Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires: What to Eat and Where to Go
Buenos Aires is a city built on beef, flour, and fire. The dining scene reflects its Italian and Spanish heritage, filtered through a rugged South American lens. You aren’t coming here for light salads. You’re coming for grass-fed steaks, hand-folded empanadas, and red wine that flows easier than water. The city eats late; showing up at 7:00 PM usually means you’ll be dining alone. To find the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, you have to look beyond the tourist traps of Caminito and head to where the locals queue.
Must-try dishes in Buenos Aires
Before deciding where to eat in Buenos Aires, prioritize these staples:
- Bife de Chorizo: The quintessential Argentine sirloin. Expect a thick, salt-crusted cut that doesn't need sauce.
- Empanadas: Small dough pockets typically filled with knife-cut beef, ham and cheese, or humita (sweet corn).
- Milaesa: Breaded meat fillets, usually beef or chicken. Order it "a la napolitana" for a topping of ham, cheese, and tomato sauce.
- Choripán: A grilled chorizo sausage split down the middle and served on crusty bread with chimichurri.
- Provoleta: A thick disc of provolone cheese grilled until the outside is crispy and the inside is molten.
- Alfajores: Two shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche and often dipped in chocolate.
Best restaurants for a splurge
When looking for the best restaurants in Buenos Aires for a high-end experience, these three define the city's culinary peak.
Don Julio (Palermo Soho)
Regularly ranked on the "World’s 50 Best" list, Don Julio is the gold standard for Argentine Parrilla. They source grass-fed Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle. The service is clinical and the wine cellar is one of the best in the country. Order the ojo de bife (ribeye) and don't skip the fried beef fat empanadas.
Aramburu (Recoleta)
For those tired of steak, Aramburu offers a world-class tasting menu. Chef Gonzalo Aramburu focuses on seasonal Argentine ingredients used in molecular gastronomy. The open kitchen and sleek, dark interior provide a sharp contrast to the city's traditional aesthetic. It is a three-hour journey through the country's diverse biomes.
Anchoíta (Chacarita)
This is currently the hardest reservation to get in the city. Anchoíta isn't just a steakhouse; it’s a celebration of Argentine river fish, cured meats, and exceptional cheeses. The open-plan space is industrial and energetic. If you can’t get a table, try their neighboring wine bar or bakery for a similar quality at a lower price point.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These spots are where you go for a reliable, high-quality meal without the white tablecloths.
El Preferido de Palermo (Palermo Soho)
This pink-walled historic corner spot was revitalized by the team behind Don Julio. It specializes in "bodegón" classics—dishes influenced by Spanish and Italian immigrants. Their milanesa is widely considered the best in the city. It’s vibrant, loud, and consistently excellent for lunch or dinner.
Corte Comedor (Belgrano)
Located at the back of a high-end butcher shop, Corte Comedor is a carnivore’s paradise. Because they are butchers first, the meat quality is unparalleled. They experiment more with aging and different cuts than traditional parrillas. The atmosphere is bright, modern, and focused entirely on the product.
Mengano (Palermo Soho)
Mengano reimagines the traditional Argentine bodegón in a stylish, renovated townhouse. They serve small plates designed for sharing, which is rare in a city of massive portions. Try the "revuelto gramajo" or their elevated take on the matambre. It’s creative cooking that feels familiar to any local.
La Mezzetta (Villa Ortúzar)
This is no-frills dining. There are no chairs; you eat standing up at the counter. La Mezzetta serves "fugazzeta," a thick-crust pizza stuffed with an aggressive amount of mozzarella and topped with onions. It is a local institution that has survived decades by doing one thing perfectly.
Best cheap eats and street food
If you are wondering where to eat in Buenos Aires on a budget, look for "ventanitas" (little windows) and local bakeries.
Nuestra Parrilla (San Telmo)
Located inside the San Telmo Market, this tiny stall is famous for its choripán. It’s greasy, smoky, and affordable. Grab a sandwich, load it with chimichurri, and eat it while wandering the antique stalls. It is the definition of Argentine street food.
El Cuartito (Barrio Norte)
Operating since 1934, El Cuartito is a shrine to pizza and sports. The walls are covered in boxing and football memorabilia. A slice of "muzza" (mozzarella) and a faina (chickpea pancake) will cost you very little and keep you full for hours.
Panadería de Anchoíta (Chacarita)
The bakery arm of the famous restaurant offers world-class pastries and sandwiches for a fraction of a sit-down meal. Their sourdough and medialunas (Argentine croissants) are exceptional. Expect a line on weekends, but it moves fast.
Choripanería (San Telmo)
While traditionalists prefer the street carts, this spot in the San Telmo Market offers "gourmet" choripán. They use high-quality sausage and creative toppings like caramelized onions or blue cheese. It’s a cheap, fast way to see how the city is modernizing its staples.
Best breakfast and brunch
Buenos Aires used to be a city of just coffee and a croissant. Now, the brunch scene is exploding.
Cuervo Café (Various Locations)
Cuervo led the specialty coffee revolution in Buenos Aires. They serve excellent flat whites and avocado toast in minimalist, sun-drenched spaces. It’s the go-to spot for the city’s creative class to start their day.
Oli Café (Palermo Hollywood)
Oli is a high-energy bakery and cafe with an open kitchen. Their pastry case is legendary, featuring everything from homemade donuts to savory tarts. The breakfast burrito and French toast are standout items for a heavy weekend brunch.
Salvaje Pasta (Palermo Hollywood)
While known for pasta at lunch, their morning bread and pastry game is elite. It’s a rugged, "rock and roll" bakery aesthetic with heavy sourdough loaves and high-quality butter. Sit at the sidewalk tables and watch the neighborhood wake up.
Best rooftop or view dining
The Buenos Aires skyline is a mix of European domes and modern skyscrapers. These spots offer the best vantage points.
Trade Sky Bar (Microcentro)
Located on the top floors of the historic Comega building, Trade offers a 360-degree view of the city and the river. The art deco interior is stunning, but the outdoor terrace is the draw. It’s better for cocktails and small bites than a full multi-course meal.
Salón 1923 (Palacio Barolo)
Situated inside one of the city's most beautiful historic buildings, this rooftop bar offers views of the National Congress. The building was designed based on Dante’s Divine Comedy. Having a coffee or glass of Malbec here feels like stepping back into the 1920s.
Arriba (Alcorta Shopping)
Located on the rooftop of an upscale mall, Arriba is surprisingly chic and well-executed. The terrace is lush with greenery, making it feel like an escape from the city noise. The menu is international and refined, perfect for a long sunset dinner.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you want to find the best restaurants in Buenos Aires simply by walking, head to these three districts.
Palermo Soho/Hollywood: This is the epicenter of the city’s dining scene. Every street is lined with grills, cafes, and fusion restaurants. If you are unsure where to eat, start at the intersection of Gurruchaga and Costa Rica and walk four blocks in any direction.
Chacarita: Often called the "new Palermo," this neighborhood is quieter and more residential. It has become a hub for experimental chefs and wine bars. It’s the best place to find "cool" spots that haven't yet been overrun by massive crowds.
San Telmo: The city’s oldest neighborhood. It’s the place for historic pulperías (old taverns) and the Mercado de San Telmo. It feels grittier and more authentic than the northern neighborhoods.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation requirements change frequently; check Google Maps or the restaurant’s Instagram before visiting.