Craving an authentic Argentine barbecue experience in Buenos Aires, but not sure where to start? ExpatPathways is your gastronomic guide to the city’s best culinary journeys.
We’ve scoured the streets, from trendy Palermo to historic San Telmo, to bring you the definitive list of the 10 best barbecues in Buenos Aires.
Perfect for digital nomads looking to indulge in local flavours, travellers in search of a memorable meal, or expats craving a taste of home, this article promises to take you to the heart of Argentine barbecue culture.
Let’s dive into the sizzle and smoke of Buenos Aires’ most popular parrillas, where every bite tells a story of tradition and passion.
The Best Grills in Buenos Aires
1. Don Julio
Location: Guatemala 4699, Palermo, Buenos Aires.
Heralded as a culinary beacon in Buenos Aires, Don Julio stands out not just in Argentina but globally, securing a spot as #19 in the world’s 50 best restaurants of 2023.
Nestled in the heart of Palermo Viejo, this grill restaurant is a testament to the rich Argentine meat culture, marrying traditional flavors with innovative culinary techniques.
Helmed by chef-owner Pablo Rivero, Don Julio honors a family legacy deeply rooted in the meat industry, with meticulous attention to meat selection, aging processes, and sustainable practices.
The restaurant’s ambiance, characterized by an impressive display of meat cuts and a unique “V” shaped grill, ensures a minimal smoke experience, enhancing the natural flavors of the meat.
Paired with a carefully curated wine list that highlights the best of Argentina, Don Julio promises an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates Argentine culinary heritage.
2. La Cabrera
Location: José A. Cabrera 5127, Palermo, Buenos Aires.
Standing as a vibrant homage to the Rio de la Plata’s gastronomic legacy, La Cabrera has been captivating diners for over two decades with its extraordinary approach to Argentine cuisine.
With monthly patronage exceeding 10,000 guests, this Palermo-based grill boasts staggering figures, from serving over 1,450 bifes de chorizo to preparing a thousand kilos of crispy sweetbreads, all pointing to its unmatched popularity.
At La Cabrera, every dish served is a piece of culinary artistry, designed to tantalize the senses with rich aromas and bold flavors. The restaurant’s enduring success and accolades underscore its commitment to quality, atmosphere, and an unparalleled dining experience that both honors and innovates upon Argentine culinary traditions.
3. El Desnivel
Location: Defensa 855, San Telmo, Buenos Aires.
Nestled in the historic heart of San Telmo, El Desnivel is a quintessential Buenos Aires bodegón that has charmed both locals and tourists alike with its vibrant atmosphere and generous portions of classic Argentine dishes.
Known for its mouthwatering choripán, milanesa napolitana, and an array of grilled meats that are so tender they’re often served with a spoon, this traditional eatery at Defensa 855 offers a dive into the rich culinary culture of Argentina.
The place buzzes with energy, and the hearty servings of empanadas, buñuelos de acelga, chorizo, and morcilla make it a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic Argentine dining experience.
It’s a reminder of the country’s love affair with meat, served in a setting that feels like stepping into a local’s dining room, complete with homemade pastas and classic bodegón dishes.
4. El Gran Mosquito
Location: Juan Domingo Perón 4499, Almagro, Buenos Aires
Touted as the best “all-you-can-eat” grill in Buenos Aires, El Gran Mosquito has carved out a special place in the hearts of meat lovers.
Located in the bustling neighborhood of Almagro at Tte. Gral. Juan Domingo Perón 4499, it’s a paradise for those who appreciate the finer cuts of Argentine beef, with a menu that includes asado, bondiola, vacío, and more.
The history of El Mosquito is as rich as its menu, tracing back to 1880 when it served as a vital stopover for immigrants and travelers. Today, the restaurant continues to build on this legacy, offering an endless array of meats, fries, and salads in an ambiance that echoes the stories of its past.
With a cellar built to withstand time and a century-old vine that witnesses the joy of communal gatherings, El Mosquito is more than just a restaurant—it’s a piece of Buenos Aires’ history.
5. La Choza
Location: Gascón 1701, Palermo, Buenos Aires.
A corner of Palermo hides a gem known as La Choza, a classic grill that evokes the charm of old Buenos Aires with its white tablecloths and family-friendly atmosphere.
Renowned for its generous portions and impeccable service, La Choza delights its guests with a menu that celebrates the best of Argentine grill. From the renowned asado ancho to a wide selection of cuts like entraña, bife de chorizo, and bondiola, each dish is a testament to the grill master’s skill in achieving the perfect doneness.
Complementing the meaty offerings, the starters like buñuelos de verdura and standout mollejas, along with crispy potatoes and fresh salads, ensure a well-rounded dining experience.
La Choza stands as a tribute to the timeless allure of Argentine parrillas, inviting diners to indulge in the country’s rich culinary traditions amidst the bustling streets of Palermo.
6. Fogón Asado
Location: Uriarte 1423, Palermo, Buenos Aires.
At Fogón Asado, visitors are welcomed into an immersive culinary journey that captures the essence of Argentine asado with a sophisticated flair. Nestled in the trendy neighborhood of Palermo at Uriarte 1423, this restaurant stands out for its pasture-raised meats and a tasting menu that marries traditional Argentine flavors with innovative culinary techniques, earning a spot in the Michelin Guide 2024.
The ambiance is intimate, with chefs preparing dishes right before your eyes on a unique grill, offering a blend of showmanship and gastronomy.
Patrons, including those who’ve extended their stay in Buenos Aires for this dining experience, rave about the attentive service, the detailed explanation of each dish, and the exceptional quality of the steak, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to delve deep into Argentina’s rich culinary heritage.
7. Lo de Charly
Location: Avenida Álvarez Thomas 2101, Villa Urquiza, Buenos Aires.
A bastion of Buenos Aires’ nightlife and culinary scene, Lo de Charly in Villa Urquiza, at Avenida Álvarez Thomas 2101, defies the conventions of time by serving patrons around the clock for over three decades.
This parrilla is a testament to the city’s vibrant late-night culture, offering the finest in Argentine grills, including its famed choripán, in a setting that welcomes visitors any time of day or night—except on Christmas and New Year’s.
Here, the traditions of Argentine cuisine are celebrated with gusto, featuring a range of beloved dishes from chorizo and morcilla to tender bifes and crispy papas fritas, cementing its reputation as a culinary institution where the essence of Argentine hospitality and flavor is ever-present.
8. La Estancia Asador Criollo
Location: Lavalle 941, San Nicolas, Buenos Aires.
Steps away from the iconic Obelisco, La Estancia Asador Criollo at Lavalle 941 is a cornerstone of Buenos Aires’ grill scene, having served locals and tourists alike since 1962.
This revered establishment invites guests to witness the art of Argentine asado first-hand, with meats like Patagonian lamb and goat slowly roasted to perfection on traditional spits visible from the street. La Estancia’s longstanding dedication to quality meats and impeccable service has earned it national recognition as a “Gastronomic Complex of Touristic Interest.”
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, this historic asador offers a quintessentially Argentine experience that resonates with the soulful culinary traditions of the country, serving a variety of top-tier meats and sausages in an ambiance filled with the warmth and charm of Argentine hospitality.
9. Parrilla Aires Criollos
Location: Avenida Santa Fe 1773, Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires.
Nestled in the bustling streets of Barrio Norte, Parrilla Aires Criollos at Avenida Santa Fe 1773 stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Argentine grilling tradition.
Renowned for its superior grilled meats and an ambiance steeped in local culture, this eatery offers a dining experience that’s both authentic and welcoming. Patrons rave about the bife de chorizo, declaring it a culinary treasure not to be missed.
With its blend of high-quality dining at affordable prices, soothing background music, and attentive service, Aires Criollos marries the essence of Argentine hospitality with culinary excellence.
The menu extends beyond traditional cuts to include homemade pasta, making it a versatile choice for varied palates. This restaurant’s commitment to quality and ambiance makes it highly recommended for anyone seeking a genuine Argentine dining experience.
10. Grandes Carnicerías del Plata
Location: Chile 592, San Telmo, Buenos Aires.
At the corner of Chile and Peru streets, Grandes Carnicerías del Plata occupies a space rich in history, seamlessly integrating modern dining with the architectural charm of its past as a butcher shop. The original “gancheras,” white tiles, and calcareous mosaic floors provide a unique backdrop to a menu that celebrates Argentine culinary prowess.
Patrons are treated to perfectly cooked steaks, varied side dishes, and a selection that caters to all tastes, including fish, pasta, and poultry. Highlights include provoleta, langoustines, and a variety of empanadas, complemented by exceptional service that adds a personal touch to the dining experience.
Whether enjoying a meal on the generous sidewalk or indulging in the flan with dulce de leche, Grandes Carnicerías del Plata offers a memorable encounter with Argentina’s rich culinary heritage.
(Featured Image Source: Fede Espinoza/flickr.com)
