Have you been searching for the vibrant, bold flavors of the Caribbean in Buenos Aires? Whether you’re a digital nomad, traveler, or expat, ExpatPathways invites you to explore “The 11 Best Caribbean Food Restaurants in Buenos Aires.”
In Buenos Aires, the Caribbean culinary scene is alive and thriving, with restaurants that not only bring you authentic flavors but also transport you to the sandy shores of Venezuela, Colombia, and beyond.
Discover cozy eateries like Mokambo Caribbean Food & Bar, where Venezuelan cachapas are served in a laid-back San Telmo setting, or dive into a bandeja paisa at Los Guaduales, where generous portions and warm service capture the spirit of Colombia.
Whether you’re looking for an all-you-can-eat Venezuelan feast or simply want to sip on a tamarind mojito while soaking up some lively Latin music, join us as we uncover the hidden gems that will satisfy your Caribbean cravings!
The Best Caribbean Food Restaurants in Buenos Aires
1) Chacaito Caribbean Food Station
Location: Charcas 4402, Palermo.
Nestled in the trendy Palermo neighborhood on Charcas Street, Chacaito Caribbean Food Station stands as a beacon of Venezuelan cuisine in Buenos Aires. Established by founders Joel, Jolimar, and Luis, the restaurant not only introduces diners to Venezuelan gastronomic culture but also promises an immersive experience reminiscent of Caracas.
The signature dish, cachapa, is highlighted as a unique and exclusive offering, embodying authentic Venezuelan flavors customizable to diners’ preferences. The restaurant prides itself on delivering dishes that stay true to traditional Venezuelan tastes.
Visitors to Chacaito can expect a delightful journey through Venezuela’s culinary delights, from the Cachapa Tropical—filled with cheese, avocado, and ripe plantain—to the Arepa Sifrina and savory tequeños.
Repeat customers rave about the authentic atmosphere, likening the venue to a Caracas train station and commending the diverse menu, which ranges from patacones at the entrance to tequeyoyos as a closing treat. Patrons also appreciate the nostalgic flavors, like cachapas with double cheese, which remind them of home-cooked meals.
2) Avila Food
Location: Jerónimo Salguero 1584, Palermo.
Avila Food, located in Palermo on Jerónimo Salguero Street, has become a significant part of Buenos Aires’ Venezuelan food scene. What started as a modest venture five years ago has grown through word-of-mouth, eventually expanding during the pandemic with a robust delivery service and culminating in the opening of a second, larger location in Plaza Armenia’s culinary epicenter.
Avila’s menu is a comprehensive tour of Venezuelan cuisine, featuring bestsellers like BBQ chicken wings, corn dough empanadas, and a variety of arepas, including the chicken and cheese-filled catira and the iconic reina pepiada with avocado, chicken, and mayo.
The restaurant is acclaimed for its exceptional service and the authenticity of its dishes, reminiscent of Venezuelan flavors. Customers frequently commend the beef soup as superior to others in Argentina and suggest trying the refreshing pineapple or mango juices.
The generous portions ensure leftovers are common, and the ambiance, complete with cheerful yet subdued music, makes for a pleasant dining experience conducive to conversation. First-time visitors and regulars alike are drawn to its vibrant yet relaxed setting, perfect for a satisfying Venezuelan meal.
3) Pa’Chichiriviche
Location: Av. Corrientes 4867, Villa Crespo.
Located in the Villa Crespo neighborhood, Pa’Chichiriviche has been a long-standing reference for Venezuelan cuisine in the area. Specializing in fast food, this cozy restaurant brings the best of Venezuelan gastronomy to Buenos Aires.
With its beach-themed ambiance paying homage to its namesake and a welcoming staff, it’s a favorite among both locals and Venezuelan expats. The menu includes delectable tequeños with garlic sauce, generously portioned sharing platters, and other Venezuelan classics.
Visitors appreciate the attentive service and hearty, flavorful dishes, which are perfect for sharing with friends or family. Pa’Chichiriviche is known for its vibrant and familial atmosphere, complete with live music that enhances the experience.
Although there’s room for improvement with the drinks, the staff is always eager to accommodate customer requests. Prices are reasonable, reflecting the current economic climate, and diners often leave planning their next visit.
4) Resto Bar Santa Marta Tiene Tren
Location: Av. Scalabrini Ortiz 443, Villa Crespo.
Resto Bar Santa Marta Tiene Tren, located on Avenida Scalabrini Ortiz, is a family-run Colombian restaurant offering a taste of Colombia in Buenos Aires.
Their menu features typical Colombian fare, from arepas stuffed with cheese or eggs to hearty bandeja paisa, coconut rice with fried fish, sancocho, and arroz de camarones. Open from 7 a.m. for breakfast until late, the restaurant combines excellent Colombian flavors with a vibrant bar and music scene.
Customers praise the rich and varied menu, which starts with a delicious soup and is followed by a generous main course, usually with meat or chicken, rice, and a salad. The portions are large, the prices are accessible, and the flavors are authentic, transporting visitors back to the coast of Colombia.
While the service can be a bit slow at times, the warm atmosphere, extensive variety, and authentic dishes make Santa Marta Tiene Tren a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Colombian culinary experience in Buenos Aires.
5) Chipper Seafood Restaurant
Location: Humboldt 1895, Palermo.
Chipper Seafood Restaurant is a laid-back Caribbean eatery in Palermo, known for its creative seafood dishes, meat entrees, and desserts, complemented by a distinguished sushi menu. Specializing in a fusion of Nikkei and Caribbean flavors, Chipper offers a variety of plates that transport diners directly to the Caribbean Sea.
The husband-and-wife team behind the restaurant ensures a welcoming atmosphere, while the fresh fish dishes, such as the highly recommended seafood casserole, deliver on flavor and quality.
Diners frequently praise the restaurant for its relaxing ambiance, excellent service, and innovative yet simple dishes that strike a balance between creativity and tradition. The freshly baked bread and cocktails add to the charm, creating a dining experience worth revisiting.
Though not the cheapest option, Chipper offers great value with its high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, making it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts seeking a taste of the Caribbean in Buenos Aires.
6) El Fogón de la Tía
Location: Salta 525, Monserrat.
Located on Salta Street in the Monserrat neighborhood, El Fogón de la Tía serves up Ecuadorian cuisine with an emphasis on freshness and authenticity.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, this cozy restaurant prepares each dish to order, ensuring an experience that’s worth the wait. The vibrant atmosphere, complemented by the rhythmic backdrop of cumbia and salsa, sets the tone for a hearty and flavorful meal.
El Fogón de la Tía stands out for its excellent service and generous portions, delivering dishes that are rich in flavor and evoke the warmth of home-cooked Ecuadorian food. Despite its small size, the restaurant boasts big flavors and an attentive staff that caters to every detail.
The welcoming environment, reasonable prices, and authentic Ecuadorian tastes make this restaurant a beloved spot for those seeking a familial and satisfying dining experience in Buenos Aires.
7) La Tasquita Vip
Location: Av. Sta. Fe 1126, Recoleta.
Located in the Recoleta neighborhood, La Tasquita Vip is a lively Caribbean eatery with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Known for its vibrant Venezuelan cuisine and reasonably priced drinks, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy an evening with friends.
The dedicated staff provides excellent service, creating a family-like ambiance where diners can indulge in signature dishes like cachapa with pork and comforting soups.
Frequent visitors praise La Tasquita Vip for its delicious food, festive Latin music, and attentive service, making it a favorite among the Venezuelan community in Buenos Aires.
Whether you’re looking to dance, share a meal with friends, or simply savor some authentic Venezuelan flavors, La Tasquita Vip consistently delivers a delightful experience at an accessible price point.
8) Barú Gastropub
Location: José A. Cabrera 4602, Palermo.
Barú Gastropub, situated on Avenida Scalabrini Ortiz in Palermo, brings the spirit of the Caribbean to Buenos Aires with its innovative cocktails and vibrant cuisine.
The bar’s signature drinks, featuring exotic ingredients like guava, tamarind, passion fruit, and coconut, set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Diners can choose from a variety of dishes, with the most popular being the meat skewer platter, cheese sticks, fried empanadas, and tacos served on fried plantain bases.
With its beautifully designed facade and charming interior, Barú Gastropub embodies Colombian culture through and through. Whether seated inside or outside amidst lush greenery, guests enjoy delicious dishes like fried pargo with rice and patacones, or shredded beef with chimichurri over fried plantains.
The warm atmosphere, cheerful music, and reasonable prices make Barú a fantastic place to visit with family and friends. Patrons often leave raving about the refreshing tamarind mojito, the hearty sancocho, and the friendly service.
9) Los Guaduales
Location: Uruguay 943, Centro.
Located in downtown Buenos Aires, just a few blocks from Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Córdoba, Los Guaduales offers a truly authentic Colombian culinary experience.
The restaurant, situated on Uruguay Street, features unmistakable Colombian flavors in generous portions at reasonable prices. Guests are welcomed into an ambiance that feels like home, with a diverse menu that includes everything from hearty soups and bandeja paisa to chicken, beef, fish, and a variety of juices.
The friendly and attentive staff ensure that everyone feels well taken care of, even if they arrive close to closing time. Patrons frequently praise the delicious food and the varied menu, emphasizing that the taste is genuinely Colombian.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal like bandeja paisa that can be shared or savoring the distinct flavors solo, Los Guaduales stands out as one of the best Colombian restaurants in Buenos Aires, delivering an experience that transports diners straight to Colombia.
10) Arepera Miss Venezuela
Location: Bonpland 1509, Palermo.
Nestled in the Palermo Hollywood neighborhood, Arepera Miss Venezuela is a cozy restaurant offering traditional Venezuelan comfort food in a charming, brick-lined setting.
Known for its warm hospitality and ample portions, the restaurant provides a delightful tasting menu option, allowing guests to sample a variety of tequeños, arepas, and other Venezuelan favorites. While the portions are smaller in the tasting menu, it provides a perfect opportunity to try a bit of everything.
The all-you-can-eat option is a popular choice, but it’s recommended that all guests at the table choose it. The diverse selection includes a wide range of tequeños, arepas (particularly the pabellón variety), and patacones, all of which receive rave reviews from patrons.
The prices are reasonable, and despite the drinks not being included, just one glass usually suffices. Arepera Miss Venezuela is a go-to spot for anyone seeking authentic Venezuelan cuisine, but be sure to arrive early as it fills up quickly.
11) Mokambo Caribbean Food & Bar
Location: Estados Unidos 790, San Telmo.
Located in the San Telmo neighborhood, just a few meters from Avenida Independencia and Avenida 9 de Julio, Mokambo Caribbean Food & Bar serves up authentic Venezuelan cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
The restaurant offers an ideal opportunity to reconnect with the delightful flavors of Venezuelan gastronomy. Guests are treated to high-quality food, from generously-sized cachapas and tasty tequeños to fried arepas—a rarity in Buenos Aires. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with good music and expertly crafted Venezuelan cocktails, enhances the experience.
Managed and attended by its owners, Mokambo provides a cozy and informal ambiance that makes diners feel right at home. The excellent service, delicious traditional dishes, and unbeatable prices make it a go-to spot in the historic San Telmo district.
The attractive promotions add to its appeal, and despite some minor details that could use attention, visitors consistently commend the restaurant for its quality cuisine and authentic Venezuelan vibe. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to enjoy a slice of Venezuela in Buenos Aires.
(Featured Image Source: Cesar Mellior/flickr.com)
