Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EATING
Palermo Viejo is at the heart of innovative cuisine in Buenos Aires. Dozens of upmar-
ket restaurants serve creative cuisine in a contemporary setting, but it's important to
be discerning - a new eatery opens every week, and while quality is generally high,
only a few places are truly special.
Apart from the high-end
parrillas
where fine steaks and expensive wines rule,
Palermo chefs often take inspiration from different ethnic cuisines. You'll find ele-
ments of Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese, Brazilian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Greek
and even Norwegian food throughout the neighborhood's dining scene. Just remem-
ber that most restaurants offer an Argentine approach to these international styles of
cooking: don't expect spicy flavors, for example, because the locals can't stomach it.
Another sub-neighborhood of Palermo with exceptional eating is Las Cañitas, not far
from Palermo Viejo. Traffic jams up here on the weekends, when hordes of diners
descend on the few blocks of Av Báez where most of the area's restaurants and bars
are concentrated.
OUI OUI $
( 4778-9614;
www.ouioui.com.ar
; Nicaragua 6068; mains AR$40-70; 8am-8pm Tue-Sun)
Pain au
chocolat
and shabby chic?
Oui
. This charming and popular French-style cafe produces the
goods - dark coffee, buttery croissants and jars of tangy lemonade - and boasts a small and
cozy interior. Choose also from creative salads, gourmet sandwiches and luscious pastries.
Its annex,
Almacén Oui Oui
INTERNATIONAL
GOOGLE MAP
(cnr Dorrego & Nicaragua;
8am-9pm Tue-
MAP
Sun)
, is on the same block and stays open an hour later.
SOCIAL LA LECHUZA $
( 4773-2781; Uriarte 1980; mains AR$40-75; 8:30pm-midnight Tue, 12:30-3:30pm & 8:30pm-mid-
night Wed-Sat, 1-3:30pm Sun)
A world away from its trendy neighbors, this classic joint holds
on to tradition and offers a breath of fresh air from all those overpriced, overhip restaurants
in Palermo. Funky art adorns the walls including amateur owl paintings (
lechuza
means
'owl'). Meats and pastas are served in abundant portions, but don't miss the desserts like
chocolate mousse and tiramisu.
ARGENTINE
