Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 442-8036;
www.origeneslarioja.com.ar
; cnr Catamarca & Pelagio Luna; mains AR$50-85;
11am-4pm & 7pm-12.30am; )
Smart and enthusiastic, this occupies a corner of an enorm-
ous, handsome 19th-century school, now turned cultural center. It draws on local tradi-
tions but brings a modern chef's expertise to bear on them. The result is excellent in
many ways, including the inspiring salads, a meal in themselves. Prices are more than
fair.
La Vieja Casona
ARGENTINE $$$
( 442-5996;
www.lacasonalunch.com.ar
; Rivadavia 457; mains AR$55-90; lunch & dinner)
Cheerfully lit and decorated, this is a cracking place with a great range of regional spe-
cialties, creative house choices and a menu of standard Argentine dishes - the
parrillada
here is of excellent standard. There's a fair selection of La Rioja wines, too, and wonder-
ful smells from the busy kitchen.
Stanza
ITALIAN $$$
( 443-0809;
www.lastanzaresto.com.ar
; Dorrego 164; mains AR$50-85; noon-3pm & 8-11pm
Tue-Sun)
One of the best places in town, this stylish restaurant serves imaginative pasta
dishes that are a cut above most places, as well as other Italian favorites such as saltim-
bocca. The attractive interior is supplemented by an enticing courtyard terrace.
Joaquín
FUSION $$$
$$$
(
www.facebook.com/joaquin.resto.7
; Rivadavia 537; mains AR$65-110; 8pm-1:30am Sun-Thu,
8pm-3am Fri & Sat; )
A relaxed spot for indoor our outdoor dining, this offers a short,
tasty menu of well-presented, well-thought-out dishes, as well as satisfying fresh pasta
tossed with basil. Service is slow and prices on the high side, but it's a deservedly popu-
lar local meeting place.
Shopping
La Rioja is famous for weaving and silverwork that combine indigenous techniques with
Spanish designs and color combinations.
Fittingly for a place named after Spain's most famous wine region, La Rioja wine has
a national reputation.
