What to Eat in Buenos Aires: A Food Guide

What to eat in Buenos Aires

• Bife de chorizo at Don Julio / La Cabrera / El Preferido

  Don Julio (Palermo) is the #1 parrilla — book 3+ weeks ahead. AR$30,000 with Malbec.

• Empanadas at El Cuartito / La Cocina

  Salteñas + carne cortada a cuchillo — AR$800 each.

• Choripán + morcilla at Buenos Aires parrillas

  Chorizo sandwich AR$4,000 street classic.

• Alfajores + dulce de leche

  Havanna + Cachafaz + Balcarce brands — buy at kiosks AR$1,000.

What to drink

Tap water safe in city. Mate (yerba tea) is the national drink — kiosks sell mate cups + bombillas. Malbec (Mendoza) + Torrontés (Salta) are the flagship wines; Quilmes + Patagonia beer. Fernet Branca + Coca is the porteño cocktail.

Dining etiquette and practicalities

• 10% propina (tip) at restaurants; not included on bill.

• Dinner starts 9–10pm; lunch 1–3pm; empanadas + coffee acceptable at any hour.

• Kiss on right cheek greeting even first meetings (asado + business); handshake between men in formal settings.

Where to eat in Buenos Aires

• Recoleta

  Grand mansions, cemetery, museums — Alvear Palace, Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt, Four Seasons Buenos Aires.

• Palermo Soho / Palermo Hollywood

  Best restaurants + boutique hotels — Home Hotel, Legado Mítico, Vain Boutique, Fierro Hotel.

• Puerto Madero

  Waterfront, high-rises, Ecological Reserve — Faena Hotel, Alvear Icon, Hilton Buenos Aires.

• San Telmo

  Cobblestone tango barrio, Sunday antiques market (Feria Dorrego), Mercado San Telmo — best local atmosphere.