Best Restaurants in Argentina 2026

Asado

Argentina's national ritual of slow-grilled beef, pork ribs, and offal over wood embers. A social event as much as a meal, featuring cuts like tira de asado and vacío.

Where to try: Don Julio or La Cabrera in Buenos Aires Palermo

Price: $30-60

Empanadas

Baked or fried stuffed pastries filled with spiced beef, chicken, ham-and-cheese, or humita (sweet corn). Regional variations differ by province — Tucumán and Salta are famous for their recipes.

Where to try: El Sanjuanino, Palermo or any regional bakery

Price: $2-4 each

Milanesa

Breaded and fried beef or chicken schnitzel served with mashed potato or as a sandwich (milanesa a la napolitana with tomato and mozzarella). A beloved everyday dish found everywhere.

Where to try: Any traditional bodegón or parilla

Price: $10-18

Medialunas

Argentine croissants — slightly sweeter and smaller than French versions, glazed with sugar syrup. The cornerstone of the Argentine desayuno (breakfast), best with café con leche.

Where to try: Confitería Las Violetas or any café, Buenos Aires

Price: $1-3

Dulce de leche

Argentina's beloved caramel spread made from slow-cooked sweetened milk. Used on toast, in facturas (pastries), alfajores, and eaten by the spoonful. Ubiquitous and irresistible.

Where to try: Everywhere — buy Havanna brand at supermarkets

Price: $2-5

Locro

Hearty winter stew of white beans, corn, squash, and pork or beef traditionally eaten on national holidays (May 25, July 9). A deeply satisfying northern Argentine comfort food.

Where to try: El Tupungato in Recoleta or on national holidays nationwide

Price: $12-20

Humita en chala

Steamed corn paste wrapped in corn husks, seasoned with onion and spices or mixed with cheese. A pre-Columbian Andean staple still popular in Salta and Jujuy provinces.

Where to try: Markets and restaurants in Salta and Jujuy

Price: $3-6

Choripán

Argentina's iconic street food — a grilled chorizo sausage split and served in crusty bread with chimichurri and salsa criolla. Sold at street carts near stadiums, markets, and parks.

Find it at: Street carts near Boca Juniors stadium, San Telmo Market, and outdoor events

Medialunas at kiosco

Fresh croissants available at every corner kiosko from morning until noon. A quick Argentine breakfast for commuters and visitors on the go.

Find it at: Any street kiosco or confitería in Buenos Aires

Pizza por porciones

Pizza sold by the slice at Buenos Aires walk-up pizza joints. Argentine pizza is thicker than Italian with generous toppings — the mozzarella slice is a local institution.

Find it at: Pizzería El Cuartito, Av. Talcahuano, or any pizza al corte shop

Empanadas de horno

Freshly baked empanadas from street vendors and bakeries, sold hot throughout the day. Try regional varieties: salteñas (with potato and egg) and tucumanas (juicier filling).

Find it at: El Sanjuanino, Posadas 1515, Recoleta, Buenos Aires

Mercado de San Telmo

Historic 1897 iron-and-glass market in Buenos Aires's oldest neighborhood with fresh produce, deli counters, empanadas, and bars. As much a cultural landmark as a food market.

Hours: 10 AM - 9 PM daily

Mercado de Frutos, Tigre

Large riverside craft and produce market in the Paraná Delta town of Tigre. Best on weekends for regional foods, wicker goods, and local honey.

Hours: Weekends 10 AM - 6 PM

Feria de Mataderos

Traditional gaucho market in the Mataderos neighborhood of Buenos Aires with folk dancing, horseback displays, artisan crafts, and regional food from all Argentine provinces.

Hours: Sundays 11 AM - 8 PM (weekends when not too hot)