Where to Eat in Buenos Aires
Steak, Malbec, and 10pm dinners
Buenos Aires runs on beef and wine, served late. Parrillas where the grill master is king. Malbec that costs nothing and tastes like velvet. Empanadas from corner shops that become religious experiences. And medialunas with café con leche at any hour. The European elegance with Latin heat.
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Start Planning Your Buenos Aires Food Trip →Neighborhoods to Know
Palermo
Vibe: Trendy, diverse, restaurant-packed
Best for: Modern Argentine, wine bars, brunch, nightlife
San Telmo
Vibe: Historic, tango roots, antique-filled
Best for: Traditional parrillas, Sunday market, atmosphere
Recoleta
Vibe: Upscale, Parisian, elegant
Best for: High-end dining, classic cafés, people watching
La Boca
Vibe: Colorful, touristy, working class roots
Best for: Traditional spots if you venture past Caminito
Villa Crespo
Vibe: Up-and-coming, local, foodie frontier
Best for: New restaurants, hidden gems, less hype
What to Eat
Asado
Argentine BBQ is a ritual. Multiple cuts, slow grilled over wood. Parrillas are temples.
Must try: Bife de chorizo (sirloin) or entraña (skirt steak) with chimichurri
Empanadas
Stuffed pastries. Beef, chicken, ham & cheese, humita (corn). Every province has a style.
Must try: Beef empanada "al cuchillo" (knife-cut meat, not ground)
Malbec
Argentina's grape. Bold, smooth, absurdly affordable. Mendoza in a glass.
Must try: A good Malbec for $5 at a corner wine bar. This is the norm here.
Medialunas & Café
Croissant-like pastries, sweet or savory. With cortado or café con leche. Breakfast or merienda.
Must try: Medialunas de manteca (butter) at a classic café
Local Tips
- →Dinner starts at 10pm. Restaurants are empty at 8pm. Adapt.
- →Steaks come nearly unseasoned. Salt is on the table. Chimichurri is essential.
- →Wine is absurdly cheap and good. Don't overthink it.
- →Sunday in San Telmo has the famous flea market. Plan around it.
- →Tipping is 10%. Cash is often preferred.
When to Eat
Breakfast
8-10am
Medialunas and café con leche at a classic café
Lunch
1-3pm
Long lunches are normal. Don't rush.
Merienda
5-7pm
Afternoon coffee/tea break. Have facturas (pastries).
Dinner
10pm-midnight
This is when it starts. Really.
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