The 20 best restaurants in Buenos Aires
When it comes to exploring Buenos Aires, one question always comes up: Where are the best restaurants in Buenos Aires? As a city known for its vibrant food culture, finding a definitive list is always evolving.
Good news is: Eating is one of my favorite hobbies.
From well-loved favorites to local spots that fly under the radar, this list represents some of my current top recommendations for anyone wanting to dive into Buenos Aires’ rich and diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional steakhouse or a trendy fusion spot, you won’t be disappointed.
20 best restaurants in Buenos Aires
1. Lardito
Lardito is a wine store and restaurant hybrid in Chacarita, offering over 300 wine labels and delicious small plates like aguachile and prawn bao. With no printed wine menu, diners are encouraged to browse the wines themselves to pick a favorite. The main dining room features a lively communal table with floral arrangements, creating a charming atmosphere. For a quieter experience, you can book a spot on the outdoor patio.
2. Cang Tin
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Cang Tin offers a fusion of Asian flavors in the heart of Palermo. This trendy spot serves a mix of Vietnamese and Thai-inspired dishes around a retro-feeling bar with an open kitchen. You can also grab a table on the sidewalk and watch the trains pass by. And yes, they serve truly spicy dishes (a rarity in Argentina).
3. Ácido
This lively Chacarita restaurant offers a fun, relaxed atmosphere with bold global flavors. The small à la carte menu features seven dishes, including popular Korean tteok-bokki and fried chicken. The rustic, homey decor adds to its charm, and with no reservations, arriving early is a must for a table.
4. El Imperfecto
A modern take on the classic Argentine bodegón, El Imperfecto is set in a renovated home with checkered floors and antique furniture. You’ll find dishes reminiscent of Northern Argentina’s native culture, from locro to humita and empanadas. Many dishes are prepared in a wood-fired oven, giving the plates a smoky and aromatic taste. Comfort food, elevated.
5. Corte Comedor
Corte Comedor offers a more refined take on the classic Argentine steakhouse. The focus here is on high-quality cuts of meat cooked to perfection, paired with seasonal vegetables and expertly crafted sauces. The minimalist decor makes the food the real star of the show.
6. Corriente
Is it New York… or Buenos Aires? This wine-focused restaurant oozes cool from the concrete floors to the half-finished walls. The location was originally a dulce de leche factory, but nowadays, you’ll find everything from beef tataki to ham pate. Chef’s kiss.
7. Naranjo Bar
Arguably the best wine and platitos bar in the city (if you ask me), Naranjo is the perfect spot to relax after a long workday with a group of friends. Their organic and biodynamic wine selection is incredibly impressive, especially when paired with a handful of delicious small plates. The spot fills up, so get there early and enjoy a glass of wine before the dinner service starts.
8. Obrador
You can’t argue with the price to quality at this charming corner restaurant that makes nearly everything in-house. From the furniture and lamps to the sauces, yogurt, and butter, Obrador prides itself on being a workshop — hence, the name! Its outdoor tables overflow with neighborhood locals on the weekend, so get there early.
9. Rotiseria Atlántico
This matchbox-sized restaurant with nothing more than two long bars inside holds a very special place in my heart. When I first moved to Buenos Aires, we lived around the corner and would come here weekly for a date night. Beyond the sentimental value, Rotiseria Atlantico also serves delicious comfort food paired with great wines. If you can’t snag a spot inside, there are a few tables out on the sidewalk. After your meal, head downstairs to Floreria Atlantico, ranked one of the top bars in the world.
10. Dada Bistro
For me, Dada Bistro is the essense of Buenos Aires. From the energy of the people to the classic Argentine plates to the grungy yet beautiful interior, it’s a can’t-miss experience. The owners have managed to pack a handful of tables and bar stools into an otherwise small interior that fills to the brim every night. Back in the day, it was a meeting ground for politicians, musicians, film directors, businessmen, writers, and more. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the vibe.
11. El Preferido
Owned by the same people behind the famous Don Julio parrilla, El Preferido is an upscale take on the classic Argentine bodegón. It’s set in an old house with pink walls (you can’t miss it) and is typically overflowing with diners. You’ll find everything from milanesas to ravioli to dulce de leche pancakes. It’s pricey, but worth it.
12. La Carnicería
This trendy steakhouse in Palermo isn’t your typical parilla. Their beautifully plated meat and vegetable dishes with unusual additions (think pears on provoleta cheese or honey on sweetbreads) are redefining what it means to eat meat in Argentina. The spot was recently mentioned in the Michelin guide.
13. Atte Pizzeria Napoletana
For pizza lovers, Atte Pizzeria Napoletana is a must-visit. But keep in mind, this isn’t your classic Argentine pizza with thick crust and gobs of cheese. This Neapolitan-style pizzeria is loved for its thin sourdough crust with fun toppings and fresh ingredients. The wood-fired oven gives each pizza a smoky flavor that makes it all too easy to eat a full pizza yourself.
14. Las Flores
Walking into Las Flores feels like entering a greenhouse — with the smell of freshly baked pastries greeting you. Not a bad combo. The cafe and wine bar offers fresh, modern Argentine cuisine with a focus on sustainability. Known for its use of organic, locally sourced ingredients, Las Flores is perfect for a Saturday brunch or fun dinner with friends.
15. Casa Saenz
With a clay oven as the centerpiece, Casa Saenz serves up contemporary takes on everyday Argentine cuisine. The chef, Ximena Saenz, was on a popular TV cooking program for 12 years before taking her talent to the restaurant space. You can order from the short menu with small plates and more filling mains or head to the bar to choose from the fresh pastries and house-made salads.
16. Sonora
Wood-fired pizza and charcuterie make the perfect pairing in this New York-inspired wine bar. The burning clay oven is the centerpiece, churning out delicious flatbreads and warm breads. And scout’s honor: you won’t be disappointed by the wine selection.
17. Anti
This small and unassuming Núñez spot is a must-visit for people-watching paired with pizza. Set in an old warehouse-turned restaurant, Anti offers a few outdoor patio tables where you can enjoy naturally fermented pizza with fresh toppings. Great for dinner with friends on a warm evening.
18. Anchoita Cava
For wine lovers, Anchoita Cava is a must-visit. This sleek and sophisticated wine bar offers a curated selection of local and international wines paired with artisanal charcuterie and cheeses. Located in Chacarita, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening savoring great wine and gourmet bites.
19. MARTi
A renowned Buenos Aires chef opened this chic, upscale vegetarian restaurant on one of Recoleta’s most sophisticated streets. With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, green foliage, and large open kitchen, MARTi feels like a greenhouse that also happens to serve beautifully presented plant-based dishes.
20. Vereda Adentro
Take your pick from a generous selection of natural, organic, and local wines at this corner bar. You’ll also find delicious small plates to match, from roasted cauliflower to tortilla de papa and panqueque con dulce de leche to finish.
En fin? With so many incredible dining options, finding the best restaurants in Buenos Aires is an ever-evolving task. New spots pop up all the time, and you’ll fall in love for different reasons.
Take this list as a great starting point — and follow my Buenos Aires explorations on Instagram at @ba.noma for even more inspiration.
