Argentina captivates with dramatic landscapes from Patagonian glaciers to thundering Iguazú Falls, vibrant tango culture in Buenos Aires, world-class wines in Mendoza, and passionate football fervor. This vast South American nation offers gauchos on the pampas, stunning Andean peaks, and cosmopolitan cities blending European elegance with Latin American warmth.
Argentine cuisine centers on the asado (barbecue), with world-class beef as its cornerstone. From parrillas (grill restaurants) to Italian-influenced pasta and pizza, empanadas, and the beloved medialunas, eating in Argentina is a serious cultural experience. Mendoza's wine country adds excellent local Malbec pairings to every meal.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Argentina.
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
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Don Julio
Legendary Palermo parrilla serving the finest beef in Buenos Aires with an exceptional wine list. Consistently ranked among the world's best steakhouses with perfectly grilled cuts and impeccable service.
Guatemala 4699, C1425 CABA, Buenos Aires
La Cabrera
Famous Palermo parrilla known for enormous portions and complimentary appetizers. Excellent quality beef at reasonable prices with lively atmosphere and no reservations.
Cabrera 5127, C1414 CABA, Buenos Aires
El Cuartito
Iconic Buenos Aires pizzeria since 1934 serving thick, cheesy fugazzeta and traditional Argentine pizza. Walls covered in football memorabilia and celebrity photos.
Talcahuano 937, C1013 CABA, Buenos Aires
Choripán Stands - Plaza Serrano
Weekend choripán (chorizo sandwich) stands in Palermo's Plaza Serrano serving grilled sausages with chimichurri. Authentic Buenos Aires street food experience.
Plaza Serrano, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires
Café Tortoni
Buenos Aires' most famous café since 1858 with Art Nouveau decor, live tango shows, and traditional atmosphere. Literary and political figures have gathered here for over 160 years.
Av. de Mayo 825, C1084 CABA, Buenos Aires
Tegui
Michelin-level tasting menu restaurant showcasing innovative Argentine cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Hidden gem in Palermo with just 34 seats offering creative dishes that reinterpret traditional flavors.
Costa Rica 5852, C1414 CABA, Buenos Aires
El Desnivel
Classic San Telmo steakhouse beloved by locals for authentic atmosphere and good value. No-frills setting serving excellent beef, chorizo, and traditional sides.
Defensa 855, C1065 CABA, Buenos Aires
La Americana
Classic 24-hour San Telmo empanada spot perfect for late-night cravings. Huge variety of fillings from traditional beef to exotic combinations.
Av. Callao 83, C1022 CABA, Buenos Aires
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Argentine Steakhouse
Pizza
Argentine Coffee Chain
Argentine Gourmet
Armenian-Argentine
Artisan Café
Bariloche Brewpub
Bariloche Fusion
Bariloche Waffles
Brunch Café
Buenos Aires Casual
Burgers
Café Bakery
Casual Parrilla
Coffee
Contemporary Mendoza
Dessert
El Calafate Brewery Café
El Calafate Casual
El Calafate Contemporary
El Chaltén Café
El Chaltén Pizza
French-Argentine Fusion
Historic Café
Ice Cream Café
Italian-Bariloche
Mendoza Contemporary
Mendoza Parrilla
Modern International
Northwest Stew
Pancho (Hot Dog)
Patagonian BBQ
Patagonian Contemporary
Patagonian Craft Beer
Patagonian Fine Dining
Patagonian Gourmet
Puerto Iguazú Pizza
Puerto Iguazú Regional
Salta Regional
Seafood
Spanish Seafood
Spanish Tapas
Specialty Coffee
Street Food
Traditional Parrilla
Ushuaia Italian
Various
Wine Country Cuisine
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
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
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
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)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Argentines dine very late — restaurants begin filling at 9 PM, with peak dinner between 10-11 PM. Arriving at 8 PM you may be alone.
Lunch is the main meal and better value — many restaurants offer fixed menú del mediodía (set lunch) for $8-15 including starter, main, and drink.
Tipping is customary at 10% — leave cash on the table. Some venues add a small cubierto (bread-and-service charge) to the bill.
Ask for agua de la canilla (tap water) — it's safe and free. Bottled water is charged separately.
Parrillas (grill restaurants) serve enormous portions — sharing main courses is common and acceptable.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Empanadas, pizza by the slice, milanesa at a bodegón |
| Mid-range | $20-40/meal | Sit-down parrilla, restaurant pasta, or Buenos Aires café |
| Upscale | $60+/meal | Don Julio, Tegui, or Argentine fine dining with wine pairing |