Culinary Prestige: The Best Restaurants In Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a fast-paced city with a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary scene that reflects its vibrant culture and cosmopolitan spirit. The city’s food scene showcases the perfect balance of authenticity and creativity, with innovative chefs and award-winning restaurants pushing the boundaries of gastronomy.

The competitive nature of Buenos Aires’ dining scene has led to a wave of creativity, with chefs reimagining local ingredients and traditional recipes to craft unforgettable experiences. Buenos Aires’ culinary reputation continues to thrive with unique offerings guaranteed to satisfy.

Here, we unveil some of the best restaurants and food experiences in Buenos Aires, curated to inspire your next gourmet adventure in Argentina.

Aramburu

Aramburu is one of the city’s most celebrated fine dining establishments and is well known for its innovative approach to traditional Argentine cuisine.

Helmed by Chef Gonzalo Aramburu, a well-established chef who has worked in renowned kitchens throughout Europe, the restaurant offers a meticulously crafted 18-course tasting menu that showcases local ingredients through avant-garde techniques and artistic presentations.

Here, the kitchen is completely open and chefs regularly interact with guests, delivering dishes and finishing plates tableside. The intimate, minimalist setting enhances the focus on the culinary experience, where each dish tells a story of Argentina’s rich gastronomic heritage reimagined with modern flair.

Expect to savor unique flavor combinations, paired with an expertly curated wine list that highlights the country’s finest vintages.

Aramburu’s commitment to excellence has not only earned it a spot among Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, but also earned it a notable two Michelin stars, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated and unforgettable dining experience in Buenos Aires.

Elena

At Elena, an exquisite and sophisticated restaurant located within the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Buenos Aires, you are invited to enjoy a delicious and modern take on authentic Argentine cuisine.

Elena is named after Elena Peña Unzu who received La Mansión as a wedding gift from her new husband. This historic building now houses the hotel’s most opulent suites.

Known for its refined atmosphere and exceptional service, Elena elevates traditional dishes with contemporary techniques and presentations. The open kitchen also allows you to witness the culinary process firsthand, adding an interactive element to the experience.

The restaurant specializes in top-quality meats, particularly its expertly cooked steaks, along with a range of fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. The wood-fired grill is a centerpiece, where meat is cooked to perfection in true Argentine parrilla style.

With a carefully curated wine list featuring the best of Argentina’s vineyards, Elena provides an exceptional dining experience that marries luxury with authenticity. Whether for a special occasion or a memorable meal, Elena is a standout destination and one of the city’s best restaurants for food lovers.

The restaurant is also popular among international jet-setters and celebrities alike, such as Taylor Swift who dined here during her visit to Buenos Aires. This further cements Elena’s status as a must-visit restaurant in Argentina.

Bis Bistro

Located in the cozy streets of Recoleta in the heart of Buenos Aires, Bis Bistro is the sister restaurant and brainchild of Gonzalo Aramburu, one of Argentina’s most notable chefs.

Bis Bistro is a charming and intimate French-inspired restaurant offering a cozy and sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant blends traditional French bistro fare with Argentine influences, creating a unique fusion of flavors.

The ambiance, with its warm lighting and elegant décor, makes it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

The menu at Bis Bistro showcases classic French dishes like coq au vin, escargots, and duck confit, all prepared with the finest ingredients and a nod to Argentine culinary traditions. Alongside their expertly-crafted wine list, which features a selection of both French and Argentine wines, BIS offers a selection of moreish cocktails.

El Preferido

Nestled in the trendy Palermo Soho neighborhood, El Preferido is a beloved culinary gem and one of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires for foodies seeking elevated Argentine cuisine.

The restaurant is housed in a charming pink corner building that exudes old-world charm. Inside, the retro-inspired decor, complete with vintage furnishings and checkerboard floors, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu at El Preferido highlights classic porteño dishes, honoring the strong influence of Italian and Spanish immigrants who settled in Buenos Aires, yet served with a modern twist. Here, we recommend sampling a bit of everything, including faina (Italian-inspired chickpea flatbread), the potato tortilla and, if you like beef, you cannot miss the beef milanesa!

The focus is on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients that honor Argentina’s culinary heritage, as well as a unique selection of natural and small production wines not found in many other restaurants.

13 Fronteras

13 Fronteras is an innovative restaurant in Buenos Aires that aims to celebrate the rich diversity of South American cuisine by highlighting ingredients, flavors, and culinary traditions from across the continent.

Its name, meaning “13 Borders,” reflects the shared cultural and gastronomic heritage of the countries that make up the region. Dishes showcase native staples like quinoa, cassava, and corn, and the chefs use a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques.

The ambiance at 13 Fronteras is as eclectic as its menu, with a modern and inviting design that creates a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere. Recently, 13 Fronteras has been making waves as its contemporary approach provides a new modern take on Argentina cuisine, breaking step with traditional restaurants.

Don Julio

Don Julio is one of the most legendary parrillas (Argentine steakhouses) in Buenos Aires, and is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants to experience the country’s renowned beef.

Located in the Palermo neighborhood, this iconic restaurant boasts a rustic yet elegant ambiance. The decor is charming, and the leather tablecloths and exposed brick walls stacked up with signed wine bottles add to the warm atmosphere. Despite its classical presentation, it was recently presented with the number one spot on the list of Latin America’s Best Restaurants.

The menu at Don Julio is centered around high-quality Argentine beef, with options ranging from tender ribeyes to juicy filets, flavorful sausages and rarer cuts which are popular in Argentina, including intestines and sweetbreads.

The chefs focus on simplicity and quality, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine, and the portions are large and best when shared. Alongside the meat dishes, diners can expect to find a number of other classic Argentina BBQ dishes including rich melted provolone cheese and grilled vegetables.

The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of Argentine wines, including the country’s iconic Malbec. Upon request, the attentive team at Don Julio can provide a wine recommendation to complement the rich flavors of the meat.

Also recognized on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and boasting one Michelin star, Don Julio has earned its place as a must-visit restaurant for anyone wanting to indulge in a quintessential Argentine dining experience.

Gioia Cocina Botánica

One of the city’s newest up-and-coming restaurants, Gioia Cocina Botánica, is located within the walls of the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt hotel in the glamorous district of La Recoleta.

This contemporary restaurant redefines plant-based dining with a sophisticated touch, offering innovative botanical cuisine that exceptional food in a refined setting.

Gioia Cocina Botánica is also committed to sustainability and supports small-scale, local producers for the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Signature dishes include the mushroom escabeche with a unique pistachio salsa and charred plums and a delicious Turkish salad with lentils and fig leaves.

Mishiguene

Mishiguene is a groundbreaking restaurant in Buenos Aires that redefines traditional Jewish cuisine through innovative techniques and bold flavors. Located in the Palermo neighborhood, Mishiguene blends Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Middle Eastern influences with a modern Argentine twist.

The menu at Mishiguene is a celebration of comfort and nostalgia, offering elevated versions of classic dishes such as pastrami, knishes, and gefilte fish. Standout items include the richly spiced lamb shawarma, slow-cooked brisket, and hummus served with warm, freshly baked bread. Each dish is artfully presented, showcasing the creativity and passion of Chef Tomás Kalika and his team.

The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere is enhanced by its open kitchen and live music, which often features klezmer bands.

Blue Parallel can also arrange for an exclusive chef’s table experience where you can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and techniques involved in creating the chef’s favorite dishes.

Crizia

Crizia is one of Buenos Aires’ top restaurants for seafood and boasts a romantic oyster bar where you can enjoy premium, freshly shucked oysters.

The menu also includes expertly prepared dishes such as octopus carpaccio, seared scallops, and a variety of fish and meat options, all plated with artistic flair. The wine list is vast, showcasing some of the best labels from Argentina’s renowned vineyards.

Located in the Palermo Soho neighborhood, Crizia has a sophisticated yet inviting ambience with a sleek interior design, warm lighting, and a lively atmosphere.

Sacro

Sacro has quickly established itself as undoubtedly one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. With beautiful interior decor and great service, the restaurant offers its guests a delightful array of globally inspired and delicately prepared dishes.

This groundbreaking plant-based restaurant is located in the trendy Palermo Hollywood neighborhood with chic and modern decor that helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The menu here draws inspiration from global flavors, blending techniques and ingredients from different cuisines to craft unique, flavorful dishes. Highlights include dishes like jackfruit gyozas, crispy mushroom nigiri, and smoked carrot tartare, each prepared with a creative twist that appeals to both vegans and non-vegans alike.

The artistic presentation creates intrigue and mystery for diners and promises to provide a dining experience which evokes the senses.

The cocktails are equally inventive, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant presentations.

Eating Your Way Through Buenos Aires

This is just a selection of the incredible restaurants dotted throughout Buenos Aires. If your taste buds have been tantalized or you want to find out more about our bespoke luxury Argentina tours, contact one of our travel experts today.