Buenos Aires

What to Eat in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has a food culture shaped by Argentine traditions, immigrant influences, and everyday habits. Rather than chasing trend lists, eating well here means knowing which dishes define the city and where locals go for them — from parrillas and empanadas to helado and café classics.

This guide helps you eat with intention — know the dishes and trusted places to try them.

At the top of the page (visually prominent):

Understanding Food in Buenos Aires

Food in Buenos Aires reflects daily life more than spectacle. Some dishes are tied to meals (like asado at lunchtime or empanadas as snacks), others to casual strolls (like helado or choripán), and many are best enjoyed in the neighborhoods where they’re local traditions.

In general:

  • Beef and grill culture dominate many meals

  • Casual street eats sit alongside refined dinners

  • Bakeries and cafés are central to daily routines

  • Sweet treats appear throughout the day (foodnerdrockstar.com)

Essential Dishes in Buenos Aires

Asado (Argentine barbecue)

The heart of local eating — mixed grilled meats served at traditional parrillas.

Where to try it:

  • Don Julio Parrilla – Legendary parrilla in Palermo for classic asado.
    Guatemala 4699, C1425 Buenos Aires

  • Fogón Asado – High-quality grill with local cuts.
    Gorriti 3780, C1172

  • Parrilla Cero5 – Reliable traditional steak spot.
    Suipacha 930, C1008

  • Villegas Restó – Waterfront grill with beef and more.
    Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1050

  • Santos Manjares – Popular neighborhood steakhouse.
    Paraguay 938, C1057

Empanadas

Savory stuffed pastries — a staple snack across the city. (tasteatlas.com)

Where to try them:

  • El Mercado – Classic empanadas in Faena Hotel.
    Martha Salotti 445, C1107

  • Andante – Restaurante Bar – Tapas & empanada spot with local vibe.
    Arévalo 1677, C1414

  • Las Cañas – Local favorite for casual Argentine staples.
    Montevideo 350, C1019

  • D’oro Italian Bar – Italian-Argentine mix with empanada options.
    Perú 159, C1067

  • Pony Line Bar – Known for casual bites including meat snacks.
    See their site for details (OpenTable)

Choripán

Grilled chorizo sandwich with chimichurri — quintessential Buenos Aires street food. (Eventflare)

Where to try it:

  • San Telmo Market stalls — Classic local street feel.
    San Telmo Market, Avenida Defensa

  • Garibaldi Restaurante — Grill & sandwiches by the water.
    Av. Costanera Rafael Obligado 4899

  • Street carts near football stadiums — Iconic casual spot.

  • Local feria stalls (varies by weekend)

  • Neighborhood parrillas that serve choripán as starter

Milanesa a la Napolitana

Breaded, fried steak topped with ham & cheese — comfort classic. (Heather on her travels)

Where to try it:

  • Puny – Pasta & Grill – Casual spot with great milanesas.
    Av. Corrientes 1269

  • ROUX – French-Argentine dining with milanesa variants.
    Peña 2300

  • A Fuego Fuerte – Creative Argentine grill spot.
    Bonpland 1670

  • Local bodegón menus — neighborhood diners with classic preparations

  • Recoleta cafés that serve lunch milanesas

Provoleta

Grilled provolone with herbs — ideal starter at parrillas.

Where to try it:

  • Most traditional parrillas (including Don Julio & Parrilla Cero5)

  • Calden del Soho Grill – Modern take on grill classics.
    Honduras 4701

  • Las Cañas – Classic grill house style.

  • San Telmo traditional spots

  • Neighborhood grill joints

Helado (Artisanal ice cream)

Creamy gelato, especially dulce de leche or sambayón. (Serious Eats)

Where to try it:

  • Local heladerías around Palermo & Recoleta

  • Ice cream stands along Avenida Corrientes

  • Specialty shops near San Telmo

  • Cafés that double as ice cream markets

  • Streetside vendors in summer

Dulce de Leche Desserts

Sweets built around caramel-like dulce de leche. (solsalute.com)

Where to try it:

  • Bakery counters throughout the city

  • Alfajor stands near tourist areas

  • Recoleta cafés with dulce de leche pastries

  • San Telmo sweet shops

  • Markets with dessert stalls

Pizza Porteña (by the slice)

Argentine-style pizza, often thick crust and cheesy. (solsalute.com)

Where to try it:

  • Pizzerias on Avenida Corrientes

  • Palermo pizza bars

  • Classic neighborhood pizza joints

  • Esquina pizzas near downtown theaters

  • Late-night pizza houses

Café Culture & Pastries

Coffee with medialunas or facturas — everyday ritual. (solsalute.com)

Where to try it:

  • Corner coffee shops near Plaza de Mayo

  • Cafés in Palermo Soho

  • Recoleta pâtisseries

  • Microcentro traditional cafés

  • Near theaters on Avenida Corrientes

Fine / Modern Dining

For elevated contemporary Argentine cuisine. (MICHELIN Guide)

Where to try it:

  • Aramburu Relais & Châteaux – High-end tasting menus.
    Pasaje del Correo 1661

  • Elena – Stylish South American dining.
    Posadas 1086/88

  • Puerto Cristal – Waterfront restaurant with Argentine flair.
    Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1082

  • Restó S.C.A – Cocina de autor in central BA.
    Montevideo 938

  • Italpast | Faena Buenos Aires – Upscale Italian-Argentine fusion.
    Juana Manso 1450

How to Eat Well Without Overplanning

Eating well in Buenos Aires doesn’t require a packed schedule.

In general:

  • Choose dishes before choosing restaurants

  • Eat what’s common locally instead of chasing variety

  • Balance casual eats and sit-down meals

Planning Your Meals in Buenos Aires

Food planning works best when paired with neighborhood context.

Use this page alongside:

Together, these help you eat in Buenos Aires based on how you want to travel, eat, and stay.