Buenos Aires runs on beef, wine, and cafe culture. From world-ranked parrillas to no-frills neighborhood grills, historic cafes to award-winning speakeasies, these are reliable picks across price points. Remember that dinner starts late, around 9pm or 10pm. Save the ones you like and slot them into your days.
Where to Eat & Drink in Buenos Aires
1
Restaurant4.8
Don Julio
The legendary Palermo parrilla, ranked among the World's 50 Best, for dry-aged beef and a superb Argentine wine list. Reserve well ahead.
Palermo
2
Restaurant4.3
La Cabrera
A Palermo steakhouse famous for generous portions and dozens of complimentary side dishes. Arrive early or expect a wait.
Palermo
3
Restaurant4.2
El Desnivel
A no-frills San Telmo parrilla serving enormous steaks at unbeatable prices, a lively local institution.
San Telmo
4
Restaurant4.1
Parrilla Pena
An authentic neighborhood grill for classic grilled meats and empanadas at great value.
San Telmo
5
Market4.4
Mercado de San Telmo
The 1897 covered market for empanadas, choripan, and gourmet counters; the city's best informal grazing.
San Telmo
6Must visit
Cafe4.0
Cafe Tortoni
The iconic 1858 cafe for coffee, medialunas, and old-Buenos-Aires atmosphere under stained glass.
Monserrat
7
Bar4.7
Floreria Atlantico
An award-winning speakeasy hidden behind a flower shop, among the World's 50 Best Bars, for inventive cocktails.
Retiro
8
Bar4.4
Frank's Bar
A hidden speakeasy behind an unmarked door; ring the bell and give the password for prohibition-era cocktails.
Palermo
9
Bar4.4
Gran Bar Danzon
An upscale wine bar with an encyclopedic Argentine list, sleek and sophisticated for a late drink.
Retiro
10
Cafe4.0
La Biela
A classic Recoleta cafe opposite the cemetery, with a shaded terrace under a giant rubber tree.
Recoleta
FAQ
- What food is Buenos Aires famous for?
- Beef above all: the asado (barbecue) and the parrilla (grill restaurant) are national institutions, paired with Argentine Malbec. Also try empanadas, milanesas, choripan, dulce de leche, and the cafe tradition of coffee with medialunas (croissants).
- What time do people eat dinner in Buenos Aires?
- Late. Dinner rarely starts before 9pm, and 10pm is normal, with many restaurants busiest after 10pm. Lunch runs until 3pm or 4pm. If you arrive at a parrilla at 8pm you may be the only one there; book ahead for the popular ones regardless.
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