Palermo Food Tour

Our Local Expert Says:

The dining area at Freud & Fahler is tiny, so make reservations and beat the set of fashionable (yet hungry) Palermo lunch-breakers.

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Freud & Fahler features a great bargain lunch menu, allowing guests to choose a set-price a la carte combination meal and choose from a variety of tasty and creative soups, pastas, salads, and desserts. This corner restaurant, situated in part of an old, massive warehouse, is tiny, stretching around the central kitchen and seating only about 10 small tables at a time. Contemporary works by local artists cover the walls and ceiling.

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La Fabrica del Taco is a wonderfully kitschy, glorified Mexican taco stand with a small menu of yummy quesadillas, tacos, and nachos, frosty Coronas, and that tasty trademark Mexican concoction of lime juice, salt, and cerveza - the Michelada. A couple of tables on the sidewalk are great for pleasant evenings; indoor seating is scattered throughout the three rooms heavily decorated in perfect festive Mexican style. Check out the well-priced imported handicrafts and accessories for a taste of something a little bit different. - Elizabeth Gleeson

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Cho-Cha Abuela Kitsch Bar might reference your grandmother, but for those fearing a fuddy-duddy outing ought to be warned that this new Palermo spot only has to do with your granny if she happens to be of the funky, high-kickin', cocktail-sippin' sort. Bright colored strings of lights, retro '50s-style furniture, checkered tableclothes, and polka dot wallpaper make the mood a lively one at this easygoing resto-bar, where the dishes are of the traditional home-cooked Argentinean variety and the drinks are easy on the wallet. Stop in for Wednesday's 'Very Happy Hour'.

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Buenos Aires is renowned for the lack of spicy cuisine; hot sauce fanatics will be disappointed again and again by the mildness of the salsa in the Mexican eateries and the shortage of fiery cuisine options overall. If you crave that eternal burning in your mouth, stop into Bangalore Pub and Curry House, one of the few places that does piquant right. Upon entering this crowded, dimly-lit, wood-adorned pub, don't be surprised at the amount of English you hear spoken at this Brit-expat haunt. Order up a few massive bowls of green curry, some peanut satay, and a pitcher of refreshing gin and tonic for just a few dollars, and scrounge around for some standing room (seats are more valuable than money in this tiny, teeming watering hole). Other British standards are on the menu as well, such as kidney pie and the rare tap beer.

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Take a rest from BA's typical heavy fare of red meat and red wine at b-Blue in Palermo, a bistro serving up only the freshest fruit juices, salads, bruschettas and sandwiches, and light stir-fry dishes that will fill you up without weighing you down during your midday break from pounding the pavement in Palermo's hip commercial district. Drop in for breakfast and sample some pastries and muffins alongside the farm-fresh fruits hauled in from the b-Blue finca in the northern province of Corrientes.

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This pleasant, low-key restaurant is spread out through the rooms of a beautiful house on a leafy corner in Palermo, and is an ideal spot for leisurely lunch, a late dinner, or just a pre-dinner drink. The whimsical decor sets a lovely stage to enjoy a variety of picada plates to be shared and a list of fine regional wines from Argentina's Andean region. The ambiance is effortlessly charming and romantic, perfect for a special evening with a significant other or a small group of close friends.

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Azema Exotic Bistro has been recognized by Travel and Leisure as one of Buenos Aires' more spirited restaurants contrasting the typical Argentinean steak-and-potatoes routine. Chef Paul Jean Azema's noted bistro combines crisp regional wines with tangy French-Indian seafood and Southeast Asian spices in a classy North African-inspired setting. Azema encourages diners to taste some of the lesser-known Andean white wines, usually overlooked in this strictly malbec region.

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The ambiance, exclusive cuisine, and star quality of Casa Cruz make it one of the hottest spots to grab a bite or a cocktail in town, granted you can get your name added to the endless reservation list. The most elite of celebrity chef German Martitegui's eateries around town, Casa Cruz packs A-listers and hip foreigners on a nightly basis for the creative drinks and the finest Argentine wines by the glass in the atmospheric bar or a taste of local cuisine at its fanciest in the scarlet salon, which seats 120.

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In a nation where meat reigns supreme, finding an organic vegetarian restaurant is nearly impossible. Bio, opened in 2002, is the exception. The "meat" is made on the premises from wheat, then marinated to add more flavor, making for an elevated, tasty variation on a hamburger. All the ingredients are organic, grown or produced strictly in Argentina. Piles of organic cheese line the counters near the chefs, who explain the processes by which they work. Quinoa, the ancient Incan grain, is used in many dishes, some described as Mediterranean-Asian fusion. Try the quinoa risotto, one of the restaurant's specialties, though everything here is simply delicious and fresh. A small shop sells organic chips, teas, cheeses, and even organic wine, and it's a great place for veg-heads to buy snacks. You can also get takeout -- a delight if you want to bring something home with you.

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With its tables and walls painted fire-engine red, this lively parrilla spices up an otherwise quiet corner in the trendy district of Palermo Hollywood. The vibrant crowd is a mix of locals and tourists alike, a testament to the affordable prices and friendly service. Although the traditional asado (barbeque) and other Argentine fare is on par with the city's best, don't miss the grilled chicken with guacamole-it's one of the few opportunities you'll have in Buenos Aires for a dish with any bite. Grab a candlelit table outside and a glass of wine to fully absorb this charming atmosphere. - Lauren Gardner

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Sarkis is a highly recommended Arabian restaurant in Buenos Aires with a reputation for both quality and service. The owner personally makes sure that every customer has a unique experience, as he often visits the tables checking customer service with his own eyes. Sarkis is a favorite among the Armenian community in Buenos Aires. The humus and the shizqueba are two must try menu items. The dessert of choice is the baclava. Accompany the end of your meal and dessert with a hot cup of Turkish coffee. Sarkis is also known as one of the first choices for delivery among Argentinean presidents. -Ignacio Casais

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There is no better place to dine in the Palermo region than Bar Uriate with a great view of the street. Frequented by hep and trendy locals the interiors are gleaming, made in steel with floor to ceiling glass for walls. It has a fancy bar, two dining spaces and a lounge where you can lie down on the sofas. The food has a Mediterranean touch with authentic flavors retained in the delicacies. Cured prosciutto, pastrami, and salami; veal carpaccio with fried capers; and pizza crisped in the wood-fired mud oven are simply delicious. Have a great time while listening to the DJ spinning the latest hits on weekends or you can opt for a meal on the patio enjoying nature's beauty.

Description:

The traditional good taste of the Swedish is present in this unique restaurant located in the residential zone of Palermo. Located in what used to be a warehouse, Olsen has a sober yet elegant 1960s atmosphere. Choose between an impressive array of tasty Nordic dishes and appetizers. During the hot summer nights it would be a sin not to take advantage of the outdoor tables in the park to savor one of their many vodka drinks, with several high-end types of the spirit available from countries all around the world. This trendy spot is very popular with locals and tourist alike. All members of the staff speak perfect English as well.

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Osaka's cuisine is a mix of Japanese, Thailand, Chinese and Peruvian gastronomy. Located in the district of Palermo, Osaka offers innovative cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere. This restaurant offers great atmosphere and superb food.

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Sudestada offers exotic flavors and ambiance. This Argentinean minimalist restaurant features the best of Vietnamese, Thai, and Singapore cuisine. The environment is classically decorated in white and black.

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This restaurant has become so well known among tourists visiting Buenos Aires, that the owners have also opened another branch up the street for spillover patrons, called La Cabrera Norte at Cabrera 5127 (tel. 11/4832-5754). The place and its branch deserve their very worthy reputations. The meat is excellent and comes in such huge portions that it's impossible to finish it. One of the specialties is also Pamplona, a roll made of various meats and sauces, or try their pork ribs with a sauce of dried tomatoes and pesto. All meals come with a spread of olives, sauces, breads, and other appetizers, which is a meal in itself. The restaurant sits on a corner and is a beautiful setting for outdoor dining, or you can eat inside in the charming dining room with exposed brick walls and antique posters.

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The latest project from the masterminds that brought us swanky hot-spot Casa Cruz and Scandinavian delight Olsen, Tegui sports the same minimalist design and flawless service we've come to expect, this time accompanied by a weekly tasting menu of impeccable modern Argentinean cuisine. Tucked away behind a subtle black door at one end of a graffitied facade (embellished by BA street artist collective Vomito Attack), Tegui's extensive wine list, thoughtfully selected from the impressive wine wall, happily compliments such eclectic dishes as seasonal seafood and rabbit ravioli. As the night comes to a close, your wallet may cry, but your belly will thank you gladly. - Elizabeth Gleeson

Description:

Artemisia has an extensive, frequently rotating menu offering a unique selection of organic and free-range options. Be sure to try one of the specialty salads that combine grilled and raw vegetables, as well as a sampler of the tasty homemade breads. And, rare in a city that consumes a limited variety of beverages, Artemisia offers refreshing jugs of homemade lemonade that compliments a white or red wine quite nicely. Also of note is the attentive service and warm, relaxed atmosphere.

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Located in a quiet corner of Palermo, Thymus is an intimate restaurant where one can enjoy a unique menu capable of impressing a seasoned and fashionable clientele. Clearly inspired by classical French cuisine, the chef offers a wide array of artful dishes such as trout with mashed lentils, a spicy grilled deer, or the highly recommended pork topped salmon. An attentive staff and comfortable atmosphere help round out a world-class experience.

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It is no secret that Argentina is home to some of the best beef in the world. Buenos Aires is full of smoky parillas that dish out tasty steaks on the cheap. Miranda's modern décor is unusual for a parilla in Buenos Aires in that the atmosphere in this Palermo Hollywood steakhouse is more chic than gaucho (cowboy). With a spacious interior and curbside tables for warmer months, Miranda often attracts a sizable crowd of well-dressed tourists and porteños alike. Despite the scene, the food is quite traditional. All of the Argentinean classic cuts are offered no frills with homemade fries or salad. Also available is a long list of excellent Argentinean wines to complete the meal. - Tim Wilkins

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A very popular place in the Palermo area, La Peña del Colorado is a live music venue, which hosts a number of performances, most of which are folk music. The atmosphere is laid back and friendly and the place is nice to make new friends. In keeping with the spirit of Argentina, there's good music and great Argentine cuisine available here. Besides they also conduct live workshops in singing, guitar playing and folk dancing.

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If the Argentine breakfast of croissants, toast, and dulce de leche has finally tired you out, make your way over to the rustic and friendly Oui Oui on the edge of Palermo Hollywood for a real culinary treat. This adorable bistro takes you on a trip to the Côte d'Azur and lands you somewhere between France and Italy, drawing from both cultures to create its menu of enormous sandwiches. Feast on delicious smoked salmon with cream cheese on a bagel, or try a delightfully simple granola-yogurt breakfast combo. An enormous cup of their coffee goes perfect with eveything. - Claire Pelletreau

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A trend has developed in Buenos Aires, which some say came out of the sushi trend and combined with an increase in the Peruvian population living in the city following the tourism boom. Peruvian restaurants have sprouted, with Japanese-Argentine chefs working as the stars bringing the cuisine together. Ceviche is among the newest and most elegant of the locations, with exposed blood-red brick walls and antique posters, and a hint of the Andean nation with its Peruvian textile accents. The sushi bar sits at the front of the restaurant, with the dark, moody, candlelit dining area towards the back, and an open-air patio decorated with cactus and other desert plants. Chef Roberto Nishida oversees the menu and preparation, from the sushi to the ceviche to an array of other seafood dishes. Desserts are a highlight as well, from Peruvian flan to dulce de leche (caramel) cheesecake.

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Cluny is casual but elegant, looking more like a modernist living room than a dining room. A loft space is excellent for hiding away for private conversations or romance. Some choose to dine outside in the patio garden in the restaurant's front space. Sinatra tunes and bossa nova music from the 1960s add to the soft, casual atmosphere. The food, overseen by the new chefs, is the highlight, with an emphasis on fish and fowl, from prawn risotto to spider crabs and duck magret. There are many salmon and codfish dishes, and the interestingly named "Lamb cooked in two different ways." Beef seems to be a second thought, unlike in other Argentine restaurants, though it is well prepared. The extensive wine list runs more than eight pages, noting the finest Argentine vintages from Catena Zapata to French imports at more than $250 (£178) a bottle. In the afternoon, there's a fine British tea service.

Description:

Located in hip Palermo Soho, Acabar is an ideal dinner or after-dinner spot to gather, particularly when your gathering numbers more than 10 bodies. Brightly lit and with funky decor from floor to ceiling, the regular clientele in this recently expanded locale consists mainly of loud locals taking their drinks and conversations well into the next morning, porteño style. The menu lists mainly traditional porteño and Spanish cuisine - think pastas, meats, and stews; hearty fare to accompany your vino tinto.