Like most great cities, Buenos Aires has become a hub for immigrants from neighboring countries and a melting pot of cultures. This has led to a diversification of the city’s cuisine and a wider array of flavors and textures beyond the dependable but well-trodden empanada, milanesa-con-fritas, or asado fare.
If you know which spots to hit, Buenos Aires can serve as a sort of Latin American food fair, with representation from all corners of the region. Below is a selection of some of the best places in town that will allow you to go on a well-rounded culinary tour of Latin America while saving a whole lot of money on plane tickets.
Colombian food
Los Guaduales (Uruguay 943):
If you’ve ever been curious about Colombian food, this excellent little restaurant hidden away in the south side of Recoleta is a great option; sample Colombian delicacies such as ajiaco (a traditional soup from Bogotá made with chicken, three varieties of potato, and herbs), bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of red beans, pork, ground beef, chicharrón, fried plantains and avocado), as well as a daily rotating menu and other treats.
i latina
iLatina (Murillo 725):
iLatina is a world-renowned restaurant, known as one of the best in all of South America. The restaurant prides itself on incorporating flavors from all over Latin America, but it is firmly rooted in Colombian cuisine. It is a more upscale dining experience, and the price reflects it. Their eight-course menu is more than worth it, though, featuring delicacies such as pineapple “al rescoldo”, seasonal mushrooms in ají panka and roasted orange with creamed corn, beef cheek in a reduction of Colombian coffee and sugar cane, and cocoa truffles; all of this capped off with a ceremonial Colombian coffee.
Venezuelan food
Caracas (Guatemala 4802):
A Venezuelan gastropub in the heart of Palermo featuring some of the best arepas in town. With a cool bohemian vibe, a running playlist of tropical caribbean music, incredible cocktails (make sure to try the passion fruit caipiroska) and a friendly staff, this is a great Friday-night spot. Start the night off with an order of tequeños (criminally addictive fried breaded cheese sticks), order an entree from the grill, and enjoy.
Chiquis Comida Maracucha (El Salvador 4991):
Chiquis is known as one of the best and most authentic spots in the city for Venezuelan cuisine. It is delicious, down-to-earth, and affordable. Not only do they offer Venezuelan treats such as fried empanadas, tequeños, fried plantains and a variety of decadent arepas (stuffed with various meats, cheese and sauces), they also have trusty go-tos such as hot dogs and cheeseburgers (in case you’re with someone who is not quite as adventurous as you are).
Peruvian food
Chimu (El Salvador 5632):
Chimu is one of my favorite places in the city. The restaurant has garnered acclaim over the years for its fusion of traditional Peruvian cooking and Nikkei style. Start your meal with a serving of papas a la huancaína (an absolutely delicious starter made up of a boiled potato served with a cream made out of Peruvian peppers, cheese and milk), then treat yourself to some delicious ceviche, chaufan (fried rice), steak, noodles, or teriyaki-style salmon. Everything is delicious here. Make sure to try their in-house hot sauce, which is sure to ramp up the heat on any one of these dishes.
Carlitos (Corrientes 3070):
The Abasto area is positively crowded with incredible Peruvian restaurants. These are usually run by Peruvian immigrants, so you know you’re getting the most authentic versions possible. Carlitos (not to be confused with the Argentine chain specializing in pancakes) is one of the highlights of the neighborhood. It’s an unassuming, family-style restaurant that is both delicious and affordable. If you’re around early enough, you can even try the Peruvian breakfast, which includes fried pork and tamales; considerably more filling than the medialunas-con-café that Argentines are accustomed to.
El Peruanito Ray (Fitz Roy 2299):
This is one of my favorite spots in Palermo for a quick bite. They specialize in these incredible, over-the-top and almost unwieldy burger-style sandwiches made up of various types of meat and with a generous serving of their home-made sauces. They also sell ceviche as well as other Peruvian fast foods such as salchipapas. They have a juice bar that makes fruit smoothies that are to die for (try the passion fruit and mango), and the staff is warm and welcoming. With its laid-back vibe and outdoor seating, it’s a great spot for summer evenings.
Brazilian Food
Boteco do Brasil (Honduras 5774):
A great place for some caipirinhas and true Brazilian cuisine. Start your meal with an order of coxinhas (chicken croquettes) and bolinhos de queijo (cheese rolls), then work your way up to a feijoada (a stew of beans with beef and pork). Not only do you get delicious Brazilian food, but you’ll also be treated to a live performance of Brazilian music (samba, bossa nova, and popular Brazilian folk); check their online profile for scheduled performances.
Brasileirinho (Florida 537):
In the heart of the bustling Microcentro neighborhood you’ll find Brasileirinho, a tiny restaurant that is successful enough at replicating the flavors of Brazil that it’s become a go-to for every Brazilian expat I know. Definitely more geared towards the Brazilian population than tourists or Argentines, but it’s all the better for it. They even offer a monthly “subscription service” where you can pay for a flat fee for a set number of meals!
Mexican Food
Che Taco (Balcarce 873): Che Taco is known as one of the best-kept secrets in Buenos Aires Mexican food; the restaurant of choice for people who are either from Mexico or have lived in Mexico and want to get as close as possible to the real thing. A beautiful little spot in San Telmo that has built up its reputation over the last ten years. You can order enchiladas, tacos, chilaquiles and such, as well as less common dishes such as pozole, a stew made up of pork and corn. But if you want to get as authentically Mexican as possible, go on a Sunday and ask for the day’s special.
Artx3 (Jose Luis Borges 2088): A charming little Mexican place in Palermo Soho. With its colorful, eye-catching decor and friendly staff, you’ll be wanting to come back often to try its tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas — pretty much any assortment of meats and vegetables that you can put in a tortilla. They also have classics such as huevos rancheros, fajitas, and an awesome tasting platter. And hey, if you’re with somebody who wants to stick to Argie classics, they also serve milanesas!
… And more!
There are so many other options for various Latin American restaurants in Buenos Aires that we could write a book about it. These places add a lot to the culinary fabric of the city, and we merely scratched the surface of what’s available.
If you want to try Bolivian cooking, make sure to hit up Boliviana de Carlitos (Pasteur 679). For the best Salvadoran pupusas (stuffed flatbreads similar to arepas) this side of the equator, check out Pupusería La Porteña (Viamonte 2116). And for a taste of Cuba, there’s the wonderful La Bodeguita del Medio (Baez 211). As much as we love asado and empanadas, there’s so much more color out there for you to discover. So get out there and do some exploring!
