The Best Casual Restaurants in Buenos Aires

Don Julio in Buenos Aires is a neighborhood-style spot known for its thoughtful approach to Argentine barbecue and a wide selection of local wines. It has a warm, laid-back feel that’s just as suited to a relaxed family meal as it is to a more celebratory occasion. Many people find themselves coming back for its welcoming vibe and consistently well-prepared food.

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Mitsuharu Tsumura

Chef

I love to go to Buenos Aires to have grilled sweetbreads. Don Julio is known for their sweetbreads, and actually the outside skirt is also very good. The wine cellar has maybe the best wines is Argentina.

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El Preferido de Palermo offers a relaxed and welcoming setting in Buenos Aires, known for its attention to detail and thoughtful service. It draws on local and international inspirations, using quality ingredients to create simple, flavorful meals. Whether you’re visiting for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner, it’s a spot that leaves you feeling well cared for.

Recommended by

Pía León

Chef-Restaurateur

When in Argentina, I always go to El Preferido. It's a really nice and cool place. There you will find amazing dishes of vegetables and amazing Milanesas. The serve really traditional things, but the place is super nice. I always recommend El Preferido.

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Ácido is a casual restaurant in Buenos Aires that blends global techniques with the warmth of home-style cooking. The chef’s background in Michelin-starred kitchens shapes a menu focused on carefully crafted, honest food. Guests can expect an inviting, unpretentious setting where good food is the priority.

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Irina Widuczynski

Food blogger

Life inspired dishes in an unpretentious setting Nicolas worked at many Michelin stars around the world but when he came back to Buenos Aires he wanted to do one thing: good food. Inspired by his life and by the food of grandmas around the world he created Acido. Every dish is there for a reason and has been carefully thought out. “We’ve seen nicely decorated dishes, now it’s time to go back to eating good food,” he tells me. My current crush is the raw kibbe, inspired by the hundreds of times that he and his family visited Sarkis, an Armenian staple in the city.

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Anchoita Cava is a welcoming wine and cheese spot in Buenos Aires, known for its impressive selection of local and international wines and over 100 varieties of cheese. They make their own charcuterie and offer a relaxed atmosphere with no need to book ahead. The service is friendly, making it an easy place for anyone to drop by and enjoy good quality produce.

Recommended by

Irina Widuczynski

Food blogger

Wine & cheese bar with amazing produce Anchoita is a staple restaurant in Buenos Aires, that’s almost impossible to get a reservation to. And two years ago they opened their wine shop, one of the most spectacular places in the city. Wines of Argentina and the world by glass or bottle, more than 100 varieties of cheese from all over the country, charcuterie from their own production and others and a small selection of dishes that feature all of the best produce Argentina has to offer. On top of that, service is impeccable and no reservation needed!

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ApuNena is a relaxed spot in the Chacarita neighborhood of Buenos Aires, serving Asian-inspired tapas with a focus on Filipino influences. Led by longtime friends Christina Sunae and Flor Ravioli, the restaurant combines family recipes with fresh ideas using local ingredients. Its cozy atmosphere and neighborhood feel make it an inviting place to explore different flavors with friends or family.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

The casual off-shoot of Cantina Sunae, this small corner spot specializes in Southeast Asian, leaning Filipino, dishes with presentations and combinations that run the gamut from traditional to modern to new creations. Not to be missed is the poke bowl made with golden, lightly charred sweetbreads nor the classic steamed dumplings dusted with crispy shiitake shavings and green onion slivers.

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Artemisia is a welcoming spot in Buenos Aires known for its fresh, satisfying meals that visitors appreciate. It’s often praised for its vibrant and health-focused approach to food. Whether you’re on a lunch break or meeting up with friends, it’s a relaxed place worth checking out.

Recommended by

Margaux Koopman

Foodie

The best lunch spot in Buenos Aires. Really delicious salad plates with falafels, lovely fresh vegetables and good deserts too.

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Cang Tin in Buenos Aires sits under a pedestrian bridge in Palermo, tucked into the first floor of an apartment building. They serve Vietnamese and Thai street food reimagined for a sit-down experience, with bright flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a casual spot that feels fun and inviting without being fussy.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

It's an odd spot, at the foot of a pedestrian bridge on a cul-de-sac in Palermo, and nestled into the first floor of an apartment building. But set all that location, location, location stuff aside and dig into excellent Vietnamese and Thai street food reinterpreted for the dine-in set. Bright colors, bright flavors, and friendly service make for a tasty and fun eating experience. Not to be missed, their drunken noodles and the banh xeo pancake.

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Cang Ting is a vibrant spot in Buenos Aires that brings together Vietnamese and Thai-inspired flavors in a colorful setting. Co-founded by Jose from Venezuela and Thomas from Vietnam, it pairs bold tastes with an open kitchen, making for a lively and inviting experience.

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Irina Widuczynski

Food blogger

Viet-Thai dishes in a colourful and eclectic spot. Jose, from Venezuela, and Thomas, from Vietnam, powered up to create an amazing and eclectic restaurant inspired by the flavours of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. The restaurant is colourful with bold flavours and an open kitchen where the diner can see all of the action. I highly recommend the grilled squid, the yellow curry, the veggie dumplings and the fresh tamarind salad with mango and peanut. An amazing experience.

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Soler Vino Pizza is a relaxed spot in Buenos Aires where you can enjoy natural wine and Italian-inspired pies. Guests appreciate having the freedom to choose how their pizza is made, making each visit feel personal. It’s a friendly place to settle in with friends or family for a low-key night out.

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Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

I love Roman style, extra-thin crispy crust pizza, and this place does it right. Perfect crust, delicious sauce, and an array of first class toppings, available in either preset combinations, or "build your own" - the latter a rarity for Buenos Aires pizzerias.

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La Sorellina Pizza Bar is a relaxed spot in Buenos Aires, originally opened by Carola and Victoria in the quieter neighborhood of Adrogué. Their focus on quality and friendly service quickly earned them a loyal following and led to a second location in Colegiales. They’ve also been recognized among the 50 best worldwide for their style of pizza.

Recommended by

Irina Widuczynski

Food blogger

Neapolitan pizza in a laid back setting Carola and Victoria opened their first pizzeria in Adrogué, a non touristy area of BA. They quickly became popular for their amazing quality pizza and a couple of months ago they opened their second location in Colegiales. Very soon, they landed a spot in the list of the 50 best neapolitan pizzas in the world. Their dough is the superstar of the product: it’s fermented for three days, which results in an airy and very light dough

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Loreto Garden Bar has been a neighborhood favorite for over a decade, serving homemade meals in a cozy house-turned-restaurant. Owners Andres and Martin are often around, chatting with regulars who’ve been coming here for years. The atmosphere feels comfortable and unpretentious, making it a welcoming place for anyone looking for a relaxed meal.

Recommended by

Irina Widuczynski

Food blogger

Homemade food in a cozy neighborhood house Loreto has been in the city long before the food scene started to gain popularity. Their recipe is simple: filling, homemade and comforting dishes in a neighborhood house turned into a restaurant. Andres and Martin, the owners, are always around chatting with customers that have come here for more than ten years. An unpretentious setting with just really good food. The milanesas with rice and creamed spinach are a must.

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Madrí mercado de tapas is a relaxed spot in Buenos Aires that serves a variety of small plates with simple, tasty flavors. While it has a conveyor belt that sends out random bites, the standout feature is the good quality of the food at a reasonable price.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

Set aside the gimmicky "magnetic-floating bar", used to send out random tapas on a fancy conveyor belt, and just dig into the tasty bites offered up. Surprisingly good and delicious combinations, and for both quality and quantity, quite inexpensive.

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Mengano in Buenos Aires was opened a few years ago by Facundo Kelemen, who has worked in kitchens around the world. It offers typical “bodegon” cooking with a modern spin, blending local tradition with fresh ideas. The relaxed setting invites you to explore a new take on familiar flavors.

Recommended by

Irina Widuczynski

Food blogger

Typical food from BsAs with a modern twist Facundo Kelemen worked in multiple restaurants all over the world and a couple of years ago he opened Mengano, an amazing restaurant where he takes typical “bodegon” food, which are places to eat traditional food from Buenos Aires, and elevates it with modern twists. Everything is breathtaking and I recommend the milanesa sandwich, the deer tartare and the revuelto gramajo

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Mudrá – Plant based is reached through a flooring design shop and a freight elevator, revealing a calm rooftop filled with greenery and soft pink accents. Tucked away in a busy part of Buenos Aires, it offers a relaxing escape above the street. Its menu, guided by chef Matthew Kenney, highlights creative plant-based twists rooted in Latin American and Mediterranean influences.

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Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

This is such a strange place to get to. On a major commercial avenue, at the confluence of several streets, and across the road from a huge medical center, and then, you have to enter through the showroom of a flooring design shop, where their security will show you to a freight elevator taking you up to the third story rooftop. There, suddenly, you're in a beautiful oasis of glass and plants and pink... a whole lot of pink... surrounded by a series of small terraces. The food, creative inspirations from the talents of internationally known chef Matthew Kenney, bring vegan twists to a mix of Latin American and Mediterranean dishes. Service is friendly and, for the most part efficient (we had the misfortune to dine there when the owner was hosting a table of guests, and he demanded a lot of attention from the waitstaff, taking them away from attending to other tables). The food ranging from very good to excellent. Standouts on the menu include their handrolls and a stunningly good beet and coconut ceviche.

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Neko Sushi in Buenos Aires is known for its creative and visually appealing sushi, with an emphasis on careful sourcing and quality. Guests often note the restaurant's focus on sustainable ingredients and the attention to detail in every creation. It offers an inviting setting for anyone looking to enjoy thoughtfully prepared sushi in the city.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

Creative, beautifully presented sushi. I was initially attracted to the place because of a claimed ethos to use only fish and shellfish that are sustainable, and non-aqua-cultured. And while the eschew the ubiquitous salmon here, all but one of the offerings from the sushi bar are either classified as "avoid" due to unsustainability or are aqua-cultured, so the salmon is a "protest vote" of limited import. That said, the sushi is of excellent quality, and the combinations, particularly of their nigiri presentations are delightful.

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Picaron is a Buenos Aires spot known for creative, beautifully presented food, blending flavors from Latin America and the Mediterranean. They offer small plates, making it easy to explore different tastes or share with friends. You’ll also find a special focus on vegetables, reflecting the chef’s skillful touch.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

Creative, beautifully presented food that pairs ingredients and ideas from across Latin America with the Mediterranean. The chef is particularly deft with vegetables. The menu is entirely "small plate" style, allowing you to try various dishes or share with friends.

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Quechua in Buenos Aires brings together Peruvian and Nikkei flavors in a relaxed, moderately upscale setting. It has a casual dining room with a backyard patio and sometimes hosts live entertainment. The atmosphere is comfortable yet refined, making it a good choice for anyone looking to enjoy interesting cuisine without feeling formal.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

Always one of our favorites for moderately upscaled Peruvian and Nikkei cooking. Casual room, pretty garden patio in the back. Great pisco sours. Occasional live entertainment. Specialists in seafood dishes and their ceviches and tiraditos are don't miss selections. Also not to be missed, the best arroz con pato we've found in the city.

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Una Canción Coreana 향가 is a family-run Korean restaurant in the Bajo Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, known for its homemade feel and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly service and comforting dishes make it feel like you’re dining in someone’s home. Tucked away from the usual tourist spots, it’s a relaxed place for anyone looking to enjoy a warm and inviting experience.

Recommended by

Irina Widuczynski

Food blogger

A family led cozy korean cuisine spot Una cancion coreana is a Korean restaurant located in Bajo Flores, a neighborhood off the tourist beaten path but characterized for having some of the best Korean food. They offer all of the classics: bulgogi, tteokbokki, mandu and I had truly a one of a kind experience. Heartwarming, homemade food that feels as if you’re dining at their home. The attention is impeccable and the food is extremely flavorful. I strongly recommend that you make some time to get here.

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Viejo Mundo is a long-standing bodegón in Buenos Aires that still feels like a step back in time. Its classic setting reflects the city’s past, and the menu has remained mostly unchanged for many years. The welcoming, old-school atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for anyone looking to experience a bit of local tradition.

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Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

There's a class of restaurants in Buenos Aires called bodegones. Bodegon literally means a still-life painting, specifically one related to food and/or kitchens. True to the implication, these are spots that are "stuck in time" - a glimpse back to Buenos Aires of past days. This place is one of the most classic, with a menu that probably hasn't changed during the 70 years or so it's been open. Dishes not to miss are their escabeches of various exotic indigenous meats - yacaré (caiman), vizcacha (jackrabbit), nutria, and more. And a true crowd pleaser for the table is their "picada de mariscos", a whopping platter of fried, grilled, and sauteed seafood that will feed far more than the stated three people. Their various mixed grills from the parrilla, or parrilladas, offer different samplers of meats and innards, piping hot off the grill, served with one of the best (and spiciest) chimichurri sauces we've found in the city.

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Sachi Buenos Aires | The Handroll House is a specialized sushi spot with a friendly, casual vibe. They focus on fresh, creative flavor combinations and skip the usual cream cheese found at many local sushi places. It’s a relaxed place to experience the city’s growing scene of handroll bars.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

Buenos Aires has recently seen a spate of openings of specialized sushi handroll bars. To date, this is far and away the best of them, offering friendly service, casual ambiance, and creative, flavorful combinations (and with none of the cream cheese so often disparaged by those of us who love good sushi).

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Cantina Don Chicho is a casual, family-run place in Buenos Aires that builds on local Argentine-Italian roots. Its straightforward cooking packs plenty of flavor, and the portions are generous. It’s tucked away from the main tourist areas, offering a relaxed and welcoming dining experience.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

A classic of local Argentine-Italian cuisine. Off the beaten path, this spot isn't going to serve you up anything new, stunning, and creative. It's a family-run, casual spot where they roll out your pasta to order right in the dining room, cook it, sauce it, and serve it. Simple preparations, packed with flavor, and portions that would make a grandmother proud to serve.

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Hong Kong Style is tucked behind an unmarked door, offering a cozy, semi-loungy atmosphere in Buenos Aires. The friendly, attentive staff put care into explaining the restaurant’s concept, and the presentations are beautifully done. Overall, it feels like a welcoming place for a relaxed night out.

Recommended by

Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

We headed there for this week's date night, and it's a comfortable, semi-loungy space, entered through an unmarked door (after first being challenged, speakeasy style, for reservation details). Service is friendly and efficient, if a bit garrulous - both waiters seemed to feel like they had to explain not just the concept of the restaurant, but the concept behind each of numerous dishes on the menu, and even a bit of the concept of simply eating in a restaurant, as if none of the customers had ever done such a thing. We split an order of quite delicious pork and ginger dumplings in a peanut sauce. Quite a happy-making start. A kung pao, here made with pork was moderately spicy, and kicked up to more our style with a dish of quite fiery hot sauce brought on request. The sauce was quite different from any kung pao I've ever had, but really quite good. The house's signature dish, Taiwanese drunken chicken, again, really good, with a lot of garlic and basil, and a wine-based braising liquid. Love the space. I already noted my thoughts on the service. The food is quite good, and beautifully presented. It's also expensive.

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Girardi is a small, comfortable Italian spot in Buenos Aires that many diners call one of their favorite places for pasta. With walls decorated in the colors of the Italian flag, it has a relaxed and welcoming feel that keeps people coming back.

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Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

What I should really do here is just say, this place has the best pasta in the city, and leave it there. Period. Full stop. Girardi is not a huge space - there's room for maybe twenty people in the front, maybe not quite, plus an area for a few more in the back. It's comfortable, and decked out, as you can see, in Italian flag colors. Some of the best rosemary and olive oil focaccia I've had since moving here. Pappardelle with an osso buco ragú. Simply spectacular. Perfectly made and cooked pasta and one of the best ragús of the type I've had. Delicate ravioli are stuffed with calves' brains and swiss chard, and served up in a chive and sage butter sauce. Delicious! A superb eggplant parmigiano, and roasted mushrooms over scamorza - smoked mozzarella. A classic lasagna emiliana - simply a wow. Beautiful meat sauce layered with the pasta, and than a gorgeous, thick, browned crust of cheeses. We all agreed that it's some of the best pasta, and other dishes, we've had in an Italian restaurant here in town. Certainly enough for me to move the place into my top five Italians!

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Aurelia Cantina is often praised as a standout for Mexican flavors in Buenos Aires. Visitors appreciate its lively atmosphere and say it’s worth the slightly higher prices. The cocktails also get strong mentions and add to the overall inviting feel.

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Dan Perlman

Chef, Sommelier, Writer

Touted these days as the only "real" Mexican restaurant in town, by them, and quite a few reviewers, this place has been on my list for a bit. Overall, some of the best Mexican food we've had in Buenos Aires, and worth the slightly higher prices. Excellent cocktails, really good black bean plate with lots of cheese, though again, really salty tortilla chips. Amazing hot sauces, not over the top in heat, but just fantastic flavors. I want jars of these. To go. Oh yeah, nothing to go... which is my one negative for the place - they have no to go containers, so if you over-order, you're just out of luck. Cochinillo tacos - suckling pig, that is. Excellent. And, a very different version of an aguachile than I've ever had - it's always been green rather than red - but that aside, it was really tasty.

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