In Buenos Aires, beef isn’t simply a source of food — it’s a passionately embraced way of life that’s engrained in Argentinian culture and history. Barbecue is an Argentine institution, and short ribs are the most popular cut, usually sourced from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle, which are raised in the pampas that fan out north, west and south of the capital. Here are four restaurant picks for a great steak dinner in Buenos Aires.
Chorizo and egg skillet
1. La Carnicería
This is a carnivore’s paradise — tuck into honey-basted sweetbreads, smoked beef, a four-pound rib-eye and a favorite hangover meal: chorizo, small potatoes, peas and a fried egg.
Seared chicken breast
2. El Pobre Luis
A traditional, energetic parrilla where the standout dish is Pamplona — seared chicken breast stuffed with bacon and cheese. It’s proud of its desserts, too, so try to save room.
Rib-eye steak
3. Niño Gordo
This parrilla puts an Asian spin on grilling and interior design. A must-order is the delectable katsu sando, made with specially sourced rib-eye.
Don Julio
4. Don Julio
A regular inclusion on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, it’s the place to share someone else’s celebrations, to introduce a first-time visitor to the world’s beef capital or simply the place to eat delicious, grass-fed steak.
Three Local Flavors:
1. Empanadas
Doughy pockets whose style of crimped edging denotes the filling. A favorite is chopped steak with potato and boiled egg. Many steakhouses serve them as appetizers.
2. Choripán
This sandwich is a staple at soccer matches. It comprises a grilled pork sausage that’s sliced in half, tucked inside a bread roll and slathered in spicy chimichurri sauce. Try a gourmet version at fast food joint Chori.
3. Helado
With so many Argentines having Italian heritage, it’s no surprise Buenos Aires has such great gelato-style ice cream. Sample some at Heladería Scannapieco.
