Argentinian gastronomy is a vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean influences, rich European heritage, and deep-rooted Creole traditions. From the world-renowned grass-fed beef of Buenos Aires to the innovative plant-based kitchens of Salta and the fresh Patagonian flavors of Ushuaia, the country offers a diverse culinary landscape that is a true paradise for food lovers.
Whether you are seeking a high-end luxury dining experience, a rustic parrilla, or a modern twist on classic street food, Argentina's restaurant scene never fails to impress. Join us as we explore our curated selection of the best restaurants across the country, where exceptional ingredients and world-class wine pairings take center stage.
Salta
Chirimoya
Vegetarian food doesn't automatically come to mind when discussing Argentina cuisine. However, Salta's lively, brightly colored, artsy, world-class vegan restaurant is the most inventive and consistently excellent kitchen in the entire region. In Chirimoya, pasta is fashioned from zucchini; cannelloni is made from corn flour and stuffed with cauliflower florets; they make soups, and meat-like quinoa patties turn mushrooms into high culinary art.
Mendoza
Casarena
With wine glasses in the foreground and Cerro de la Plata framed by floor-length windows in the distance, the five-course meal seems almost a distraction. If you can tear yourself away from the views, you'll enjoy the fabulous presentation of dishes like mote wheat over carrot paste, pickled beets, and spicy lamb gigot on mashed squash. The dining room at Casarena is sleek and contemporary, and a reservation in advance is a must for this exquisite eatery.
Ushuaia
Kalma Resto
This culinary hotspot, down at the end of the world, presents Patagonian staples like crab and octopus in a creative new context. Black sea bass wears a tart tomato sauce for contrast; there's stuffed lamb seasoned with pepper and rosemary, and the summer greens and edible flowers come fresh from the garden. The definition of "gourmet" with a wine list that will knock your socks off.
Service is stellar, with charismatic young chef Jorge making the rounds and sharing his enthusiasm for harvesting local ingredients. For dessert, splurge with a not-too-sweet deconstructed chocolate cake.
Cafayate
Piattelli
The indoor-outdoor setting at Piattelli, overlooking the vineyards at this upmarket winery 3km from Cafayate, makes an excellent lunch stop. The refined food doesn't disappoint. A range of international influences spice up the menu, and on weekends, the staff fire up the outdoor grill with some of the finest parrillas in the northwest of Argentina.
Iguazu
La Rueda
A mainstay of upmarket dining in Puerto Iguazu, this culinary heavyweight still packs a punch. The salads are inventive and delicious, as are the imaginative river-fish (mostly pacú and surubí) creations. Meat with various sauce options is reliably good; the homemade pasta is cheaper and delicious, and the service is good but on Argentinian timing. The wine list at La Rueda is also equally impressive. Tables are cozily packed-in for a fine-dining experience, but it adds to the ambiance.
Buenos Aires
La Carnicería
This hip, modern parrilla sources grass-fed meat from a family farm in the Pampas. La Carniceria is small, smoky, and ready to reinvent classic recipes for the millennial crowd. Start with their provelta, a massive slab of grilled cheese with pears, salsa criolla, and some fresh greens. Entrées are enormous here, so bring a friend or family member to share your meal with. For a hunk of grilled beef, ask for the corte parrilla. For a chunk of meat that was smoked for hours, get the corte ahumado. If you like your meat spicy, hit up their hot sauce collection.
DOGG
Porteños adore a decent pancho (hot dog). What sets DOGG apart from other hot dog vendors in Buenos Aires? For starters, their dogs are grilled instead of boiled in the typical Argentine tradition. Chef and founder Máximo Togni developed the meat and Parmesan cheese buns recipes. A bite of a DOGG dog will carry the savory flavors of coriander, paprika, garlic, and pepper with the undercurrent of honey. With multiple locations around the city, quick service, and indoor and outdoor seating, Dogg offers well-done fast food and killer French fries.
Don Julio
Consistently named one of the best restaurants in guidebooks and restaurant awards, Don Julio has built a strong reputation as the best parrilla in town. They grill super thick, grass-fed beef steaks in their open kitchen as locals and tourists decide if they want bife de chorizo (sirloin strip steak), lomito (tenderloin steak), or one of the many classic Argentine cuts. Smartly-dressed staff at Don Julio can help by explaining the cuts on offer to even the most novice of steak-eaters. With rustic décor and an extensive wine list featuring many selections from Argentina, this is a carnivore's dream.
La Bourgogne
La Bourgogne is a high-end restaurant at the Alvear Palace hotel. Its traditional French haute cuisine menu is supplemented by an impressive wine list, and those looking for a slightly more affordable experience can opt for the prix fixe menu, with a different wine paired with each course. This is the luxury dining experience on the list and worth a try if you need to splurge!
Fogon Asado
Fogon Asado is one of the best restaurants in the Argentinian capital. Quality and exceptional food can be enjoyed here with wine pairings. It offers a modern take on the traditional Argentine parrilla experience in the capital city. The blood sausage and chorizo pairing remain the most coveted item on the fantastic menu.
