Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Reconquista 899 (at P araguay).
&
11/4314-0924.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $5-$15
(£3.40-£10). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 12:30-3:30pm and 8pm-1am; Sat 8pm-1am. Metro: San Martín.
MONSERRAT
Moderate
Club Español
SPANISH This restaurant has one of the most magnificent din-
ing rooms in Buenos Aires. It's located in the Club Español, one of the grandest buildings
along 9 de Julio. An orgy of brass, marble, agate lighting fixtur es, carved oak bas-reliefs,
and molded plaster ornaments surround you. Interspersed are Spanish paintings of major
battles and graceful Ar t Nouveau maidens who star e down from the tops of pilasters.
Despite the restaurant's architectural grandeur, the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed and
often celebrator y; don't be surprised to find a table of champagne-clinking Argentines
next to y ou. Tables hav e beautiful silv er place settings, and tux edo-clad waiters offer
friendly but formal ser vice. Although the menu is a tempting sample of S panish cui-
sine—including paella and S panish omelets—the fish dishes ar e best. Special salads ar e
meals in themselv es; a fe w include calamari. The wine list is pages long, with a large
selection of whites to complement the fish offerings. Bills include a table service of about
$1.50 (£1).
Bernardo de Yrigoyen 180 (at Alsina).
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11/4334-4876.
Reser vations r ecommended. M ain c ourses
$5-$12 (£3.40-£8.20). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily noon-4pm and 8pm-midnight (sometimes until 1am Fri-Sat).
Metro: Lima.
102
Restaurante y Bar Mediterr áneo
MEDITERRANEAN The I nterConti-
nental hotel 's ex clusive M editerranean r estaurant and bar w ere built in colonial style,
resembling the city's famous Café Tortoni. The downstairs bar, with its hardwood floor,
marble-top tables, and polished Victrola playing tango, takes y ou back to B uenos Aires
of the 1930s. A spiral stair case leads to the elegant r estaurant, where subdued lighting
and well-spaced tables create an intimate atmosphere. Mediterranean herbs, olive oil, and
sun-dried tomatoes ar e among the chef 's usual ingr edients. Dishes might include car e-
fully prepared shellfish bouillabaisse; black hake served with ratatouille; chicken casserole
with morels, fava beans, and potatoes; or duck br east with cabbage confit, wild mush-
rooms, and sautéed apples. E xpress menus (items r eady within minutes) ar e available at
lunch.
Moreno 809 (at P iedras in the I nterContinental).
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11/4340-7200.
Reservations recommended. Main
courses $8-$15 (£5.40-£10). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 7-11am, 11:30am-3:30pm, and 7pm-midnight. M etro:
Moreno.
PUERTO MADERO
There are no convenient metro stops to this neighborhood.
5
Expensive
Asia de Cuba
ASIAN/JAPANESE Though not associated with the other Asia de
Cubas ar ound the world, this place offers an ex citing envir onment in which to dine.
Renovated in 2008, the space is chic, with black-, dar k-brown-, and gold-gilded car ved
columns decorated in lotuses, and a golden r eclining Buddha over the bar. In the back,
there's a sushi bar and a VIP lounge. It's very glamorous at dinnertime; lunch is a mor e
casual affair. A table sushi menu, with 110 different items, is about $175 (£119). Dinner
comes with all kinds of exotic entertainment, such as Arabian belly dancers. Asia de Cuba
is also one of the most impor tant clubs in the P uerto M adero ar ea, ideal for a mor e
