is within walking distance of Cementerio de la Recoleta.

This long-running, rustic establishment offers locals and tourists some of the best budget friendly plates in the neighborhood. They have large portions, a good wine list and cellar, and excellent empanadas. There are two stories; one at ground level and one downstairs. This is where old barrels decorate the ceilings, and you can find the little ladder to the wine cellar down here.

21. La Ribera Parilla

Located in La Boca near El Caminito is La Ribera Parilla. This unassuming restaurant is located upstairs above a sports store. The smell of their grill wafts out onto the street and draws you in.

This was spontaneous pick during my visit. I love a second story restaurant with outdoor balcony seating. It is perfect for people watching, especially in La Boca where there can be big crowds, tango dancers, and disruptive street hawkers. You can order a large variety portion of meats that are served on their own mini-grill. They also have vegetarian options.

22. Mudra

This is an upscale vegan dream. They offer a wide array of vegan items created by Matthew Kenny, a world-renowned plant-based chef. My favorite thing here was their selection of sushi rolls. They also have pastas, dips, burgers, and great craft cocktails.

Don’t miss their Palermo location, which looks like a work of art inside.

23. Cantina San Juan

TV chef Leandro Cristóbal is at the helm of this popular, cool San Telmo spot. They have a variety of creative dishes, drinks, and great service. Many of the menu items have Spanish influences, as the chef spent time studying in Barcelona. Unique to this place, you can end your meal with their house made vermouth.

Reservations are recommended for both dinner and lunch. I visited for a weekday lunch and had to do bar seating. If you like this spot, there is also Cafe San Juan, the more upscale restaurant of the same chef in San Telmo.

24. Hierbabuena

Hierbabuena is a fully plant based, vegan hot spot in San Telmo. They have many indulgent “fast food” style items like chicken nuggets and burgers, but you can find plenty of healthier options like salads and bowls too. I had tacos here and loved them.

Its location is on a pretty tree lined street and they recently changed up their space with more modern decor and funky art. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.

Map of These Spots and More

Should you tip in Argentina?

Tipping is standard. You should tip at least 10% in Argentina. Tips cannot usually be added with credit card payment, so it is best to have some pesos. The Spanish word for tip is propina.

Some upscale restaurants will have a service fee attached to the bill. This does not cover the tip.

When should you eat in Argentina?

Lunch is usually between noon and 3:30 pm. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner hours.

Most locals do not eat dinner until after 9:00 pm. You can expect the dinner scene to start even later on the weekend. Restaurants may not open until 8:00 pm.

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