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it's all about the beef, which I would argue is the best in the neighborhood. The portions
are not the largest, but the cuts ar e amazingly flavorful, with just the right mix of fat to
add tenderness. If you order the steak rare (jugoso), they know not to serve it nearly raw.
The restaurant is in two levels, with sidewalk seating at the entrance and a covered open-
air terrace above. Both floors have subtle gaucho-accented decor that does not overwhelm
the senses with kitsch. N ever as crowded as the other r estaurants lining the str eet, it's a
great option when the lines ar e too long at nearby hot spots.
Báez 202 (at Arguibel). & 11/4899-0951. Main courses $3-$12 (£2-£8.20). AE, MC, V. Daily noon-4pm
and 8pm-1am (until 2am weekends). Metro: Ministro Carranza.
Garbis Kids MIDDLE EASTERN If you're looking for gr eat Middle Eastern
food at reasonable prices or a spot to enter tain the kids, Garbis has the answer. Kabobs,
falafel, lamb, and other Middle Eastern mainstays are all on the menu, along with great,
friendly service. The desert kitsch—in the form of tiled walls and brilliant colors—makes
you think you've wound up far away fr om Argentina. A childr en's entertainment center
will keep the kids happy while y ou dine. Tarot card readings on select days add fun for
the adults. Call to find out the mystic's schedule. This is a chain, with additional restau-
rants in Belgrano and Villa Crespo.
Scalabrini Ortiz 3190 (at C erviño). & 11/4511-6600. www.garbis.com.ar. Main courses $5-$15 (£3.40-
£10). AE, MC, V. Daily 11am-3pm and 7-11:30pm. Metro: Scalabrini Ortiz.
Novecento INTERNA TIONAL With a sister r estaurant in N ew York's
SoHo, Novecento was a pioneer restaurant in Palermo's Las Cañitas neighborhood. Fash-
ionable Porteños pack the New York-style bistro by 11pm, clinking wineglasses under a
Canal Street sign or opting for the busy outdoor terrace.Waiters rush to keep their clients
happy, with dishes such as salmon carpaccio and steak salad. The pastas and risotto ar e
mouthwatering, but y ou may pr efer a steak au poivr e or a chicken br ochette. O ther
wonderful choices include filet mignon, grilled P acific salmon, and penne with wild
mushrooms. Top it off with an Argentine wine. A t night, b y candlelight, it makes a
romantic choice for couples. A large, separate, slightly sterile side r oom is av ailable for
spillover or to rent for private parties.
Báez 199 (at Ar guibel). & 11/4778-1900. www.bistronovecento.com. Reser vations r ecommended.
Main courses $8-$15 (£5.40-£10). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily noon-4pm and 8pm-2am; Sun brunch 8am-noon.
Metro: M inistro C arranza. 2nd location at S errano 1549 (at Plaza S errano). & 11/4581-0278. www.
republicadeaca.com.ar. Main courses $4-$8 (£2.70-£5.40). No credit cards. Sun-Thurs 11am-2am; Fri-Sat
11am-6am. Metro: Plaza Italia.
Sushi Club JAPANESE This restaurant is par t of a v ery popular chain, with many
locations throughout the city, but this is one of its nicest outlets. The Sushi Club serves
sushi and other J apanese cuisine in a modern clublike interior , with orange, black, and
metallic elements. Fish is a big highlight of the menu, as is beef with Japanese seasonings.
The sushi r oll selection is enormous and cr eative; many of the offerings pay tribute to
other international cuisines, using ingredients to match.
Ortega Y G asset 1812 (at Ar ce). & 0-810/222-SUSHI (78744; t oll-free). M ain c ourses $4-$8 (£2.70-
£5.40). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily noon-5pm and 8pm-3am. Metro: Carranza.
Utopia Bar ARGENTINE/INTERNATIONAL More cozy and calm than some of
the other bars that surround Plaza Serrano, this is an excellent place to grab a drink and
a bite in this v ery tr endy and busy neighborhood. Yellow walls and soothing r ustic
wooden tables add a sense of calm, though the li e music, scheduled on an irregular basis,

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