Buenos Aires Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Order

Local tip

Don't be afraid to order beef cuts that are less familiar to international travelers, such as entraña (skirt steak) or vacío (flank steak). These cuts are often more flavorful than the standard tenderloin and are favorites among locals. Also, remember that tipping is customary but not mandatory; adding 10% for good service is standard practice. Finally, take your time and enjoy the slow pace of dining, as rushing through a meal is considered anti-social.

Best Asado in Buenos Aires

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La Cabrera

PalermoKnown for its oversized portions and playful presentation; one of the few places where the side dishes rival the steak.

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El Pobre Luis

BelgranoFamous for the "Pamplona" and some of the best sweetbreads in the city.

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Cabaña Las Lilas

Puerto MaderoThe high-end choice in the refurbished docks; excellent views and professional service.

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Lo de Jesús

PalermoA historic corner pulpería that has evolved into a top-tier steakhouse with a great wine shop next door.

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Gran Parrilla del Plata

San TelmoHoused in a historic corner butchery; the tilework is as authentic as the short ribs.

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Corte Comedor

BelgranoA modern butcher-restaurant hybrid; the charcuterie and dry-aged cuts are technically superior.

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Elena

RetiroLocated in the Four Seasons; their dry-aged T-bone is a luxury benchmark.

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Nuestro Secreto

RetiroA luxury garden setting; the "asado in the park" feel with five-star service.

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Don Julio

PalermoThe global benchmark for Argentine beef; the wine cellar is as legendary as the bife de cuadril.

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Parrilla Peña

San NicolásThe "local secret" benchmark; honest prices, complimentary empanadas, and arguably the best value-for-money steak in the city center.

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La Brigada

San TelmoA museum of football memorabilia that happens to serve incredible meat cut with a spoon.

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Fogón Asado

PalermoAn immersive "chef's table" experience where you sit at the bar and watch every step of the asado ritual.

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El Desnivel

San TelmoA rowdy, no-nonsense classic that represents the soul of old San Telmo with massive portions.

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Hierro

PalermoFocuses on iron-heavy grilling and high-quality grass-fed beef in a trendy setting.

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La Carnicería

PalermoA "new wave" parrilla that experiments with smoke, fruit glazes, and massive portions.

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Best Bife de Chorizo in Buenos Aires

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El Ferroviario

LiniersA massive, loud, authentic cooperative restaurant in an old train depot; the portions are giant.

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La Rechocha

PalermoA small, unpretentious spot that locals love for a quick, high-quality steak.

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Parrilla Al Carbón

San TelmoA reliable stop in San Telmo for a quick, classic bife while browsing the antiques.

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Santos Manjares

CentroA rare "lunchtime parrilla" in the business district that serves a stellar bife for office workers.

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Best Empanadas in Buenos Aires

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El Sanjuanino

RecoletaThe absolute king of empanadas in the city; their "Carne Picante" is a rite of passage.

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La Mezzetta

ChacaritaA no-frills neighborhood spot where the empanadas are deep-fried to perfection.

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Perón Perón

PalermoA political-themed restaurant that serves "Evita" style empanadas that are rich and flavorful.

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El Hornero

San Telmo MarketThe star of the San Telmo Market; giant, juicy, and usually featuring a line out the door.

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La Querencia

RecoletaNorthern-style (Tucumán) empanadas that are smaller but packed with flavor and juice.

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La Hormiga

PalermoA classic Palermo parrilla where the empanadas are the perfect, smoky appetizer.

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La Cocina

RecoletaFamous for the "Pikachu"—a slightly sweet and spicy cheese and onion empanada that is cult-status.

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1810 Cocina Regional

PalermoSpecializes in Tucumán-style empanadas; smaller, juicier, and served with a side of spicy sauce.

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La Americana

Centro"The Queen of Empanadas"; a massive variety of traditional flavors in a historic setting.

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Fortín Salteño

AlmagroAs the name suggests, they specialize in the spicy, potato-heavy style of Salta.

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Banchero

La BocaThe inventor of fugazza pizza also makes a very respectable, thick-crust empanada.

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Pirilo

San TelmoStanding-room only; historic, greasy, and absolutely essential for the San Telmo experience.

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El Cuartito

RetiroAnother pizza legend where the empanadas are mandatory appetizers.

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Güerrín

CentroWhile a pizza temple, their fried meat empanadas at the counter are some of the best in the city.

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Best Choripán in Buenos Aires

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Fredels

PalermoA historic rotisserie that has been serving some of the best traditional chorizos for decades.

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Sol y Tierra

San TelmoA classic San Telmo stop for a choripán "to go" during the Sunday fair.

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El Puentecito

BarracasA historic pulpería far off the tourist trail with a legendary traditional grill.

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Chori

PalermoA "gourmet" take on the classic; their "Chori Ahumado" and "Chori de Cordero" are outstanding.

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Costanera Sur Food Trucks

Puerto MaderoThe most traditional way to eat it: grab a sandwich from a truck and dress it yourself from the row of condiment bowls.

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Parrilla El Tano

AvellanedaA bit of a trek outside the city center, but widely considered the "church" of the meat-heavy, no-rules parrillada.

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Boca a Boca

PalermoA specialized "choripaneria" that focuses on artisanal sausages and high-quality bread.

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Alameda

Costanera SurOne of the most famous waterfront "carritos" for a massive, traditional choripán.

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Parrilla El 22

ChacaritaA neighborhood staple where the chorizos are exceptionally juicy and the bread is always fresh.

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El Gran Mosquito

AlmagroA "tenedor libre" where the choripán is the essential opening act.

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El Refuerzo

San TelmoA small, atmospheric bodegón that takes their choripán very seriously.

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Choripaneria de Mercado

San Telmo MarketModern, trendy, and located in the heart of the market; great variety of chimichurris.

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Best Milanesa in Buenos Aires

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Bar de Cao

San CristóbalA "Bares Notables" landmark; their milanesa is a time-capsule of old-school Buenos Aires flavors.

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Santa Evita

PalermoA political-themed spot with a "Milanesa de la Casa" that is incredibly thick and flavorful.

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Don Ignacio

AlmagroKnown as the "King of Milanesas"; he offers over 30 different toppings on giant, tender cutlets.

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El Club de la Milanesa

PalermoThe best entry point for groups; consistent quality and a massive menu of variations.

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El Obrero

La BocaA historic bodegón where the milanesas are huge, rustic, and served with a side of local history.

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Hermanos Milanesa

PalermoA modern, high-quality take on the milanesa with great delivery options.

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Los Gallegos

San TelmoA classic neighborhood spot where the milanesa is the standard lunch for the entire block.

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Albamonte

ChacaritaAn old-school Italian-Argentine canteen famous for the "Milanesa de Ternera" with potato salad.

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Manolo

San TelmoA popular, busy bodegón where the milanesas are massive and perfect for sharing.

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Turf

BoedoA legendary neighborhood grill with a milanesa that is often cited as the best in the south.

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El Preferido de Palermo

PalermoOften cited as the best milanesa in the city; expertly breaded, thin, and served in a stunning pink building.

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Los Orientales

AlmagroA classic bodegón with no-nonsense service and giant, family-sized milanesas.

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Bodegón de Nuñez

NuñezFamous for their "Milanesa de la Casa" which is large enough to feed a family of four.

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Best Provoleta in Buenos Aires

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El Mirasol

Puerto MaderoA high-end presentation; served with artisanal bread and top-tier olive oil.

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Best Dulce de Leche in Buenos Aires

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Entre Dos

Gourmet ShopsA premium export from Mendoza that has taken the BA gourmet scene by storm.

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La Pinocha

CentroA boutique chocolate shop known for high-quality dulce de leche blocks and artisanal alfajores.

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Havanna

PalermoThe most famous brand in Argentina; their "70% Cacao" alfajor is a modern masterpiece.

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Cachafaz

RecoletaThe premium competitor to Havanna; many locals argue their dulce de leche is superior.

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Dos Escudos

RecoletaA traditional bakery that makes some of the best artisanal alfajores and dulce de leche pastries.

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Vasalissa Chocolatier

RecoletaThe "Tiffany's" of Argentine chocolate; their dulce de leche truffles are world-class.

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Mamuschka

RecoletaAnother Patagonian import famous for its "Matryoshka" branding and incredible caramel-based sweets.

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Atalaya

CentroWhile famous as a roadside stop, their BA cafes serve the most legendary dulce de leche pastries.

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Abuela Goye

CentroKnown for their rustic, home-style alfajores that use traditional mountain recipes.

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Balcarce

CentroFamous for their "Postre Balcarce," but their dulce de leche alfajores are a historic staple.

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Guaymallen

Various (Kiosks)"The People's Choice"; the most sold alfajor in the country, simple and nostalgic.

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Jorgito

Various (Kiosks)A cult favorite; the standard "school lunch" alfajor that locals never outgrow.

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Terrabusi

Various (Supermarkets)The most famous "industrial" brand; their triple-layer alfajor is a snack-time legend.

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Rapanui

PalermoA chocolate temple from Patagonia; their "Franui" and dulce de leche ice cream are legendary.

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Best Medialunas in Buenos Aires

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La Vicente Lopez

Vicente LopezJust outside the city limits, but worth the trek for what many consider the best "Manteca" medialunas.

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La Pasta Frola

CentroA historic institution on Corrientes; perfect for a pre-theater medialuna and coffee.

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Confitería La Ideal

CentroA recently restored architectural gem; eating medialunas here is a step back into the Golden Age.

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Dos Donas

PalermoA modern take on the bakery, serving high-quality traditional medialunas alongside gourmet donuts.

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L'Epi Boulangerie

RecoletaRun by two Frenchmen, they apply French technique to the Argentine medialuna with spectacular results.

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Salvapátria

PalermoA hip, modern bakery that has perfected the sourdough-based medialuna.

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Maru Botana

BelgranoThe most famous TV chef in Argentina; her bakeries serve high-quality, home-style medialunas.

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Las Violetas

AlmagroA "Bares Notables" landmark; eating medialunas here is the definitive BA afternoon ritual.

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Le Caravelle

CentroA tiny, historic coffee bar where the medialunas are small, sweet, and perfect for a quick break.

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Sani

PalermoA neighborhood secret for those who want the most traditional, non-touristy panadería taste.

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Pertutti

RecoletaA massive, bustling classic where the medialunas are consistently fresh and perfectly glazed.

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Lucio

PalermoA historic "Confitería" where the medialunas de manteca are huge, glazed, and incredibly soft.

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Gontran Cherrier

PalermoA French import that serves some of the most buttery, croissant-like medialunas in the city.

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Best Pizza Porteña in Buenos Aires

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Pinpun

AlmagroA neighborhood classic known for its generous portions and perfectly balanced dough.

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Roma

BalvaneraA historic bar that has been revitalized, serving excellent traditional pizza in a beautiful setting.

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Los Inmortales

CentroFamous for stone-baked pizza but still deeply tied to the traditional Porteña scene and literary history.

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Las Cuartetas

CentroAnother historic giant on Corrientes, famous for its thick-crust "pizza de molde" and retro vibe.

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El Fortín

Monte CastroA legendary neighborhood spot far from the tourist center, offering massive, cheese-laden slices.

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Burgio

BelgranoA classic counter-service pizzeria that has remained unchanged for decades.

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Bakano

PalermoA reliable spot in Palermo offering high-quality takes on the classic Porteña styles.

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Kentucky

VariousThe most successful local chain; perfect for a quick, cheap slice while on the move.

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Imperio de la Pizza

ChacaritaA classic spot right by the transit hub, serving thick slices to commuters for generations.

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Angelín

Villa CrespoThe birthplace of "Pizza canchera" (sauce-heavy, no cheese, served cold). A true local experience.

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Best Sorrentinos in Buenos Aires

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Doña

AlmagroA very busy cantina offering top-tier artisanal pastas served with a huge variety of sauces.

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La Pipeta

CentroA historic bodegón located in a basement, famous for its old-school atmosphere and honest pasta plates.

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Pierino

AlmagroA historic spot with a very traditional feel, specializing in classic stuffed pastas and rich sauces.

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Chiuso

RetiroA more upscale choice in the business district, offering refined and perfectly executed pasta dishes.

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Spiagge di Napoli

BoedoA classic with near 100 years of history, famous for its traditional style and massive portions of filled pasta.

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Salgado Alimentos

Villa CrespoA modern temple to pasta, offering creative fillings and sauces that elevate the traditional sorrentino.

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Il Ballo del Mattone

PalermoAn artsy, lively Italian spot in Palermo known for its fun atmosphere and reliable pasta dishes.

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Broccolino

CentroA classic Italian-Argentine restaurant that has been serving comfort food to locals and visitors for decades.

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Cucina Paradiso

PalermoRun by celebrity chef Donato de Santis, offering authentic Italian techniques with high-quality ingredients.

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La Parolaccia

Puerto MaderoA reliable and elegant chain known for its consistent quality and classic Italian-Argentine menu.

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Sottovoce

RecoletaA high-end choice offering some of the most refined pasta experiences in the city with excellent service.

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Buenos Aires

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