First of all, let me say that it’s more difficult to find a bad steak in Buenos Aires (all of Argentina, really) than it is to find a great one.
Argentinians are known worldwide as masters of the grill, and for good reason. Your neighborhood steakhouse (in whatever neighborhood you’re staying in) will probably serve you one of the best steaks of your life.
That being said, some places stand out above the rest, and those are the places I want to share with you, after having collectively spent nearly a year in Argentina.
I’ve included restaurants for every budget in this guide, so whether you’re splashing out on a “you only live once” type of trip, or you’re on a backpacker’s budget, I’m going to tell you where you can find the best steaks in Buenos Aires!
A note about dinner times in Argentina- they run later than what most people are used to, unless you’re from Spain!
Dinner typically starts around 9 p.m., later on weekends. Many restaurants don’t open before 8 p.m. and won’t get busy until 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., with many people finishing dinner after midnight.
If you find a restaurant serving dinner at 5 p.m. (when many locals are usually having a merienda or a snack), it’s likely aimed at tourists.
Also, here is a quick guide on how to order your steak in Argentina:
In Argentine steakhouses (known as parrillas), people typically order their steaks by specifying the preferred doneness level in Spanish:
- Vuelta y vuelta (“turn and turn”): extremely rare, just seared on the outside, very red inside — this is what we’d consider blue in the United States.
- Jugoso (“juicy”): rare to medium-rare, still red in the center, very juicy. This is how I normally order my steaks in Argentina but this is too rare for some of my friends.
- A punto (“at the point”): medium, pink center, slightly less juicy, but still tender. This is how I normally order steaks when I’m ordering to share, this is what we’d call medium in the states.
Also, these next two, I’ve never seen anyone in Argentina order their steak like this, but maybe you like your meat overcooked well-done.
- Cocido (“cooked”): medium-well, light pink center or almost fully cooked through
- Bien cocido (“well cooked”): well-done, fully cooked, little to no pink inside, firmer texture
If you want something in between two levels (for example, between rare and medium-rare), you can say “entre jugoso y a punto.”
Also, you might notice that even the best steakhouses in Buenos Aires don’t seem to season their meat. I’ve heard many explanations about this, ranging from they have the best beef in the world and there’s no need to do anything to it, to the government having made laws about salting meat and removing salt shakers from restaurant tables to lower the salt consumption of Argentinians.
Most everywhere will ask you how you want your steak cooked when you order it, and they won’t be offended if you ask for salt.
Some of my favorite places don’t ask you how you want your steak cooked (they cook it to medium-rare perfection), and they serve the steak perfectly salted. (I’m looking at you, Franca.)
Also, a note on how to make reservations—many of the steakhouses in Buenos Aires, especially for fine dining, can be booked through Meitre, a local version of OpenTable. For some, it’s better to use Instagram or WhatsApp. I’ll include a booking link for what I’ve found to be the best for each suggestion.
The Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
Fine Dining
This category is for those celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion during your visit, or, if you’re like me, you’re visiting and have allocated most of your budget towards dining.
To be clear, you don’t have to visit a fine-dining restaurant in Buenos Aires to have a great steak, but these places are where you’ll find the combination of the best cuts of meat, high-end service, and probably a sommelier.
While we’re talking about wine- that’s another conversation — you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great bottle of wine in Argentina. You should be able to have a gorgeous bottle of wine for a reasonable price; don’t think you need to break the bank for something nice.
Don Julio
Let’s just jump directly into the deep end with the question I get asked the most often: Is Don Julio worth it?
It’s nearly impossible to get a table, and it’s likely the most expensive steak you’ll find in Argentina. That being said, I will say it’s a damn good steak, the wine list is incredible, the service is top notch and the overall experience is phenomenal.
There’s a reason it’s featured in nearly every best restaurant list in the world and was recently awarded a Michelin star.
If you’re coming from the States, the prices are likely similar to a high-end steakhouse back home, so the prices might not feel shocking. I say, if you’re a foodie, you should definitely try to get a table at Don Julio during your visit because it’s one of the first things you’ll be asked about.
But, how to get a reservation at Don Julio’s? Reservations open up 90 days in advance and they go fast. Most people say to be online around 9-10 a.m. Buenos Aires 90 days in advance for best chances.
If you don’t get a secured reservation, you can get on the waitlist. I’ve had good luck being moved from the waitlist to a secured reservation before, but I’ve never had luck with credit card concierge services such as AmEx being able to get me in.
Don Julio’s also has a walk-in policy, but you can’t expect to stroll in at peak dining hours and be immediately seated.
You’ll need to arrive early and expect to wait. I would arrive two hours before they begin their lunch or dinner service, put my name on the list, or get in line. The bonus to waiting is that they serve you sparkling wine and empanadas while you wait in line!
Reservations can be made using this link up to 90 days in advance.
Good luck getting a table! They’re notoriously hard to come by — so much so that it was the first thing I did after booking my flight was to get on the waitlist for Don Julio, before I even booked my Airbnb!
Anchoita
Speaking of restaurants where it’s nearly impossible to get a table, Anchoita may actually be more difficult than Don Julio, but Don Julio is more famous.
Anchoita only opens up reservations once per year (normally during the first week of January), and every year they book out every table for the rest of the year. At one point, there were more than 14,000 people in the online queue waiting for a table.
But- like Don Julio, they also have a walk-in policy. They hold a few tables every night that they don’t reserve. You’ll need to arrive at least an hour before they open and get in line. A host or hostess will come out about 30 minutes before service, put your name on a list, and tell people whether they’ll get in or not.
I’ve also heard of people having luck coming towards the end of dinner service, at 11 p.m. or so, and getting a table if you don’t mind a late dinner, as the locals often do.
But, is it worth waiting in line for? I love Anchoita. It’s got a very sexy vibe- it would be an excellent place for a date night, anniversary dinner or special occasion.
With sexy vibes, a fun menu, great cocktails and wine list, and delicious steaks, this one is worth the effort.
But, if you show up and can’t manage to get a table, you can drown your sorrows at Anchoita Cava, located just down the street from the main restaurant. It’s one of my favorite wine bars in all of Buenos Aires! (Try a bottle of Crudo and choose cheeses from the cheese bar to go with it. Anchoita Cava is worth a visit even if you’re not trying to get into Anchoita. And bonus points: They open at noon if, like me, you’re a fan of daydrinking.)
I’ll include the link for booking Anchoita but you’re likely going to need to show up and wait in line if you want to make this one happen.
Franca
Franca is the sister restaurant to the more famous Julia, but I actually prefer Franca over Julia.
Franca is another place with great vibes, an open concept kitchen, and some of the most knowledgeable sommeliers I’ve ever received suggestions from.
I also appreciated when dining at Franca that the sommelier didn’t try to push the most expensive bottle on us. The suggestion was spot on, thoughtful and paired perfectly with the dishes we had chosen.
The menu changes seasonally, but be sure to have whatever dry-aged steak they’re currently featuring. It was one of the best bites of steak I had in all my time in Argentina, and I had many, many steaks while I was there!
And if you’re dining solo, ask for a seat at the bar. Watching the chefs work in the open kitchen is a lot of fun.
I’m excited to return and try their 50/50 burger- 50% Wagyu, 50% rib-eye. If any of you make it there before me, please report back!
Reservations are recommended but I’ve had luck walking in during the weekday or later at night.
Elena
1086/88 Posadas | Located in the Four Seasons Hotel
If we’re talking about a steakhouse inside the Four Seasons hotel, you know we’re talking about fine dining. Mentioned in the Michelin guide, named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in Latin America- Elena is described as a contemporary steakhouse cooking up traditional Argentinian cuts.
Elena also features an impressive wine list and service you’d expect from a restaurant inside the famed luxury hotel.
Also, be sure to try the more casual sports bar in the hotel lobby, The Pony Line, for one of, if not the best, burgers that I had in all of Argentina.
Fogon Asado
Multiple Locations
I have to admit, I had reservations about Fogon Asado before I went.
It seemed touristic and expensive. In fact, it wasn’t until my third year in Buenos Aires when I finally made it there.
And, I was wrong to be skeptical. Everything about it was great- the experience, the setting, the food, the wine. Now I know why it was also recommended by Michelin.
You’ll sit directly in front of the grill and be served either a 9 or 14 course tasting menu that you can optionally choose to pair with wines from two different levels: premium or Sommeliers Selection.
And while the pine cone smoked Ribeye cap was one of the best of the 9 courses, the sweetbreads and pork were standouts as well.
Here’s a pro-tip: the lunch and the dinner menu are the exact same experiences, same portions and everything but the lunch is substantially cheaper. Book the lunch experience and plan on needing a siesta afterwards or even better, go explore the city and walk it off!
You can make your reservations by following this link.
An Authentic Argentinian Experience: An Asado
When I was trying to figure out how to best describe how an asado differs from an American BBQ, I couldn’t find the words. Asados are so much more than a BBQ, even though they have many of the same elements.
So, I asked ChatGPT. And, for as problematic as the service can be, I actually really liked their answer. To paraphrase: “while an American BBQ is a social event, an asado is a cultural event.”
Asados can typically last all day, and they are for family and close friends. To be invited to an asado is a big deal. You’re likely not going to be invited to a family asado during a vacation but thankfully, there’s Asado Adventure.
Asado Adventure provides authentic asado experiences that you can join during your time in Buenos Aires. A friend joined me for the full-day experience (there’s a half-day option as well), and we were both impressed, even after having attended other asados.
You’ll start your day at the gorgeous house where the asado is hosted and you’ll be put to work, helping prep some of the meal before leaving for a neighborhood tour that includes a history of the area, some interesting art stops, a wine tasting and you’ll visit an authentic local butcher shop to choose some cuts for the grill.
Back at the house, you’ll try a classic local drink- Fernet and Coke and then the eating begins! During an asado, it’s almost a ritual. You’ll start with drinks and a picada (similar to a charcuterie board)
before moving on to salads, before different cuts of meat start coming off of the grill.
Your host will explain the traditions and meaning of the entire experience as plate after plate of delicious grilled meats and sausages hit the table, like how the serving of morcipan and choripán or morcilla and chorizo at an asado is called a matrimonio (marriage) because they always show up together.
And of course, all the dishes are served with wine from the wine shop where you’ll have done the tasting earlier!
You’ll finish with a version of the Argentinian maté that I’ve never had anywhere else (I won’t give anything away, you’ll have to book for yourself to see!) and of course, dessert.
And while asados typically happen on Sundays, the owner Frank does several throughout the week, you can check his calendar for availability by clicking here.
Also, readers of this site can receive a special 10% discount by using the code FOODIEFLASH when you make your booking.
This is something I’d recommend doing early on in your trip, as you’ll learn a lot about the history of the city, its culture, and your host can give you personalized recommendations for the rest of your time in the city.
And while this experience definitely made the list of my best steaks I had in Buenos Aires, it also introduced me to two new favorites, the morcipan (like choripan but with morcilla) and the matambrito (fatty grilled pork).
Book this early as it’s not a daily tour, and be sure to check out the rest of his website for his other great tours, including a food tour, pizza tour, and even a craft beer tour!
Casual
There are lots of great restaurants that fall in this category but I’m just sharing my very favorite, my go-to, the restaurant I’ve probably eaten at more times than any other restaurant in all of Argentina:
La Carnicería
If you’ve come to visit me in Buenos Aires, I’ve likely taken you to eat La Carnicería. If you’ve messaged me on Instagram asking where to find the best steaks in Buenos Aires, I’ve sent you to La Carnicería.
I don’t know how many times I’ve eaten here and I’ve never had a bad meal and everyone I’ve taken here has been impressed.
It’s a more upscale version of a traditional Argentinian steakhouse, but it isn’t fussy or fine dining.
Some of my favorite cuts include the ojo de bife or whatever is the special or feature but you can’t go wrong with anything you order, and trust me I know as last time I was there the front of house manager pointed out I had already tried their entire menu!
They will also periodically have specials such as wild boar — look for those when you order as they’re always interesting and perfectly executed.
The word has definitely gotten out about this place, so you’ll need to make a reservation by clicking here.
Also, if you’re in Buenos Aires for New Year’s, the restaurant does special menus, and I’ve spent two NYE celebrating there and was not disappointed.
Budget/Everyday
Bueno, bonito y barato—good, pretty, and cheap. This is a common saying in Argentina when looking for a restaurant that offers good value and great food and atmosphere.
And while there are many, likely deserving of an entirely separate list, one for me truly stands out:
Don Niceto
This is the kind of place where the service is brisk, to put it politely, the menu is straightforward, options are limited but it has that authentic neighborhood vibe that I love so much.
You can hear the server and cook (father and son, I believe) going back in forth in that way where it almost sounds like they’re arguing, but it’s just lively conversation.
I’ve called for a reservation before (to reserve days in advance) and was told to call back the day I needed a table and hung up on, so good luck with reservations, but I’ll leave their phone number just in case you want to try: +54 11 4777-8534.
So, if the service is so brisk and the menu is so limited, why do I love it here so much? Other than the neighborhood vibes, the pricing is an incredible value. It’s the kind of place you could go to on a Wednesday night just because steak sounds good.
Pro-tip: Order the wine by the glass, the pours are incredibly generous and must work out to less than ordering by the bottle. Also, Don Niceto is closed Sundays and Mondays and only open for lunch on Saturdays.
Like I said, it’s harder to find bad steak in Argentina than it is good but these are my tried and tested, go to places.
If you try any of them, I’d love for you to let me know what you think in the comments section. And if you find any I should check out on my next visit, please let me know about those also!
Also, if you find yourself in any of these other cities during your time in Argentina, be sure to check out these articles:
- The Best Restaurants in Mendoza
- Must-Try Restaurants in Ushuaia
- Where to Eat in Bariloche
- Best Bars & Restaurants in Cordoba
Travel writer and owner of the blog. My work has been featured on Fodors, Eater.com, International Living, and Great Escape Publishing, among many others.