Eating Out in Buenos Aires

Traditional / Breakfast

If it’s coffee, tostadas, medialunas and dulce de leche you’re after, then these are the places to try.

La Biela – Av Quintana 600. A hop & a skip from the Recoleta cemetery – historic & traditional cafe in Recoleta. We’re told Borges used to hang out here.
Bar El Federal – 595 Carlos Calvo. El Federal has been in San Telmo since 1864, so it must be doing something right
Banchero – Av Corrientes 1300. In the middle of the action, just 2 blocks from the Obelisco, Banchero is primarily known as a Pizza place, but they also do a mean breakfast medialuna.

El Federal, San Telmo

El Federal, San Telmo

Brunch

For a more relaxed start to the day, head out and watch the world go by at these hot-spots.

Oui Oui 6099 Nicaragua. You’ll be lucky to get a seat straightaway at this popular French place, so just turn up, grab a number and stroll the streets of Palermo until your table is ready.
Baraka Gurruchaga 1450. Busy American-style café – turn up early and tuck into delicious salads, generous sandwiches and wash it all down with a healthy smoothie.
Olsen Gorriti 5870. Smooth Scandinavian style. Treat yourself to a range of homemade bagel and champagne brunch. The only way to start the day.
Café Crespin Vera 699. Relatively new arrival on the scene, this Villa Crespo Bakery is making all the right moves with its bagels and brunches.
Hernan Gipponi, Soler 5862. Inside the Fierro Hotel in Palermo Hollywood, this restaurant offers a Sunday morning brunch which is starting to gain legendary status.

Steak

It’s been known to permanently convert vegetarians to a life of carnivorism. Argentines claim their steak is the best in the world. Now’s the time to see if they’re right.

El Desnivel Defensa 855. It’s a San Telmo institution. It’s not the smartest place in town and the service is a little chaotic, but you come here for the meat, huge portions of meat. And, you won’t be disappointed.
La Brigada Estados Unidos 465. Another San Telmo classic, but this time with much more class. It’s a little bit touristy, but nicely decorated and the meat is out of this world.
Don Julio Guatemala 4691. A low-key yet popular Palermo parilla. The service is great, a respectable winelist but it’s all about the cow. Even the tablecloths are leather.
El Pobre Luis Arribeños 2393. A little further out in Belgrano, El Pobre Luis is where 2 great Argentine obsessions meet – steak & football. Football shirts (donated by the players themselves) line the wall in this boisterous, lively place – the chorizo sausages are to die for.

Bife de Lomo, La Brigada

Bife de Lomo, La Brigada

Pizza

Porteños will tell you that whilst theirs is not the original, it’s the best. You’re unlikely to agree, but you need to give it a try!

Kentucky Santa Fe 4602. If you like it greasy with a metric tonne of cheese, then this Palermo classic is for you.
Albamonte Corrientes 6735. After paying a visit to the Chacaritas Cemetery you could do a lot worse than paying this pizza-lovers joint a visit. Some claim it’s the best in Buenos Aires.
Angelin Cordoba 5270. Open since 1939 and not much has changed since, including the decor. No frills but just good honest pizza – home to the Pizza Canchera, its own speciality served without cheese.