Buenos Aires has experienced significant price inflation since 2023-2024; restaurant costs have roughly doubled or tripled from previous years. Prices as of mid-2026 reflect this reality.
Good to know
Good to Know
- Argentines eat dinner very late—typically 9–11 PM; many restaurants don't open kitchens until 8 PM. Lunch (noon–2 PM) is the main meal for locals.
- Tipping is not mandatory but 10% is customary for good service; can be added to the card or given in cash. Check your bill for 'propina' (tip) already included.
- Some restaurants offer 5–10% cash discounts; paying in cash at neighborhood spots can yield savings.
- Buenos Aires has limited affordable street food compared to other major cities; most 'street food' is actually informal carts at specific locations (parks, Costanera). Budget travelers report finding meals under $20 USD difficult as of 2025–2026 due to inflation.
- Water is safe to drink from the tap. Wine is exceptionally affordable and of high quality—Argentine Malbec and other varietals from local producers offer excellent value.
- Palermo (especially Palermo Soho, Hollywood, and Las Cañitas) has the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, cafes, and international options; ideal for nomads seeking variety.
- San Telmo offers historic charm, lower prices, and Mercado de San Telmo for fresh ingredients and prepared food.
- Many traditional parrillas (steakhouses) are cash-only or offer better rates for cash payment.
- Reservations are strongly recommended for mid-range and high-end restaurants, especially on weekends; popular spots like La Carnicería require advanced booking.
Supermarkets
Carrefour
- Coverage
- 600+ branches across Buenos Aires and major cities; multiple formats (Hiper, Market, Express)
- Area Note
- Ubiquitous; locations in Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and most neighborhoods within 10 min of nomad centers
Coto
- Coverage
- One of Argentina's largest chains; extensive meat section, reasonable prices
- Area Note
- Multiple locations in central neighborhoods (Palermo, Recoleta, Microcentro)
Jumbo
- Coverage
- Major chain with international products section
- Area Note
- Locations in Palermo, Recoleta
Mercado De San Telmo
- Coverage
- Traditional indoor market—fresh produce, meats, cheese, bread, antiques, artisanal crafts
- Area Note
- San Telmo neighborhood; 10 min walk from Microcentro
Mercado De Belgrano
- Coverage
- Traditional neighborhood market—fresh produce, fish, meats; quieter, more local
- Area Note
- Belgrano neighborhood
Mercado De Bonpland
- Coverage
- Organic produce and eco-friendly products
- Area Note
- Palermo Hollywood
Casa China
- Coverage
- Asian supermarket specializing in soy sauce, noodles, rice, spices, teas
- Area Note
- Belgrano (Barrio Chino/Chinatown)
Almacén Del Mundo
- Coverage
- International imported goods—snacks, condiments, sauces, baking products from US, Europe, Asia
- Area Note
- Palermo
Budget
Sarkis
- Price Range
- ARS 2,500
- Neighborhood
- Palermo/Villa Crespo
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Armenian—kebabs, falafels, hummus, babaganoush, Persian rice
Don Carlos (Carlitos)
- Price Range
- ARS 3,000
- Neighborhood
- La Boca
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Home-cooked Argentine classics—no menu, whatever the kitchen prepared that day (fainá, empanadas, fried calamari, etc.)
El Imperfecto
- Price Range
- ARS 2,800
- Neighborhood
- Chacarita
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Regional Argentine—empanadas (Salta-style), sweetbreads with pickled pineapples, wood-fired oven dishes
High End
Aramburu
- Price Range
- ARS 15,000
- Neighborhood
- Recoleta
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Fine dining tasting menu (18 courses)—Michelin 2-star (awarded 2024); accommodates dietary restrictions
Roux
- Price Range
- ARS 12,000
- Neighborhood
- Recoleta
- Cuisine Or Dish
- French-Argentine fine dining—octopus risotto, beet carpaccio, foam-forward dishes; wine cellar table available
Crizia
- Price Range
- ARS 11,000
- Neighborhood
- Palermo
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Seasonal Argentine seafood—Patagonian oysters, artisanal fishing focus, wood/charcoal-fired cooking; 700+ Argentine wine labels
Mid Range
Gran Dabbang
- Price Range
- ARS 4,500
- Neighborhood
- Palermo
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Pan-Asian (Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern)—Swiss chard pakoras, labneh, curries, pacú in clay oven; ranked #18 on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2024
La Carnicería
- Price Range
- ARS 5,000
- Neighborhood
- Palermo
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Contemporary parrilla—homemade blood sausage, chorizo, parrilla cut steak, grilled cabbage
El Preferido De Palermo
- Price Range
- ARS 4,800
- Neighborhood
- Palermo
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Argentine traditional with contemporary techniques—octopus risotto, beet carpaccio, quality local ingredients
Trattoria Olivetti
- Price Range
- ARS 4,200
- Neighborhood
- Carabobo
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Italian—creative takes on classic pasta and off-cuts preparations
Delivery Services
PedidosYa
- Note
- Major delivery app for ordering vegan food and other restaurants city-wide; useful for accessing options across Buenos Aires
Michelin Restaurants
Aramburu
- Award
- 2-star Michelin (2024)
- Cuisine
- Fine dining tasting menu (18 courses)
- Neighborhood
- Recoleta
Gioia Cocina Botánica
- Award
- Michelin recommended
- Cuisine
- 100% vegan fine dining (small plates) at Hyatt hotel; corn croquettes are signature
- Neighborhood
- Inside Hyatt hotel (Recoleta area)
ÁCido
- Award
- Michelin-selected 2024; Chef Nicolás Tycocki named Argentina's best young chef 2025
- Cuisine
- Eclectic—tteokbokki cacio e pepe, sardines with Russian salad, fries (noted as some of the best in BA), daily special dishes
- Neighborhood
- Chacarita
Local Must Try Dishes
Asado (Parrillada)
- Description
- The heart of Argentine food culture—grilled mixed platter of beef cuts, sausages, chorizo, and organ meats (achuras) cooked over wood fire
Choripán
- Description
- Grilled chorizo sausage on crusty bread, topped with chimichurri sauce; classic street food found at construction sites, sports events, and the Costanera
Pizza Porteña
- Description
- Thick, doughy crust loaded with mozzarella and cheese; iconic styles include fugazzeta (caramelized onions + cheese) and fainá (chickpea pancake) eaten on top
Milanesa
- Description
- Breaded and fried thin slice of beef, chicken, or fish; often served 'a caballo' (on horseback) with a fried egg on top and fries
Empanadas
- Description
- Baked dough pockets with regional fillings—beef, chicken, cheese; Salta-style (small, spicy), Mendoza-style (with garlic and olives), Cordillera-style (lamb)
Dulce De Leche
- Description
- Sweet caramel-like spread made from condensed milk; appears in alfajores (cookie sandwiches), crepes, flan, and countless desserts
Alfajores
- Description
- Two crumbly cornstarch or flour cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche, coated in chocolate, coconut, or confectioners' sugar
Provoleta
- Description
- Grilled provolone cheese, often topped with herbs and chimichurri; served as an appetizer at parrillas
Matambre a La Pizza
- Description
- Thin cut of beef topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and ham; grilled until charred
Locro
- Description
- Hearty stew of corn (or hominy), beans, squash, and pork or beef; traditionally eaten on national holidays (May 25, July 9)
Vegan And Vegetarian Dining
Gioia Cocina Botánica
- Type
- 100% vegan fine dining
- Neighborhood
- Recoleta (Hyatt)
- Note
- Michelin-recommended; small plates at Hyatt hotel with garden patio; signature corn croquettes, natural wine selection
Chuí
- Type
- Vegetarian (not exclusively vegan, but highly acclaimed)
- Neighborhood
- Chacarita
- Note
- Open-air under train tracks in Chacarita; jungle of plants and twinkling lights; mushroom pâté, heirloom tomatoes, wood-fired pizzas, spritzy cocktails, dark caramel butterscotch pudding
Narda Comedor
- Type
- Mixed restaurant with strong plant-based options
- Neighborhood
- Not specified in sources; check current location
- Note
- Run by famous Argentine chef (opened 2017); solid plant-based dishes alongside traditional fare
Tita La Vedette
- Type
- 100% vegetarian
- Neighborhood
- Palermo (Paz Soldán 4993)
- Note
- Vegan pasta (both flavorful and inventive with daily specials); tri fungi filled with oyster mushrooms and cashew cream cheese, eggplant lasagna, oyster mushroom milanesas with fusilli
Buenos Aires Verde
- Type
- 100% vegan restaurant
- Neighborhood
- Palermo area
- Note
- Vegan sausages, pumpkin dishes, soup of the day, chocolate cake; reasonably priced for vegan fine dining
Let It V
- Type
- Vegan + gluten-free focused
- Neighborhood
- Palermo (Costa Rica 5865)
- Note
- Style, mindfulness, and indulgence combined; plant-based and creative offerings
Estilo Veggie
- Type
- 100% vegan
- Neighborhood
- Palermo Hollywood or Palermo Soho
- Note
- Popular for burgers and sandwiches; hosts cooking classes where you can learn to make restaurant dishes; swing bench seating
Vuena
- Type
- 100% vegan fast food & bakery
- Neighborhood
- Multiple (Palermo area)
- Note
- Two locations; tofu burgers, hot dogs, pastries; quick casual dining
Bushi Noodle Bar
- Type
- Entirely vegan Asian noodle bar
- Neighborhood
- Palermo
- Note
- Opened March 2023; Eastern flavors without animal protein; dumplings and ramen (house stars), baos, spicy green beans; small plates, bowls, mains; craft cocktails, kombucha, vermouth, lemonades
International And Other Cuisine
Korean
- Note
- Buenos Aires has one of the largest Korean communities in Latin America; kimchi appears on contemporary Argentine menus. Una Canción Coreana in Bajo Flores is family-run; numerous excellent Korean restaurants throughout Belgrano (Barrio Chino/Chinatown)
Middle Eastern & Armenian
- Note
- Sarkis (Palermo/Villa Crespo) is an institution since 1982; serves falafels, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves; Lehmeyun (thin flatbread with spiced ground beef) reflects Argentina's Middle Eastern communities
Italian
- Note
- Heavy Italian influence due to late-1800s/early-1900s immigration; pizza culture dominates. Guerrín (Avenida Corrientes, since 1932) is legendary; La Mezzetta (standing-room, since 1939) for fugazzeta
Jewish
- Note
- Argentina has the 7th largest Jewish community in the world; Mishiguene serves pastrami and Jerusalem mix (steer sweetbread, chickpeas, tomatoes, pickled onions)
Peruvian
- Note
- Ceviche, causa, and other Peruvian dishes appear in Palermo and trendy neighborhoods
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this food & dining research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.leisurelylinds.com
- 2.rebeccaandtheworld.com
- 3.theinfatuation.com
- 4.nomadicfoodist.com
- 5.worldofmouth.app
- 6.timeout.com
- 7.pickupthefork.com
- 8.myvegantravels.com
- 9.cookveggielicious.com
- 10.bridgesandballoons.com
- 11.lonelyplanet.com
- 12.timeout.com
- 13.getyourguide.com
- 14.pickupthefork.com
- 15.saveur.com
- 16.esim.holafly.com
- 17.allaboutbuenosaires.com
- 18.world-prices.com
- 19.getyourguide.com
More About Buenos Aires
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.