Food & Cuisine in Buenos Aires
Food info sections | Eating locally
Food is high on the list of the Argentines' priorities and eating a good meal is one of the most important daily activities. The main meal, however, is eaten rather late in the evening, at 10 pm or even later. The parrilla, or grill, and traditional restaurants serve a large variety of meats, while pasta and pizza restaurants are everywhere. Argentina has not remained untouched by international cuisines, and restaurants in Buenos Aires are serving international fare that have become a common sight. Asian and Mediterranean dishes are very popular. While dining out, make sure you take a taste of the country's fine wines as some of the world's best wines are from Argentina. Eating in a Buenos Aires restaurant may turn out to be one of your favourite and most memorable memories of your time spent our your Buenos Aires tour.
There are innumerable dining options in Buenos Aires. Food is not taken lightly here and each meal can last for hours.
Our Buenos Aires Restaurants Guide below tells you all about the wonderful food and cuisine you'll encounter on your Buenos Aires holiday. The ideal way of unwinding after a busy day sightseeing or shopping in Buenos Aires, you are sure to fall in love with the local cuisine. Our Argentina Restaurants Guide gives you more information on the food and cuisine throughout the country.
Food & Cuisine in Buenos Aires
Breakfast is a light meal consisting of facturas and medialunas (pastries and croissants) usually accompanied by a cup of coffee. There are cafes and panaderias (bakeries) on every block so it is relatively easy to find a place to sit and start the day.
The Italian influence in Buenos Aires is very noticeable in the typical food, pizza and pasta are available almost everywhere and on the 29th day of each month it is tradition to eat gnocci.
An asado or barbecue of very good quality beef is usually the main course of a meal. Beef plays a huge role in every meal and is eaten in different ways. It could be eaten as bife de chorizo (sirloin steak), or as empanadas (meat pies) or as a choripan (beef sausage sandwich). A sauce of chimichurri, (parsely, spices and oil) is often used.
The favourite desserts of the Argentines are dulce de leche, which is a caramel spread, and alfajores, which is a sweet made out of dulce de leche sandwiched between two biscuits. Once again due to the Italian influence there are good quality ice cream parlours throughout the city. Free taste testings are possible before you buy a litre of fresh gelato.
Drinking in Buenos Aires
Argentine wine is becoming well-known throughout the world for its quality and superior flavour. A huge range is readily available in supermarkets, corner stores, restaurants and high-end bars.
Fernet is an alcoholic beverage often mixed with cola and ice. It has a strong spicy taste. The Italian brand Fernet Branca is the most popular.
Mate is drunk continuously throughout the day. It is usually shared amongst a family or a group of friends and is generally not available at restaurants or cafes. It is an infusion prepared with yerba mate leaves and is drunk in a mate gourd through a bombilla straw. It has a mild stimulant effect, similar to caffeine.
Vegetarians in Buenos Aires
Although the typical Argentine meal is based around beef there are several tasty options for the vegetarian traveller too. Tarts, empanadas, soup or pasta with vegetables accompanied by fresh homemade bread is a good option for vegetarians. Fruits and vegetable are readily available year round.
Nightlife
The city's nightlife is energetic and one of the liveliest in the world. Nightlife here really begins at night - the young and hip porteños begin their entertainment after dining at around 10 pm. The first couple of hours are spent in a café or bar and it is only after 2 am or later that they head out to a club.
