10 best eats in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires, the home of all things meat and steak, is seeing much more diversity now in its food scene than just coffee, parrillas, wine and repeat. It’s food scene is evolving and traditionally bound restaurants serving just heaps of meat are being redefined by wave of young chefs. Buenos Aires is a brunch goers and foodies dream where you can find classic empanadas for less than 50 cent to the world’s finest steaks and wine. Argentina is a melting pot of French, Italian and Spanish heritage to name but a few and they have all left their mark on the culinary scene.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, suitable for both veggies and meat lovers.

1. Don Julio Parrilla: It was listed in Latin America’s top 50 best restaurants in 2016. A meat lovers paradise serving the finest grass-fed Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle, raised in the countryside outside Buenos Aires. The steak here is phenomenal and cuts like butter. The service is amazing, even when queuing outside. Reservations are required here but if you’re not in a hurry, stick your name on a list, have a wander around La Palermo and come back to enjoy a few glasses of champagne and empanadas on the house while you wait to be seated. I’ve never had such a pleasant experience waiting for a table. It is on the pricier side as expected but still a steal when coming from Europe. For example our meal came to €35 each. For this we had; unlimited champagne and empanadas before, sausage to share as a starter, a bottle of red wine between 3, 4 sides (grilled sweet potato, french fries, tenderstem broccoli and oven roasted peppers) and a fillet steak each.

2. Latino Sandwich– Cheap and cheerful sandwich place selling a variety of sandwiches, including a veggie option and lots of baked goods. A sandwich here is AP$150 (€2.30). It stands out by its neon signage on a white backdrop.

3. Hierbabuena– This cute cafe/ restaurant is near the San Telmo area. It’s slightly expensive for a salad or sandwich (AP$450) but incredible value for there menu of the day. They have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options but are not exclusively a vegetarian restaurant. I had a juice, soup and bread, main and desert for AP$440 (€6.70). There is also a 5% discount when paying with cash.

4. Oui oui: Located in Palermo, it was the first to start the brunch movement in Buenos Aires, Oui Oui is famed for serving fantastic weekend brunches, lunches and breakfasts. It serves french style buttery croissants, good coffee, salads, gourmet sandwiches and pastries.

5. Ol’ Days Coffee & Deli: This is my favourite place to eat and enjoy a coffee in Buenos Aires. Situated near the river, it’s a lovely walk down to this hip and stylish cafe. The menu is so extensive I came back twice. They do brunch best, serving a brunch platter for AP $695 (€10.60) on the weekends from 11-3pm (see below) which includes juice or coffee. The also do pancakes, acai bowls, waffles, eggs, salad bowls, gourmet sandwiches, wraps and vegetarian pizzas. The real draw here is their coffee and huge display of baked goods and desserts. They do a lovely dinner menu too. It’s expensive for Argentina but cheap compared to your average European or American brunch prices.

6. Alma Cafe: Another great stylish cafe serving healthy breakfasts, lunches and they do amazing coffee. One of the only places I’ve found not to charge extra for almond milk. It’s very reasonable too and is located in the Capital Federal. It can be difficult to find a nice spot for lunch or breakfast that isn’t out in Palermo or further afield.

7. Donut Therapy: If you haven’t noticed yet, everything sweet in Argentina revolves around dulce de leche. The donuts are no exception. Dulce de leche filled donuts would be on my death row dinner menu.

8. El Banco Rojo: Located in San Telmo, this is a small trendy place to get a sandwich, salad, falafels, burgers and tacos. It’s a pretty casual place with counter seats only but the food is great. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the red bench outside.

9. Saint Burger: A busy, young place serving burgers and drinks. Later in the evening turns into more of a bar with a casual vibe and music playing. Great burgers and fries, they also do an amazing lentil burger.

10. Rapa Nui: This is a chain in Argentina that is ranked number 1 on tripadvisor for desserts in Buenos Aires. Their gelato is the best decadence to a new level. They serve 3 flavours of dulce de leche gelato! Their chocolate is also excellent.