Are you a digital nomad craving a quick bite, a traveler looking to savor Buenos Aires’ fast food scene, or an expat in search of your new go-to spot? Buenos Aires offers a tantalizing array of fast food options that merge quick service with the rich culinary heritage of Argentina.
ExpatPathways dives into the bustling streets of this vibrant city to bring you “The 10 Best Fast Food Restaurants in Buenos Aires,” a curated list designed to satisfy your cravings, no matter the time of day.
From the iconic choripán stands to gourmet burger joints that have revolutionized fast dining, our guide promises an unforgettable journey through flavors that define the fast food culture in Buenos Aires.
Join us as we explore the corners of Buenos Aires, uncovering spots where speed does not compromise quality, and fast food becomes an experience to cherish. Let this guide be your companion as you navigate the city’s lively food scene, finding joy in the simplicity and richness of Argentine fast cuisine.
The Best Fast Food Restaurants in Buenos Aires
1) Mostaza
Location: Avenida de Mayo 1402-1424, Microcentro.
Since its inception in 1998, Mostaza has grown from a single food court location to a significant player in the Argentine fast-food scene, rivaling global giants with its expansion to 160 outlets across 20 provinces.
As it aims to lead the market by 2025 with plans to open up to 320 locations, Mostaza has become a beloved brand for its high-quality hamburgers, exceptional service, and its mix of vintage and industrial design aesthetics.
Praised for its cleanliness, excellent customer service, and delicious, perfectly cooked burgers, Mostaza offers a delightful dining experience that combines great food with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Customers rave about the attention to detail, from the gentlemanly security staff to the consistently hot and tasty meals, making it a must-visit spot for both casual diners and those looking for a special culinary treat.
2) Guerrin
Location: Avenida Corrientes 1368, Microcentro.
A true emblem of Buenos Aires since 1932, Pizzeria Guerrin not only predates the iconic Obelisco but has also been recognized as a Site of Cultural Interest.
Known for preserving the traditional ‘pizza al molde’ (pan pizza), Guerrin has sold approximately 9.216 million pizzas, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the city’s gastronomy.
Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its bustling atmosphere, quick service, and the classic city vibe that it embodies. The pizza, reminiscent of a Chicago deep dish, is renowned for its hearty toppings and generous cheese, making a “small” size more than enough for two.
With its rapid service, variety of delicious pizzas, and a special energy that captures the essence of Buenos Aires, Guerrin is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best pizza in town.
3) Chori 33
Location: Bernardo de Irigoyen 266, Microcentro.
Known for revolutionizing the traditional choripán, Chori 33 has become a beloved spot in Buenos Aires for both locals and tourists. The vibrant yellow walls and décor featuring Argentine icons create a welcoming and distinctly local atmosphere.
The menu goes beyond choripán, offering a variety of street food like hamburgers, tequeños, and the best Venezuelan-style hot dogs in the city.
With the option to create a mixed platter accompanied by beer, it’s the perfect place for a casual meal. The friendly service adds to the experience, making Chori 33 a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Argentine street food in the heart of the city.
Their prime location on Avenida 9 de Julio and their commitment to offering Argentine street food at any time make it an excellent spot for both a quick bite and a deep dive into Argentina’s rich culinary culture.
4) La Cocina
Location: Avenida Pueyrredón 1508, Palermo.
La Cocina is celebrated for its legendary empanadas, regarded by many as the best in Buenos Aires. With two emblematic locations – one hidden in the back of Galería Boston and another on Avenida Pueyrredón in Palermo – this eatery has become a staple for empanada aficionados who swear by its offerings and refuse to eat empanadas anywhere else.
The unpretentious setting and focus on delivering consistently delicious, homemade-style empanadas have earned La Cocina a loyal following. Highlights include the “Pikachu” empanada, with its sweet caramelized onion and spicy flavor, and the onion and cheese empanada, known for its perfect balance of juicy and spicy meat fillings, as well as the simple yet satisfying vegetable option.
Despite the usual wait due to its popularity, the service is efficient, making La Cocina a must-visit for those in search of authentic Catamarcan empanadas in Buenos Aires.
5) Burger Joint
Location: Jorge Luis Borges 1766, Palermo.
Nestled in the heart of Palermo, Burger Joint has made a name for itself not only locally but also on an international scale, being recognized in prestigious rankings for its exceptional burgers.
The vegetarian option, a chickpea and portobello patty, is particularly noteworthy for its surprising flavors in every bite. With its vibrant atmosphere, adorned with walls filled with scribbles and an indoor patio, the place buzzes with energy, complemented by great music and friendly staff.
Favorites like the 420, Bleu, and Ginobili burgers come highly recommended, especially for those with a big appetite. Patrons laud Burger Joint as the best burger spot in Buenos Aires, citing its consistently high-quality, flavorful, and sizable portions, as well as its inviting atmosphere and excellent beer selection.
6) La Americana
Location: Avenida Callao 83, Congreso.
Offering great service and a cozy family atmosphere, La Americana stands out in Buenos Aires’ urban landscape with two central locations. Known as the “first empanada house in Buenos Aires,” La Americana delights with its quality and taste, providing a comfortable and unique dining experience.
From amazing empanadas, including vegetarian options, to cheesy pizzas and affordable yet tasty wine, every dish impresses with its spectacular flavors. The desserts are equally exceptional, making it a favorite spot for a late-night treat.
Highlighted by the warm hospitality of manager Jose and the excellent service of Ernesto, La Americana on Av. Callao becomes a memorable visit for anyone in search of delicious fast food complemented by exceptional service.
With its classic ambiance, it’s the go-to place for enjoying delicious pizzas, empanadas, and the house’s special ice cream sundae, making it a must-visit in Buenos Aires.
7) Mi Barrio Hamburguesería
Location: Avenida Ángel Gallardo 102, Villa Crespo.
Opening its first location in the iconic Recoleta neighborhood at the end of 2014, Mi Barrio Hamburguesería now boasts 12 branches throughout Buenos Aires.
Celebrated for its massive burgers and laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying a meal with friends. Each burger, such as the Palermo Soho, Villa Crespo, and the highly recommended Triple X, offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, served with fries for a complete dining experience.
The cozy and welcoming décor of the outlets, combined with the fast service, comfortable seating, and high-quality ingredients, makes Mi Barrio a must-try for burger enthusiasts.
While some critique the fries as seeming a bit reheated, the overall experience, including the slightly sweet bun that perfectly complements the meat, has garnered high praise, with each branch featuring its own special burger worth exploring.
8) Café Paulin
Location: Sarmiento 635, Microcentro.
Since 1988, Café Paulin has claimed the title of “the best sandwiches in Buenos Aires,” situated in the bustling Microcentro area. Originally starting as a café, it retains a traditional bar ambiance with wooden walls and tables, making it a popular lunch spot for nearby office workers.
Known for its large portions, fresh ingredients, and reasonable prices, Café Paulin’s sandwiches are a highlight, particularly the napolitano and patagonico, with the former stealing the show.
The café’s nostalgic environment, reminiscent of an old gangster movie, coupled with the original décor and sometimes delayed but overall good service, offers a unique and delightful dining experience.
The innovative way orders are served across a glass table, adding a touch of humor to the meal, along with the delicious food and the vintage atmosphere, makes Café Paulin an excellent choice for both lunch and snack times, providing a warm welcome to the city’s culinary scene.
9) Giuseppe Vicenti
Location: Av. Angel Gallardo 95, Villa Crespo.
In Villa Crespo, a façade adorned with the colors of the Italian flag and a design reminiscent of eateries near Rome’s Fontana di Trevi or Florence’s Piazza della Signoria, lies Giuseppe Vicenti.
This beloved focacceria has quickly become a sensation in the neighborhood, known for its unique sandwich offerings made with the most Italian bread of all times. The mortadella with pistachios, burrata, and homemade pesto sandwich stands out among its specialties, drawing long lines of eager customers every day.
The shop charms not only with its décor and Italian music but also with the quality of its ingredients and the generosity of its fillings. The sandwiches, particularly the “Giuseppe” focaccia, are praised for their size, freshness, and the perfect blend of flavors, making them ideal for sharing.
With a range of focaccias, paninis, and the option for quick coffee or sliced meats to go, Giuseppe Vicenti offers a slice of Italian fondness right in Buenos Aires, complete with a few small street-side tables for those lucky enough to grab a spot.
10) Mi Gusto
Location: Cnel. Niceto Vega 5795, Palermo.
Renowned for offering some of the best empanadas in Buenos Aires, Mi Gusto delights with its flavorful, filling, and well-stuffed creations, providing excellent value for money. While empanadas are the star, its pizzas also receive high praise.
However, the variety and originality of empanada flavors truly set Mi Gusto apart, with chicken mushroom, spicy beef, and beef with Provolone being highly recommended.
Starting as a rotisserie in 1999, Mi Gusto has seen tremendous growth thanks to its commitment to quality, to the point of pausing expansion to keep up with demand. Today, it continues to innovate beyond traditional flavors, with the vacuum and provolone empanada becoming a favorite.
Additionally, it offers sauces, a gratin option, and specially designed packaging, enhancing the dining experience. With a wide array of classic and original flavors, large sizes that advise ordering less than usual, and its own delivery app, Mi Gusto stands out in Buenos Aires’ culinary scene for its distinctive and delicious empanadas.
(Featured Image Source: Edward Franklin/unsplash.com)
