By Marina Veccia
Immerse yourself in the rich Argentine tradition of barbecue, known as “asado,” a beloved ritual for meat lovers. What could be better than savoring an asado with loved ones on a lazy Sunday? To help you delve into this cultural experience, we have selected the finest steakhouses in Buenos Aires, referred to as “parrillas,” so that you can truly relish this cherished Argentine tradition during your visit.
Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires
Position 1 – Don Julio
Parrilla Don Julio is located in Guatemala 4691, in the Palermo Viejo neighborhood, and is open every day.
Position 1 of the Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires. Parrilla Don Julio has been recognized as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. In November 2023, it was awarded a Michelin star for its high-quality cuisine. Notable personalities such as Messi and his family, Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon, and Angela Merkel have visited the restaurant.
Established in 1998, the restaurant is owned by Pablo Rivera, a renowned sommelier and gastronomist in Argentina. In addition to the restaurant, they also operate a butcher’s shop that offers premium meat cuts since the pandemic.
The restaurant’s success is attributed to its use of specific high-quality meat products. They exclusively use beef from steers up to 3 years old, which are solely fed with grass. The meat maturation process is tailored to each cut. Furthermore, they also produce pastries in-house.
At Don Julio, wine plays an equally important role alongside the meat. The premises feature a wine cellar with 15000 bottles of Argentinian wine. In addition, they own a larger cellar two blocks away, which can accommodate up to 40000 bottles. The restaurant offers two wine lists: the latest vintage list with nearly 500 options, and a reserve wine list that includes aged wines dating back to 1938. Complimentary wine tastings are provided during dinner service.
To experience this traditional option for tasting one of the best asados, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. While securing a table on the same day may be challenging, they offer a walk-in option where you can be placed on a waiting list.
Position 2 – La Cabrera
Meat delights of La Cabrera in the neighborhood of Palermo, in its two premises of José Antonio Cabrera Street – 5099 and 5127 -, Buenos Aires
Position 2 of the Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires. La Cabrera is an iconic restaurant in Buenos Aires that celebrates the tradition of Argentine asado. The menu features a variety of high-quality locally sourced meats. It has over 20 branches across three continents, including one in the Philippines. It has been selected four times as one of the “50 Best Restaurants of Latin America” and has received the “Travellers’ Choice Awards” from TripAdvisor, ranking it among the best restaurants worldwide according to travelers.
La Cabrera’s story is one of resilience. In 2001, during Argentina’s financial crisis, Gastón Riveira took a leap of faith and opened the first location. He reimagined the classic parrilla and introduced a unique provoleta with raw ham and basil pesto. The menu offers various cuts, including Argentine Angus beef, Wagyu Argentino, and a 15-day dry-aged ribeye steak. La Cabrera is known for its top-quality meats and exceptional customer service, which keeps patrons coming back for more.
Position 3 – La Carnicería
La Carniceria Thames 2317, Palermo, and is open every day.
Position 3 of the Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires. This small restaurant is recommended by the Michelin guide and is named “La Carnicería,” which means “the butcher’s shop” in Spanish. As soon as you enter this restaurant, you’ll notice the walls adorned with images of hanging meat. The grill is situated behind the bar, infusing the space with warmth. The restaurant prides itself on serving high-quality meat sourced from La Pampa, the location of the family farm.
La Carnicería was featured in the “50 Best Discovery list” – distinct from the “World´s 50 Best Restaurants” list, which highlights the top restaurants, bars, and cafes worldwide. Its selection was primarily based on the traceability of the meat, from the animal’s upbringing on the family farm to its processing at the meat plant and eventual arrival in the restaurant’s kitchen. The menu features traditional dishes with an innovative twist, such as sweetbreads seasoned with cane syrup and ossobucco, a humble cut of meat elevated with the addition of rice and vegetables.
Position 4 – Fogon Asado
Fogon Asado, located at Gorriti 3780 and Uriarte 1423 in the neighborhood of Palermo. Open every day.
Position 4 of the Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires. This restaurant seats up to 25 people and is also mentioned in the Michelin guide. It offers two distinct experiences: the Tasting menu or the Chef’s counter. The Tasting menu features a 9-course meal paired with carefully selected wines. On the other hand, the Chef’s counter allows guests to sit around the parrilla and watch the head chef demonstrate cooking techniques for each of the 9 courses. With a carefully crafted recipe, you’ll be able to create a flavorful chimichurri sauce to accompany the meat cuts.
The food is inspired by traditional asado with a creative touch, and each dish is paired with a specially selected wine. The experience promises to take you on a culinary journey through Argentina.
Position 5 – Nuestro Secreto
Nuestro Secreto Posadas 1086, Recoleta. From Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. From Wednesday to Sunday for lunch
Position 5 of the Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires. Nestled within the serene garden of the luxurious Four Seasons hotel, this restaurant offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and natural beauty. The entire dining space is constructed with glass, creating the illusion of dining in the open air. Guests can marvel at the open parrilla where meat is expertly grilled, and watch as traditional beef empanadas are skillfully cooked in a wood-fired oven.
The menu, curated by the esteemed female head chef Patricia Ramos, is a true testament to gourmet cuisine. Renowned for her expertise in grilling, Chef Ramos presents the star of the menu – the succulent skirt steak (entraña). For those seeking a unique culinary experience, the tantalizing asado ravioli, generously stuffed with grilled meat, is not to be missed.
Position 6 – Asado Experience
The Asado Experience Blanco Encalada 3190, Belgrano. Open every day.
Position 6 of the Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires. This experience offers a unique three-hour opportunity to delve deep into the world of asado. Hosted by Belen in her historic home in the Belgrano neighborhood, you will have the chance to learn the art of preparing a traditional Argentine barbecue. From starting the fire to grilling the essential cuts of meat on the Argentine parrilla, Belen and her team will guide you through the entire process, all while enjoying great Argentine wine.
You will also have the opportunity to mingle with other guests and experience the warm and welcoming atmosphere of an Argentine asado. The menu culminates with a tasting of dulce de leche dessert. This experience has garnered over 800 five-star reviews from tourists on Airbnb Experiences, Tripadvisor, Viator, and Google.
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