Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
The people of Argentina are as passionate
about good food and drink as they are
about life, music, and tango. Their culinary
tastes have evolved over the years and now
incorporate a variety of world cuisines. The
definitive dining experience, however, is
still to be found at a neighborhood
parrilla
(steakhouse). Roadside
parrillas
are located
all across Argentina, offering a country-
style family barbecue experience. Here,
meat is propped up on stakes, roasted
around a fire, and served alfresco. In this
diverse country, it is also possible to grab
a quick bite at a chain pizza outlet, enjoy
ethnic cuisines of the Old World, and
discover new, creative cooking.
Bars and Confiterías
After the
parrilla
, the other
institution that every
barrio
must have is a bar. In Argentina,
this implies a “café-bar” and it
is a good place for meeting
friends and family members.
Besides coffee and juices,
most café-bars serve toasted
sandwiches,
medialunas
(sweet croissants), and liquor.
For a more substantial
salad or steak sandwich, head
to a
confitería
- a larger café
with more tables, longer
menus, and sadly, often less
atmosphere. During the last
decade, these classic ancient
bars and
confiterías
have been
joined by a wave of dimly lit
cocktail and wine bars which,
although ideal for a night out,
tend to attract a younger
crowd of drinkers.
in a self-service buffet and
include grilled meat, pastas,
and even Chinese food.
Going up in price, most
middle- and higher-bracket
restaurants focus on the 3Ps -
parrilla
, pasta, and pizzas.
Excitingly, the last decade
has witnessed the emergence
of Modern Argentinian
restaurants, where creative
chefs prepare inventive
contemporary cuisine using
indigenous ingredients.
Modern Argentinian cuisine, or
Cocina de Autor,
is served at
fashionable restaurants in big
cities and tourist destinations.
A bustling local restaurant, Buenos Aires
Parrillas
Sprinkled throughout the
country,
parrillas
(steakhouses)
are the most popular eating
places in Argentina. Typically,
a visit starts off with a plate
of bites, often tasty mini-
empanadas (stuffed pastries)
and a glass of red wine,
before moving on to
chorizo
(flavorful sausage), provolone
cheese, and assorted offal.
The main meal that follows is
almost always a grilled steak,
accompanied by a side salad.
Grilled salmon is often
served at
parrillas
, and some
offer vegetarian alternatives
as well. The dessert menu
usually consists of fruit, ice
cream, or perhaps a crème
caramel. The main point of
eating at a
parrilla
is to stretch
out the eating experience and
chat between courses. If a
parrilla
is packed, it probably
means it is really good, and
the bustle and the banter is
all part of the general bonhomie
that makes this Argentinian
institution so special.
Eating Hours
In Argentina, eating between
9 and 10pm is normal and
between 10pm and midnight is
completely acceptable. Most
restaurants close very late while
confiterías
and cafés are open
dawn to dusk and often round
the clock. Lunch and breakfast
are served at the usual times.
Chain Restaurants
Global franchises are well
represented in Argentina,
and chain burger outlets and
pizzerias are common. Their
local competitors include
tenedor libres
(free forks) - “all-
you-can-eat” restaurants that
offer a fixed-price menu. Dishes
at
tenedor libres
are spread out
Prices and Paying
Due to price inflation, the cost
of eating out in Argentina is now
nearly on a par with Europe or
An established and popular
parrilla
serving grilled meats
