15 Trendiest New Dining Spots in Buenos Aires

Narda Lepes is a renowned figure in Argentina, known for her appearances on cooking and travel shows, her cookbooks, her own range of supermarket products, and now, her role as a restaurateur. Since opening Narda Comedor in Bajo Belgrano in October 2017, Lepes has put vegetables in the spotlight, featuring seasonal produce inspired by her travels across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The restaurant, with its mess-hall theme, serves a variety of all-day dishes, from breakfast to dinner, with a nod to Californian cuisine.

Argentina's reputation as a meat-loving nation makes the opening of the city's most talked-about butcher shop adjacent to a new restaurant a major event. Although chef Santiago Garat, a disciple of Francis Mallmann, frequently updates the menu, you can always expect expertly grilled cuts like sirloin, skirt steak, ribeye, and pork loin from the prominent parrilla (grill). Be sure to try the spicy lamb merguez sausage as a starter and the seasonal vegetable side dishes. After your meal, don’t miss the chance to visit the neighboring carnicería to browse an array of sausages, pork and beef cuts, and dry-aged beef. Corte is open daily for lunch.

At Öss Kaffe in the residential area of Belgrano, Fernando Iglesias Molli will likely inquire if it's your first visit and whether you’re acquainted with specialty coffee. This architect-turned-barista has transformed his modest 20-square-meter home garage into a cozy 10-seat café. Enjoy breakfast or merienda (a “snack time” occurring between 4 and 7 p.m.) with a selection of pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), sourdough toast, or cocadas (similar to coconut macaroons), all freshly made by Molli’s family and neighbors. Check Öss Kaffe’s hours before you go, as it closes for siesta from noon to 4 p.m.

For many years, Buenos Aires beer drinkers were loyal to Quilmes, the iconic national brew. However, the city has recently experienced an explosion of artisanal breweries. While numerous cervecerías populate the neighborhoods, few match the inviting ambiance of Strange Brewing. This expansive venue features a microbrewery, taproom bar, beer garden, and open kitchen. Although it draws a crowd nearly every night, the vibe remains relaxed. The brewery offers a rotating selection of around 10 beers, including IPA, pale ale, amber, and dunkel, which change regularly. Since its opening in September 2017, Strange Brewing's diverse food offerings have evolved, particularly with guest chefs hosting pop-ups that range from tacos to seasonal goulash, lentil stew, and Texas-style barbecue.

For those familiar with Buenos Aires dining trends from the past decade, the concept of “Puertas Cerradas” or closed-door supper clubs might ring a bell. Originally celebrated for their intimate, multicourse dinners in private homes, this trend has evolved. Enter Anafe, where innovative chefs Mica Najmanovich and Nico Arcucci have brought a fresh twist to this concept. After a series of pop-ups throughout Buenos Aires, they now call the eighth floor of a high-rise on the Palermo-Colegiales-Chacarita border their home. With an outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling Dorrego Flea Market, Anafe offers a relaxed atmosphere complemented by expertly crafted dishes inspired by Eastern European, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Each plate showcases texture, freshness, and flavor, with a substantial portion of the menu catering to vegetarians. The wine selection includes boutique options like the orange torrontés and chardonnay blend from Pielihueso. Anafe is open for dinner from Thursday to Saturday, features a fixed-price brunch buffet on Sundays, and frequently hosts gastronomic events and pop-ups.

On a vibrant corner in the emerging Chacarita neighborhood, La Fuerza breathes new life into Argentina's aperitivo tradition with a modern spin on vermouth bars. Enjoy their vermú, available on tap in both white and red varieties, crafted from grapes sourced from Sebastián Zuccardi’s Mendoza vineyard, and infused with native herbs, spices, and flowers from the Andes. The food here is equally impressive, featuring classic Porteño dishes with a nostalgic twist, including fainazzeta rellena (a blend of fainá and fugazzeta), tortilla de papa (Spanish omelet), and milanesa con fritas a caballo (schnitzel topped with fries and fried eggs).

Buenos Aires’ deep-seated passion for beef, combined with a recent fascination with Asian fusion, makes securing a reservation at Niño Gordo a challenge. This pan-Asian-style parrilla combines Japanese, Korean, and Chinese influences with Argentine culinary traditions. Created by Pedro Peño and Germán Sitz, the minds behind popular spots La Carnicería and Chori, Niño Gordo—translating to “Fat Boy”—offers a feast for both the palate and the eyes. From the bar, watch as chefs prepare dishes like miso-chile glazed sweetbreads, chinchulines (chitterlings) okonomiyaki, beef tataki with wasabi, and ssamjang sirloin. The vibrant decor, featuring two fish tanks with faux jellyfish and a ceiling adorned with 143 red chochin lanterns, positions Niño Gordo as one of 2018’s most Instagrammable spots in town.

Sheikob’s Bagels, Buenos Aires' first genuine bagel shop, showcases a John Starks New York Knicks jersey and a framed Nas autograph that reads “The Sky’s the Limit.” Established by Jake Eichenbaum-Pikser, a native New Yorker, the shop began its journey in 2014 with a bicycle pop-up offering authentic boiled and baked bagels outside specialty coffee shops. Until then, bagels in Buenos Aires were a letdown—just bread with a hole. As of December, Sheikob’s (a local twist on Jacob) has a permanent location, delighting homesick expats and adventurous locals with fresh bagel sandwiches. Favorites include the Clásico with homemade cream cheese, smoked salmon, pickled onions, and capers; the BEC with bacon, egg, and cheese; the Mexicano with jalapeno cream cheese and roasted tomato with cilantro; and the Brighton with lemon-dill cream cheese and pickled beets.

While Argentina is renowned for its wines, finding a wine bar with an extensive by-the-glass selection is a rarity. At Vico in Villa Crespo, you can explore over 140 different wines from innovative dispensers—a first for Buenos Aires. Beyond the famed Malbec, dive into a world of Patagonian pinot noir and Salta’s torrontés. This interactive setup is perfect for breaking the ice on a first date or enjoying a tasting adventure with friends. Just be sure to keep your glass steady to prevent any spills!

Florencia Barrientos Paz and Gonzalo Alderete Pagés shook up the Buenos Aires dining scene when they left their Peronist-themed restaurant, Perón Perón, following a fallout with their partners. They have since made a comeback, this time celebrating Evita Perón and beloved Argentine comfort food. Begin with an array of Gonzalo’s salteña-style empanadas, including the braised venison paired with house-made hot sauces. For the main course, choose hearty dishes such as milanesa with spaghetti, ossobuco with mashed potatoes, and conclude with Florencia’s renowned flan topped with dulce de leche and whipped cream. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Renowned Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio brings his expertise to Buenos Aires with Tanta, an offshoot of his acclaimed ceviche haven La Mar Buenos Aires. Unlike Tanta locations in Peru, Chile, and Chicago, this upscale spot caters to the city’s office crowd. Expect a Peruvian twist on lunch classics like empanadas, salads, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as comforting soul food. For a group outing, order family-style dishes such as lomo saltado, ají de gallina, papas rellenas, and causas. Don’t miss the indulgent El Bife de Anthony El Goloso, a 500-gram steak with pesto fettuccine and creamy huacaína potatoes named after head chef Anthony Vasquez. With its success, Tanta is already eyeing expansion plans.

Finding the perfect cocktail bar in a new city often means skipping the crowded spots and seeking out where the local bartenders unwind. Nestled discreetly on a quiet street in Villa Crespo, Kinky is a nod to bar owner Luis Redondo’s musical inspirations. The menu features “Playlist” cocktails named after hits from David Bowie, the Sex Pistols, Billy Idol, and Blondie, while the “Covers” are creations by acclaimed local mixologists who frequently drop by for a drink. The food selection is minimal, limited to potato chips and empanadas, so come prepared.

What was once a dry cleaner at the intersection of Velasco and Araoz has recently transformed into a charming Japanese Mytoury. After over 30 years, Fabián Yafuso has revived his family’s tintorería into a cozy 10-seat restaurant. Enjoy an array of grilled fish, crispy tempura, and fresh sushi and sashimi platters. Be sure to book ahead, as the limited counter space is available for two seatings each night at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.

After numerous visits to Mercado de San Telmo, sommelier Samantha Nilson finally discovered her perfect spot. She spotted a tiny kiosk with a for rent sign and seized the opportunity to open her first wine bar. Each month, Nilson updates her wine list to showcase some of Argentina’s finest bottles available by the glass. The menu features simple yet delicious sandwiches (on Salvaje Bakery sourdough) and local cheeses. Guests are encouraged to mingle around the mercado or enjoy the laid-back ambiance on the sidewalk, engaging with the local community.