La Posta
In Argentina, there are a number of slang terms that I have had to learn in order to understand what anyone is saying to me at any given time. One of my favorites, probably because it directly relates with food, is “la posta,” which means the absolute best, the real thing. It is most commonly referred to when eating or drinking something exceptionally good. After learning this, I knew that I had to find each restaurant in Buenos Aires that allowed me to use this word, so I made a personal deal with myself to try one new restaurant per week in order to learn the ins-and-outs of the food culture of Argentina. Lucky for me, when my dad was visiting for one month, I was able to explore new restaurants almost everyday with someone that shares the same favorite hobby of eating as me. Here is a compilation of some favorites in the city that have made me say, “No, this is la posta!”
Seafood: La Mar, Palermo Hollywood
Ceviche at La Mar
Seafood used to be a foreign thing in Buenos Aires, focusing all of its efforts on its incredible beef. However, within the past year, more and more seafood options have appeared on menus, and more restaurants dedicated fully to seafood have popped up. La Mar was one of the first restaurants to do it and to do it well, offering numerous types of ceviche and their specialty, Peruvian fish served seven different ways.
Pasta: El Obrero, La Boca
With owner at El Obrero Restaurante
La Boca has always been the working class neighborhood of Buenos Aires, meaning that the food and culture has not changed very much since the 1800s when it was being developed. Finding a taxi driver to take you to this neighborhood at night might be difficult, but totally worth it. El Obrero is full of Pope and Boca Junior memorabilia and is known for their homemade pastas, specifically their ravioli. The owner works there every day and is the one that brings you your food, wine, dessert, etc. Be sure to start you dinner with their rabas, or calamari, which is another house specialty.
Steak (more affordable option): Parrilla Pena, Microcentro
A typical Argentinean meal: Two types of steak, bread, and wine
This restaurant has its mind on one thing and one thing only: meat. Entering the restaurant, the large grill filled with different meat cuts welcomes you as you enter further into the restaurant with plain white walls with wine bottles as the decoration. They serve all cuts of meat, but are most known for their ojo de bife, which is most similar to the ribeye cut.
Steak (fancy!): Gardiner, Costanera Norte
Caprese salad and calamari at Gardiner
Want to treat yourself to a fancy steak dinner? This restaurant is right up against the Rio de la Plata and offers great service, great menu options, great wine list and great bread… yes, I often judge my restaurants by the quality of bread they bring to the table and this one (unfortunately) serves such good bread that one basket is not enough.
Pizza: La Mezzetta, Colegiales
La Mezzetta
In Buenos Aires, fugazzeta pizza rules all, which has mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, red onion, caramelized onion, oregano, and olive oil. Porteños will almost take offense if you do not order this flavor, as well as their preferred topping called faena. This is a chickpea and garlic topping that is often put on top of pizza, washed down with a glass of moscato wine.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Buenos Aires Verde, Belgrano & Palermo Hollywood
Buenos Aires Verde
Although Argentina is known as the land of beef, being vegetarian or vegan has become a recent trend, opening the gates for multiple new non-meat restaurant options. This place offers a huge amount of options as well as very generous portions, which is perfect for taking the other half home and eating it for leftovers.
Smoothies: Juice Up, Palermo Hollywood
Juice Up
The new kid on the block that is actually serving acai bowls. Although Argentina is neighbors with Brasil, acai bowls have not made it to us. On top of your acai bowl are options such as walnuts, coconut, granola, banana, goji berries, etc. to make it how you like it. They also offer smoothie options and fruit/veggie juices.
Ice Cream: Rapa Nui, Villa Urquiza & Recoleta
Rapa Nui
Originally from the land of chocolate in Bariloche, Patagonia, thank god for us city-dwellers that they have opened two locations in Buenos Aires! Obviously their chocolate flavors are a-ma-zing, but don’t be afraid to venture out and try their fruit sorbets, tiramisu, and glacier coconut. They make their own chocolates at each location as well!
Restaurant with a view: Malloy’s, Martinez
Malloy’s
This restaurant has done a beautiful job of incorporating the river, offering more outdoor seating than indoor seating, as well as a large grassy area in front where you can bring your own picnic, lounge chairs and mate tea. Don’t worry if you can’t find a seat outside because their entire restaurant is made of glass.
Coffee: Coffee Town, San Telmo
Coffee Town
Although Coffee Town is the best, there are more and more good coffee options popping up in Buenos Aires. The place responsible for the distribution of coffee from countries such as Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Tanzania, etc. to us coffee addicts in the city is called LAB in Palermo. They distribute coffee to other great places such as Birkin, Felix & Felices, Full City and Lattente to name a few.
Beer: Bier Life, San Telmo
Bier Life
Not only does this brewery have over 100 beers on tap, they have the best and cheapest happy hour option! Two beers for $60 (about $4 US) is the best price you will find in Buenos Aires and unfortunately this place is located only two blocks from my office.
Wine: La Cava Jufre, Villa Crespo
La Cava Jufre
The best kept secret in Buenos Aires, this dark, two-storied wine bar is my favorite place to wind down with a good glass of wine. The owner is incredibly nice, recognizing me only after my second time visiting. Although I am a Sommelier and should be “expanding my palate,” I always find myself ordering the Miras Malbec, accompanied by the escabeche de berenjenas, which is similar to bruschetta with pickled eggplant instead of tomatoes.
Cocktails: Rey de Copas, Palermo Soho
Rey de Copas
I have never been into cocktails (beer and wine please!), but I would even go to this place purely for its environment. There is an inside area and a rooftop, both with bars, but the roof has a Moroccan vibe with large couches to share. Cocktails are at a very reasonable price, allowing you to enjoy more for less. Is that a good thing or bad thing?
Speakeasy: Floreria Atlantico, Retiro
Floreria Atlantico
Hidden in the basement of a flower shop, this speakeasy offers incredible drinks that incorporate the different plants and flowers inside. Obviously, being a speakeasy, it can be confusing to get to. After ringing the bell and being let into the flower shop by the florist, you must ask to be shown to the bar. The wall will open up with stairs leading downstairs to a dark and sultry bar with mainly bar seating so you can watch the bartenders do their thing. Super fun to experience as the speakeasy concept has taken off in Buenos Aires!
