Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
terrace is strewn with cushy lounges. Other pluses include a welcome drink and a little
patio for breakfast.
Eating
Eating out in Buenos Aires is a gastronomical highlight. Not only are the typical
parril-
las
(steak houses) a dime a dozen, but the city's Palermo Viejo neighborhood boasts the
most varied ethnic cuisine in the country. You can find Armenian, Brazilian, Mexican,
Indian, Japanese, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines - and even fusions of
several. Most are acceptable and some are exceptional.
Microcentro eateries tend to cater to the business crowd, while nearby Puerto Madero
is full of elegant and pricey restaurants. Congreso is pretty traditional cuisine-wise, ex-
cept for its 'Little Spain' neighborhood. Recoleta is another expensive area with touristy
but fun dining options near the cemetery. San Telmo keeps attracting more and more
worthwhile restaurants.
Reservations are usually unnecessary except at the most popular restaurants - or per-
haps on weekends. Except at five-star restaurants, wait staff provide simply adequate ser-
vice - nothing fancy. Upscale restaurants charge a
cubierto,
a small cover charge for
utensil use and bread. This doesn't include the tip, which should be at least 10%.
A good website for BA restaurants is
www.guiaoleo.com
(in Spanish); for good blogs
in English there are
www.saltshaker.net
and
www.pickupthefork.com
.
TOP CLOSED-DOOR RESTAURANTS
Puertas cerradas(closed-door restaurants) offer an exclusive atmosphere as
they're usually located in the chef's own homes. Expect communal tables, but
don't worry - your fellow diners are usually interesting. You'll get the address after
booking.
you'll sample ex-New Yorker Dan Perlman's culinary creations;
NOLA
(
www.cocinasunae.com
)
, for near-authentic Asian-fusion meals.
