Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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variety of cheeses. Main courses change frequently but usually range from a simple steak
to an elaborate pasta with salmon, cr eam, and capers in white-wine sauce; ther e's always
a chicken and seafood offering as w ell. The menu combines Argentine classics, such as
empanadas and beef , with fusion-style dishes such as sesame tuna. I t's also an ex cellent
place to tr y a glass of dr y Argentine sparkling wine. A fe w doors down is the sister r es-
taurant, the to wn's most upscale steakhouse. And far ther down the str eet is an I talian
country-inspired trattoria (see below).
Av. del Libertador 963.
&
02902/492590.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $13-$22 (£8.80-
£15). AE, MC, V. Daily 10am-1am.
Casimiro Biguá Trattoria
Kids
ITALIAN A breath of Mediterranean sunshine in
the P atagonian wilderness, locals ar e raving about this ne w I talian-inspired informal
eatery, run by the same folks as the popular bistr o (above). The open kitchen and r ed-
and-white checker ed table cloths ar e bright and friendly . M ix and match homemade
pastas with one of a huge variety of sauces—ricotta and nut ravioli goes great with pesto.
Or try such classics as
osso buco
or lamb risotto. It's also a good option if you want a light
dinner. Late afternoon, stop by for a glass of wine and a cheese plate.The wine list is long
and includes plenty of options b y the glass. There's a kids ' room out back and Wi-Fi
indoors.
Av. del Liber tador 1369.
&
02902/492993.
Main courses $15-$22 (£10-£15). AE, MC, V. Daily noon-
midnight.
La Cocina
Value
BISTRO This recently expanded r estaurant ser ves bistro-style
food, including fresh pastas, such as raviolis and fettuccine, fr esh trout, and meats pr e-
pared simply but w ell. Try the cr epes stuffed with v egetables (known as
cannelloni
) or
combinations such as ham and cheese, or meat items such as steak with a pepper-and-
mustard sauce. There's a huge list of pasta options as w ell. Of all the r estaurants on the
main street with a similar appearance, La Cocina, without a doubt, is the best. There is
something here for everyone, and when it 's busy, the friendly staff maintains an upbeat
vibe.
Av. del Libertador 1245.
&
02902/491758.
Main courses $10-$19 (£6.80-£13). MC, V. Tues-Sun noon-
3:30pm and 7pm-midnight.
12
La Posta
ARGENTINE In a building next to the Posada Los Alamos hotel, the
La Posta is El Calafate's most upscale r estaurant, serving great cuisine and choice wines
in a formal, candlelit envir onment. The menu, printed in four languages, offers w ell-
prepared dishes that effectiv ely blend Argentine and international-flav ored fare, such as
filet mignon in a puff pastr y with rosemary-roasted potatoes, king crab ravioli, almond
trout, or curried crayfish. Desserts are superb. A lovely breakfast buffet is served here for
guests every morning, and the ser vice both morning and night is ex quisite.
Gobernador Moyano and Bustillo.
&
02902/491144.
Reservations recommended in high season. Main
courses $12-$26 (£8.20-£18). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 7pm-midnight.
Moderate
Casablanca
CAFE/BAR The Casablanca is the local hangout for a beer and a quick
meal, and one of the few places around where you can grab a meal at odd hours. There's
a wooden bar and a dining ar ea with tile floors and metal chairs and tables, and an ele-
vated TV that's usually on. The menu is mostly pizzas, sandwiches, and empanadas, but
