Food in Buenos Aires: What to Eat and Where to Enjoy Argentina’s Culinary Culture

Why do we eat? Any of my browsers or AI assistants would quickly answer: “To provide the body with energy and nutrients needed for growth and repair.” And that’s how I’d know, they’re definitely not Argentine.

Because in Argentina, we don’t just eat to stay alive. We eat to talk, to laugh, to celebrate, to heal a bad day or stretch a good one. We eat to connect. Meals here aren’t just fuel, they’re gatherings with stories to unfold at the sobremesa, that glorious, unhurried ritual after dessert when nobody dares to move or leave, except maybe the brand-new boyfriend meeting the parents for the first time (good luck, buddy).

Food in Buenos Aires is culture, ritual, and national pride. We take our asado seriously — the smoky, slow-cooked kind with chimichurri that sparks endless debates about who does it best. We eat empanadas with our hands and argue about which province has the best filling. Let’s not even get started on mate, because that’s an entire social language.

And yes, we brag — a lot — about our beef and wine. But once you taste them, you’ll understand why. It’s not showing off, it’s inviting you in.

So if you’ve ever asked yourself what food to try in Argentina, what are the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, which is the best argentine dish and how to order without missing out, keep reading.

You might leave this page a little hungry, but definitely full of ideas.

Why Buenos Aires Is a Top Destination for Foodies

Let’s start with the obvious: we love and enjoy eating, and we’re pretty proud of it too. Buenos Aires, the country’s bustling capital, is shaped by countless culinary influences. From Italian and Spanish roots to native ingredients and immigrant creativity, the city’s food scene is as diverse as its history.

We’re not just passionate about food, but we also love to create. You’ll find old-school bodegones serving the same comforting dishes for generations right next to experimental kitchens that reinvent tradition without losing the essence.

And yes, the beef here really is that good. Why? Because our cattle roam freely across vast pampas, grazing on natural grass. That’s a difference you can taste in every cut. From perfectly roasted asado to choripán on the street corner, meat in Buenos Aires is more than a staple; it’s a point of national pride.

But what makes this city unforgettable isn’t just what’s on the plate, but how food brings people together. Dinners stretch for hours, coffee sparks long conversations, and sharing a table often means sharing a moment you’ll remember long after the meal ends.

What to Eat in Buenos Aires: Famous Dishes You Can’t Miss

You came for the tango, but you’ll stay for the food. Here’s a list of the most eaten and most popular food in Argentina, and why each bite matters.

• Asado: Argentina’s iconic barbecue, and a true social ritual. Expect slow-cooked meats over wood fire, shared among friends or strangers who quickly become friends. If you wonder what to eat in Buenos Aires, this might be your first choice.

• Empanadas: Every province has its version. In Buenos Aires, try them baked, filled with beef, chicken or even humita (corn and cheese).

• Choripán: A streef food classic. Grilled chorizo in bread with spicy chimichurri (a punchy mix of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and spices) is the unofficial sandwich of soccer fans and Sunday strolls.

• Provolone / Provoleta: Thick slices of grilled provolone cheese, melted to perfection, usually served as a starter at a grill.

• Milanesa: A thin slice of beef (or sometimes chicken), breaded and fried to golden perfection. It’s basically the Argentine dish that replicates schnitzel, but eaten with far more obsession. Served with mashed potatoes, fries, or slapped between bread as a sandwich is a comfort food staple in every home and cantina.

• Lomito: This sandwich is made with tender beef steak, often grilled, tucked into a crusty roll with the full VIP treatment: lettuce, tomato, ham, cheese, egg, and mayo. While you’ll find lomitos around Buenos Aires, the truth is… Córdoba owns this argentine dish. There, it’s practically an art form.

• Dulce de leche: a silky, caramel-like spread made from slowly simmered milk and sugar. It’s sweet, rich and addictive if you’re a sugar lover. You’ll find it in pastries, desserts, or simply on a spoon.

• Chocotorta: A fridge cake made with chocolinas — a popular brand of chocolate cookies — layered with a mix of dulce de leche and cream cheese. No baking involved, just pure joy. Originally a homemade classic, it’s now so loved you’ll find it in alfajor form, ice cream, and even at fancy restaurants trying to act casual. Choose any of its formats but, please, add it to your “what to eat in Buenos Aires” list.

• Mate: It’s not food, but it’s essential. Many tourists think it contains something unusual, and while it does look mysterious, it’s just a herbal infusion made from yerba mate leaves and hot water. Shared in a round gourd with a metal straw (bombilla), mate is all about connection. It’s warm, slightly bitter, and totally social. Try it at least once, it might just grow on you.

Where to Eat in Buenos Aires: From Michelin Gems to Pizza on the Go

Where to eat in Buenos Aires really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. You can go to a full tasting menu or grab a slice standing up on Corrientes avenue. Here’s how to navigate the city’s flavors:

Michelin-Recommended Restaurants

The Michelin Guide features dozens of local favorites that combine creativity with top ingredients. Here are some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires: 

• Fogón Asado:  A modern take on the classic parrilla, with an open kitchen, a many-course curated menu, and all the smoky glory of Argentine grilling. Expect hands-on explanations about firewood, beef cuts, sauces, and cooking techniques, all while sharing stories around the fire. It’s dinner and a culinary masterclass in one.
  
  
• Aramburu: Tucked away in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood, Aramburu is a fine dining experience that lives up to the buzz. Led by chef Gonzalo Aramburu, the restaurant offers a surprise tasting menu of around 18 courses that blend creativity, precision, and aesthetic flair, all centered on top-quality Argentine ingredients. Expect bold textures and unexpected combinations.
  
  
• Sacro: Plant-based, but far from predictable. Sacro is one of Palermo Hollywood’s most stylish spots. The menu is modern, creative, and full of surprises, designed to share and challenge the idea of what vegetarian cuisine can be. While vegetables take center stage, Sacro has recently added fresh-caught seafood to the mix,  always with bold flavors and thoughtful technique. A perfect pick if you’re looking for a different take on Buenos Aires dining, no steak required.

And that’s just the beginning. The Michelin Guide will be really helpful to your “where to eat in Buenos Aires” browse, since it features dozens of other favorites like Elena, Roux, Crizia, Julia and Mishiguene. All of those, blending creativity with top-notch ingredients and atmosphere.

Buenos Aires Classics

For a bite of true porteño culture, head somewhere with fluorescent lighting, noisy tables, and history on the walls.

• Güerrin or Las Cuartetas: Legendary pizzerias on Avenida Corrientes. Thick, cheesy, and best enjoyed standing at the bar with a slice in one hand and a napkin in the other.

• Café Tortoni: More than a café, it’s a time machine. One of the city’s oldest, and still a classic for a reason.

These might not be the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, but they matter as much as museums, just with more melted cheese and fewer school tours.