Buenos Aires is a city that eats late, drinks well, and lingers long after the check arrives—and nowhere embodies that rhythm better than San Telmo.
This list moves beyond the tourist circuit to the places porteños truly love: the legendary parrilla where steak is tender enough to cut with a spoon, the Italian ristorante that doubles as a vintage car museum, and the leafy terrace perfect for slow afternoons.
I have also slipped in a few irresistible detours to Monserrat and Puerto Madero, where rooftop cocktails meet skyline views and century-old cafés keep the city’s Belle Époque spirit alive.
La Brigada – Legendary steak, spoon-cut beef
In Argentina, good meat is not only a tradition, but a must for every visitor. La Brigada is an iconic Buenos Aires parrilla where enjoying meat becomes a theatrical experience. The cuts are so tender that they can be sliced with a spoon—a signature touch born from an anecdote with a demanding customer that has since captivated visitors from around the world, including Lionel Messi.
With its classic atmosphere and impeccable service, La Brigada is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Argentine asado experience. Don’t miss the Bife de Chorizo, famously tender enough to be cut with a spoon.
Address: Estados Unidos 465, San Telmo, Argentina
Facebook: @parrillalabrigada
Caseros – Retro charm, leafy terrace, good soups
A gastronomic gem in San Telmo, Caseros blends gourmet sophistication with true porteño charm. Its retro interior, lacquered tables, and open kitchen invite diners to watch the culinary magic unfold.
The classic décor, intimate seating, and home-style dishes like tomato soup with poached egg, simple in appearance but rich in flavor, make it a cozy place to have dinner.
Berenjena a la Parmigiana takes center stage, and don’t miss the shaded terrace beneath the towering plane trees, a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the neighborhood.
Address: Avenida Caseros 486.
Facebook: @Caserosrestaurante
Nápoles Bar – Pasta & vintage car museum
An antique-inspired gem, Nápoles Bar fuses homemade Italian cuisine with the charm of a former aristocratic family carriage house, now a living museum filled with vintage cars, motorcycles, and collectibles. The menu is simple but sophisticated, flavorful, and comforting, inspired by childhood recipes passed down by Italian immigrants. Watch the pasta being made right before your eyes, and don’t miss the house-made sorrentinos, a true specialty.
Address: Avenida Caseros 449, San Telmo.
Facebook: @napolesristorante
Salón 1923 – Rooftop views, Art Deco vibe
An exclusive Art Deco rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city, including the National Congress and the Ecological Reserve, from two terraces: Terrazzo Congreso and Terrazzo Obelisco. Sunset and night bring the city to life with lights, highlighted by the Palacio Barolo lighthouse, a unique Buenos Aires icon. Signature cocktail: Malbec Sour. Reservation recommended.
Address: Avenida de Mayo 1370, 16th floor, Monserrat.
Website: salon1923.com
Osten – Modern Argentine flavours refined
Renowned for creative dishes in an elegant, contemporary setting for nicely dressed locals and expats to drink cocktails and eat steaks “on fire”. This restaurant blends modern techniques with authentic Argentine flavors. Signature dish: Patagonian trout tataki; recommended cocktail: Apaisado.
Address: Juana Manso 1890, Puerto Madero.
Website: ostenmadero.com
Trade Skybar – Skyline cocktails, 360° views
Enjoy cocktails with one of the best panoramic views of Buenos Aires at Trade Skybar, a sophisticated rooftop spread across three levels. On the 19th floor, a bar and restaurant feature signature cuisine, while the 22nd-floor terrace offers 360° city views, perfect for sipping the Negroni Porteño, a local twist on the classic Italian cocktail, blending gin, Campari, white vermouth, and Malbec bitters, finished with a touch of dulce de leche essence and activated charcoal.
Address: Avenida Corrientes 222, Monserrat.
Website: www.tradeskybar.com
Frenessí – Multi-sensory fine dining show
An immersive dining experience in Puerto Madero where high-end gastronomy meets cutting-edge technology. Each dish in the 11-step menu is accompanied by 3D projections, sounds, and visuals, creating a multi-sensory journey through Argentina and imaginary worlds.
Address: Juana Manso 1860, Puerto Madero.
Website: frenessi.co
Gran Café Tortoni – Buenos Aires’ oldest café & tango spirit
Tortoni dates back to 1858, evoking the Belle Époque with stained glass, boiserie, and marble tables. Its underground venue, “La Bodega,” hosts tango, jazz, and poetry nights. Don’t miss the hot chocolate with churros, a classic combination for over a century.
Address: Av. de Mayo 825, Monserrat.
Website: www.cafetortoni.com.ar
Here is Maria’s guide to the best cultural things that you can do in Buenos Aires.
