Buenos Aires ~ Beyond the Parrilla

Roasted Cauliflower at Puerta in Palermo

While a trip to Buenos Aires wouldn't be complete without indulging in a juicy Argentinian steak at a parrilla, there are plenty of other culinary delights to explore. For those seeking a meat-free meal, the city offers a variety of delicious options that don't require months of advance planning and booking. And for those traveling with meat-lovers, many of these spots still feature a steak or two on their menu, ensuring everyone can find something to savor.

Looking for a delicious lunch? These options are perfect as most are open for both lunch and dinner (and some for breakfast too).

Insight:

Hours: If a restaurant serves breakfast, typically they open at 9am. However, some cafes that serve breakfast open earlier. Lunch is typically available from 12pm - 4pm. Restaurants open for dinner typically at 8pm or 7:30pm. Google maps is reliable for hours.

‘Dinner’ typically is not available until 8pm or sometimes 7:30pm if you’re lucky, even if the restaurant is open all day. Google maps tends to be reliable for hours.

All restaurants suggested have a variety of vegetable dishes, often fish dishes (unless noted that they're only vegetarian, and they have gluten-free options - sin TACC in Argentina - which is without wheat, oats, barley and rye); if not reflected on the menu, simply ask for options.

Also, all reviews and suggestions are based on visiting between February 2023 and April 2024 when I lived in BsAs. Also, I dined at these places more than once (some several times), confirming a consistent experience.

EAT

• Roux: Fresh and flavor-forward Latin-Mediterranean cuisine with a variety of vegetables and plate sizes, perfect for sharing. Open for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

• El Burladero: Spanish cuisine in a spirited space. Delicious, satisfying and savory seafood and other Spanish favorites. Perfect if dining solo or as a couple to snag seats at the bar. Plenty of space for larger groups, but reservations are best. Open for lunch with a break, then dinner.

• La Causa Nikkei: Peruvian cuisine including fresh, flavorful and tender ceviche. Also well-known for their sushi. Another spot that does lunch (until 4) and dinner from 8pm.

• Manduca Paseo La Plaza: A variety of restaurant options - pizza, coffee, Peruvian, Argentinian, and other cuisines. Perfect for when you need a quick bite to eat when in the Theater District. Asu Mare is especially delicious for fresh and flavorful ceviche.

• Croque Madame: Various locations throughout the city. The Palacio Paz location (across from the Plaza General San Martin) is a stunning spot to stop while exploring. Most restaurants are housed in a historical building, which visiting is a lovely experience in and of itself. Popular for brunch and merienda (a late-afternoon break to typically enjoy a coffee and pastry). Another beautiful location is in Palermo Chico, next to Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo.

• La Alacena Trattoria (Palermo): Cozy Italian spot with a lovely outside section which serves up a variety of seafood and pasta options. Not to be missed are the antipasti, perfect for a light meal or sharing. Open for lunch and dinner.

• Puerta (Palermo Soho): Vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free (sin marina) options that are so flavorful they'll make you forget you're eating vegetables. With various sized dishes, perfect for sharing or selecting two.

• COWI Palermo (Palermo Soho): Offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free, as well as meat dishes. The large industrial space is great for groups, going solo or cozying up with your date. It’s a spirited space, serving up a wide selection of wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Only open for dinner from 6pm.

• Benedetta Roti Cafe (Palermo): Plenty of various-sized plates, perfect for sharing. There’s a solid seafood section of the menu as well as vegetable options. Sin TACC is not reflected on latest menu, but available; also dinner is 7:30p and on.

• Casa Cavia (Palermo Chico): Stunning old mansion turned restaurant, with a gorgeous garden serving elevated modern cuisine from 10am. Also great for a coffee and/or drink stop after visiting the Japanese Gardens and parks nearby.

• Crizia (Palermo Hollywood): Seasonal, fresh and contemporary cuisine enjoyed in a gorgeous space. This is indeed an experience. A variety of options from land and sea, with plenty of vegetables, there is something for everyone.

• Alma Keto BA (Palermo Hollywood): Offering a wide range of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options, this restaurant caters to keto diners without compromising on flavor. The modern yet cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to relax or enjoy a leisurely meal. Much of the menu is gluten-free (sin TACC).

• Sacro (Palermo Hollywood): Vegan-focused menu with seafood options. Each unique and flavor-forward. Set in a trendy yet comfortable space with a bar as well and with photo-worthy plates. It's a vibe.

• Buenos Aires Verde (Palermo Hollywood): Extensive menu offering organic and vegetarian options for breakfast through dinner, some gluten-free (sin TACC as well). Portions are generous. The juices and smoothies are a refreshing accompaniment. And of course, there are tasty sweets. (at 14.10.25, website states closed temporarily for renovations)

• Hierbabuena (San Telmo): If you find yourself in San Telmo, this is a perfect spot for a bite. Slightly past all the bustle and markets, where you can find an abundance of healthy, organic, vegetarian, gluten-free (sin TACC), and vegan options.

Sauteed Shrimp at Benedetta Roti Cafe ~ Palermo

DRINK:

Of course, Argentinian wines! But if you don't drink or you're looking for a refreshing drink to accompany your meal, try a fresh lemonade. It is often flavored with mint or ginger. All restaurants have this staple. If you prefer a sugar-free option, simply ask for 'sin azucar.'

Favorite wine bars coming soon….

In the meantime, check out my blog on coffee shops and coffee culture in Buenos Aires. I was (pleasantly) surprised to find an abundance of amazing coffee shops

ICE CREAM / HELADO

No suggestion list would be complete without this creamy treat! I’m a vegan helado gal - and can confirm you won’t have FOMO.

• Rapanui is worth the hype. With locations throughout the city, the largest being in Palermo Soho on Malabia (2014) and Soler. There’s seating indoors or better yet, snag a seat outdoors in the garden (there’s also an upper level). With a variety of options, including many vegan and gluten-free choices, even the most discerning ice cream connoisseurs will be impressed. While you're there, don't forget to grab some chocolates to enjoy later. They also serve excellent coffee. There’s also a convenient Rapanui location in Recoleta, on Arenales and Azcuenaga.  The vegan dark chocolate with mint is life changing.

• Luccianos is a close second imo with standout vegan options including their dark chocolate sorbet and a lemon sorbet. There’s several locations throughout the city as well.

COFFEE:      

Check out the dedicated blog to all things coffee in BsAs - definitely no shortage of solid coffee shops!

Coffee Shops & Coffee Culture ~ BsAs

Revisiting these delicious spots and experiences is a walk down memory lane. One of these days I look forward to returning and revisiting the rich culinary scene in Buenos Aires.