Dining in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Dining
Meat is a way of life in Argentina, as exemplified by the fact that the population eats more meat per capita than the residents of any other country in the world. It’s an art form—a daily celebration—and beef prepared well is held in very high esteem. Because it’s such as passion with the people of Buenos Aires, it’s hard to make a poor choice when it comes to meat, especially when eating at the many parrillas (grills). Experience the incomparable taste of the Pampas grass-fed beef at restaurants such as Cabañas Las Lilas, the most famous grill in the country for good reason: the tender meat is so soft and juicy you’ll find it difficult to stop eating. La Dorita in Palermo Viejo and Siga La Vaca in Puerto Madero are also excellent selections.

Cafes are very popular in Buenos Aires, sort of the cultural staple that they are in Paris. Coffee is the drink of choice here, so grab a café con leche and perhaps an alfajor (an insanely addictive small round cake) at one of these great choices: La Biela, a must-stop café across from the Recoleta Cemetery; Café Tortoni, a landmark cafe near the Plaza de Mayo; and Florida Garden, a trendy pick for socialites.

When people think of Argentinean food, the first thing that comes to mind is probably empanadas. These wonderful dough pockets are filled with a variety of ingredients—from meats to veggies to rice to sweet stuff—and can be found almost everywhere. Some ingredients tend to be more popular in different parts of the country; for example, the Pampas use a lot of red pepper, carrot, and boiled egg, while lamb and seafood are common in the Patagonian provinces. Trying to name the best empanadas in a particular region is dangerous business and always hotly debated, but in Buenos Aires, some great examples can be found at Doña Eulogia in Palermo Chico, El Sanjuanino in La Recoleta, and El Federal in El Centro.

For a memorable evening of fine food and wine, make your way to one of these fabulous restaurants:

Casa Cruz
1656 Uriarte, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires
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A fine Italian restaurant in Palermo, Casa Cruz is popular with impeccably stylish diners. Conveying an instant glamour with its chic nightclub-type ambience, the restaurant boasts a menu of dishes such as king crab ravioli, smoked red tuna, duck magret, rabbit, and grilled octopus.

La Bourgogne
1891 Avenida Alvear, Buenos Aires, C1129AA
$$$$
La Bourgogne transports diners to the City of Lights with its exceptional French cuisine, courtesy of the Bourgogne-born chef, Jean Paul Bondoux. This lovely restaurant, located inside the five-star Alvear Palace, also treats diners to the luxuries within its famously well-stocked wine cellar.

Le Sud
841-849 Arroyo, Captial Federal, Buenos Aires, C1007AAB
$$$$
Le Sud, a French-Mediterranean restaurant inside the Sofitel, features the work of award-winning Executive Chef Thierry Pszonka. He focuses on simple, flavourful dishes that pop in one’s mouth, including stewed rabbit and a delectable polenta with Parmesan and rosemary. His mouth-watering plates are served within a thoroughly sophisticated environment of dazzling chandeliers and polished marble floors.

Oviedo
2602 Beruti, Buenos Aires
$$$$
Fish lovers will think they’ve died and gone to heaven. This seafood paradise consists of innovative dishes like fresh fish with gnocchi of olives and trout fillet with mushroom terrine. But it also highlights meats such as Kobe steak, ribs, and quail. A delightful line-up of desserts and wines complete the meal.

Plaza Grill
1005 Florida, Buenos Aires, C1005AAU
$$$$
Taking pride of place inside the Marriott Plaza Hotel, the signature Plaza Grill attracts executives, government officials, and refined diners from around the world to its elegant interior. The international menu features divine Argentine steaks and perfectly cooked venison, as well as wines from seven countries.