Best Restaurants To Check out in Argentina – Our Top Picks

Argentina is known for its rich culinary traditions and vibrant food scene. It offers many dining experiences that cater to every palate. From the sizzling steaks of Buenos Aires to the flavorful empanadas of Mendoza, each region presents unique flavors and dishes worth exploring.

Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for authentic Argentine cuisine or want to indulge in gourmet experiences, this is your ultimate guide.

We’ve scoured cities and towns across Argentina to bring you a curated selection of restaurants that promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

So, if you’re eager to discover where locals love to eat and what dishes are considered must-tries, scroll down for reviews of our top picks.

At Fogón, you’re in for a treat with an exclusive view of the asado craft.

Fogón offers specially designed tasting menus highlighting the country’s best ingredients and local grass-fed beef. Each dish has a creative twist and perfectly pairs with wines from Argentina’s oldest wineries.

This restaurant stands out because it’s recommended in the Michelin Guide 2024.

And guess what? You can enjoy a 9-course tasting menu at their Uriarte Location in Palermo Soho. But remember, you need to book your spot through their website.

What makes Fogón unique? It’s like attending a show where food is the star! All dishes are prepared on their parrilla (Spanish for grill) right in front of guests, offering a counter-experience unlike any other.

They serve up classics like beef empanadas and dishes that might surprise you – think tortilla española but with that special asado touch.

With two locations in Palermo:

• Gorriti 3780 , Palermo Viejo
• Uriarte 1423 , Palermo Soho

Family-run restaurant, i-Latina stands out as a unique spot in the bustling city, offering a seven-course tasting menu full of Latin American flavors. Stepping inside this restaurant is like being invited into someone’s home for dinner.

The chefs at i-Latina pair each dish with award-winning wines chosen carefully to ensure they go perfectly with your meal.

Chef Santiago Macías started i-Latina in 2008. His idea was simple but brilliant: mix different Latin American cuisines into one delicious journey.

Over the years, this restaurant has gotten lots of praise from big names like The New York Times and Forbes. In 2015, it won the “The One to Watch” award among Latin America’s top restaurants.

Located at Murillo 725 in Argentina, i-Latina is where food becomes an adventure across continents.

Located in the stunning city of Salta, at the top of Cerro San Bernardo, El Baqueano stands out for its unique approach to Argentine cuisine. Founded in 2008 and having moved recently, it offers a dining experience that’s hard to find elsewhere because it specializes in contemporary native kitchen creations.

What makes it truly special is its menu filled with various types of meat, including rhea, alligator, llama, and vizcacha, as well as fish from the Atlantic coast, like white salmon and palometa. They also serve unconventional meats such as buffalo and wild boar.

The secret behind their extraordinary dishes lies in their dedication to working closely with small local producers across Argentina’s diverse ecoregions, ensuring freshness and supporting local communities. Their seasonal menu changes based on what ingredients are available.

Adding to its prestige, El Baqueano has been named one of Latin America’s best restaurants by the 50 Best ranking for four years (2013-2019). This accolade underlines its commitment to quality and innovation in cuisines.

The Argentine Experience lets you dive deep into Argentina’s rich culture while enjoying delicious food and wine.

Here, guests can participate in making traditional empanadas, which are fun and enlightening. Plus, mate tasting is included– an iconic Argentine drink.

What makes this spot stand out? According to TripAdvisor, it ranks number 2 out of 6,000 restaurants in Buenos Aires. This statement speaks volumes about the unique experience awaiting diners here.

Located at Fitz Roy 2110 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, getting there is easy for anyone looking to immerse themselves fully in Argentine customs. And don’t worry if you’re vegetarian – they’ve covered you with unique dishes.

Remember, though, because of its popularity and unique offering, reservations are required ahead of time.

For those planning their trip or visit to Argentina and seeking suggestions on must-visit places – adding The Argentine Experience should be high on your list if diving deep into local cuisine and culture sounds appealing.

Aramburu takes dining to a whole new level with its 12-course gastronomic journey, making it an adventure for your taste buds! The chefs here use cool science tricks called molecular gastronomy, which means they change average food into amazing, new dishes.

You can sit in a cozy place while watching the chefs cook right before your eyes. That’s what you get at Aramburu, plus there’s a special chef’s table!

Here’s what’s on the menu:

• Strange snacks that look like they’re hanging from a tree.
• Seafood that tastes like the ocean but looks like art.
• Fresh veggies and seafood cooked in ways you’ve never seen, like courgette flower tempura and Patagonian prawns on hot rocks.

This restaurant is in Recoleta, a pretty part of town. People love it not just for the food but also because everyone working there is super friendly.

Chef Gonzalo Aramburu and his team make all this magic happen in their kitchen, opening up to where you sit. They focus on making each dish unique using Argentina’s best stuff.

And don’t forget about dessert! You move upstairs for coffee, something sweet, and cocktails if you want them.

At Roux, Chef Martin Rebaudino takes Mediterranean cuisine to a new level by adding Argentine twists, making the dishes unique and exciting. The food is as good as it looks.

The service at Roux is top-notch and the staff are always there when needed. They ensure that everything is perfect for your meal.

One of the best things about Roux is its wine list. It features wines from local boutique wineries that you might not find elsewhere. These wines go wonderfully with the meals served here.

Roux offers three different dining experiences:

• The main room feels like a small restaurant in Paris.
• “The paths of ROUX” offer comfortable seating protected from bad weather.
• The “dinatoire” cellar, surrounded by wine bottles, gives an intimate vibe.

Each area has its own style but shares the same excellent service and attention to detail.

The menu at Roux shows off ingredients and flavors from France, Spain, and other Mediterranean areas, all mixed with Argentine style. Whether you’re in the mood for rib or something lighter, there’s something for everyone.

Sacro stands out in Buenos Aires as the top spot for plant-based eating. They serve creative vegan dishes that surprise and delight. I’m talking about biting into kimchi-based dumplings with ginger foam or savoring artichokes with Sicilian caponata. That’s what they offer.

The place is a feast for the eyes, with a modern and chic interior design. Additionally, they have a bar where you can sip on amazing cocktails. Sacro has something special whether you’re health-conscious, eco-friendly, or just love good food.

Service options to make your visit smooth:

• Reservations are needed.
• There’s cozy outdoor seating.
• The cocktails are top-notch.

Located at Costa Rica 6038 in Buenos Aires’ trendy Palermo Hollywood district, sits on the ground floor of the CasaSur boutique hotel. Its bright façade catches your eye while inside, and its elongated layout offers a modern vibe with a lush terrace at the back.

The menu? A contemporary à la carte focused on vegetarian dishes meant to be shared. From gently flavored meals like corn remolacha with herbs to heartier choices like roasted salsify with kale and edamame cream – every dish showcases vegetables from Far Eastern and Latin American perspectives.

Chile stands out as a sophisticated and classy restaurant in Argentina, offering diners an unforgettable experience with its top-notch menu. This place is all about showcasing the best of Argentinian cuisine.

What makes Chile unique? It has diverse dining options where each dish is perfectly crafted, from the rich flavors of Chilean sea bass to beef in raspberry sauce. Their dessert options, like mango ice cream and cheese cookies, are irresistible.

The snacks and shrimp dishes are excellent choices for lighter bites. These have helped cement Chile’s reputation as one of Argentina’s top 10 restaurants.

Aside from great food, Chile also boasts some great features that enhance your dining experience:

• Free Off-Street Parking: No need to worry about finding a spot.
• Wheelchair Accessible: Everyone is welcome here.
• Full Bar: Enjoy your favorite drinks with your meal.
• Accepts Major Credit Cards (American Express/Mastercard/Visa): Making payments easy.
• Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected while you dine.
• Easy Credit Card Payment Facilities: Hassle-free transactions every time.

Another gem inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Buenos Aires, Elena screams luxury from every corner, offering top-notch service that makes you feel special.

At Elena, it’s all about Argentine flavors taken to the next level. They serve excellent cuts of meat and fresh seafood that will surely make your mouth water just thinking about it. The chefs focus on making sure every bite is perfect.

What sets Elena apart is its stunning two-story design and a dry-aging room you can see. This is where you can watch your steak age to perfection before it hits your plate!

The kitchen team, led by executive chef Juan Gaffuri and head chef Nicolás Díaz Rosáenz, whip up traditional dishes with a twist that locals and tourists love.

Starters like grilled sweetbreads set the stage for main courses such as grass-fed Angus rib-eye. And don’t skip dessert – their homemade gelato is out of this world!

Elena also boasts an impressive wine list focusing on Argentine picks. A glass of juicy Malbec here pairs perfectly with everything on the menu.

If you are used to having fast-food-like services in other countries, you may be surprised to find that restaurants in Argentina take their time with your food. This is because dining for Argentines is a social experience shared with friends and family.

While some places may serve dishes simultaneously, it’s not uncommon for meals to come out at different times. This means you can expect a long, relaxed dining experience while enjoying the company of those around you.

It’s also important to note that tipping is customary in Argentina, with 10% being the standard. It’s polite to leave cash on the table when paying for your meal, or you can request it to be added to your bill.

Some of the best places to visit in Argentina can be outside these listed restaurants. You can find delicious meals at local eateries and street food stalls in every city.

Here are a few dishes that you must try when visiting Argentina:

• Asado: This is the Argentine version of a barbeque, where various cuts of meat are grilled on an open flame.
• Empanadas: These stuffed pastries contain different ingredients like beef, cheese, or vegetables.
• Choripan: This is a popular street food dish with grilled chorizo sausage on a crusty roll.
• Alfajores: These are sweet treats made of two cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche in the middle.
• Matambre: A rolled and stuffed beef dish typically served cold as an appetizer.

Driving in Argentina with a rented car is arguably the best way to explore different dining spots. You can also take a leisurely walk around the city and stumble upon hidden gems.

In Buenos Aires, for example, you can stroll along the Palermo neighborhood and find charming cafes and restaurants tucked away in alleyways. Or head to San Telmo’s Sunday market to sample street food while browsing handmade items.

No matter where you end up, one thing is for sure – you won’t go hungry in Argentina. With its diverse and delicious cuisine, the country has something to satisfy every taste bud.

Remember to bring your international driving license to Argentina to avoid any issues with driving.

While foods are available all year round, you might want to consider visiting during the country’s spring and fall seasons for pleasant weather and smaller crowds. The best time to visit Argentina for foodies is during the harvest season from February to April when you can try fresh produce and participate in wine festivals.

They say that experiencing the food scene is one of the best things to do in Argentina, and it’s easy to see why.

These top 9 restaurants in Argentina have their unique style, but share the same commitment to quality and service.

From traditional Argentine flavors to Mediterranean twists, there’s something for every palate in this South American country. And with such great options available, it’s no wonder why Argentina is known as a foodie’s paradise.

So, next time you’re in the country, be sure to check out these top restaurants and indulge in the best Argentinian cuisine. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed!