Buenos Aires has over 3,000 parrillas and steakhouses, but only a handful achieve asado perfection. This guide takes you to the city's 10 best, from the acclaimed Don Julio in Palermo to neighbourhood bodegones where portenos eat their favourite bife de chorizo far from the tourist trail.
1. Don Julio — The best steakhouse in Buenos Aires
Neighbourhood: Palermo | Price: USD 30-50/person | Booking: essential
Don Julio is not just the best steakhouse in Buenos Aires — it is a world reference for Argentine asado. Ranked #9 in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, the restaurant's dry-aged cuts from its own estancia, an impressive Malbec cellar (over 5,000 labels), the city's most perfect provoleta and impeccable service make it outstanding. The dry-aged ribeye is the star dish.
Address: Guatemala 4691, Palermo. Tip: book at least a week ahead. Without a booking, expect to wait 1-2 hours (worth it). While waiting, you are offered a glass of Malbec and provoleta on the house.
2. La Cabrera — Generous portions and premium cuts
Neighbourhood: Palermo | Price: USD 25-40/person | Booking: recommended
La Cabrera is famous for its enormous portions and creative accompaniments: boards of sides with pumpkin puree, sun-dried tomatoes, papas bravas and salads on wooden boards. The bife de chorizo and ribeye are excellent. Two venues next to each other on the corner of Cabrera and Thames.
3. El Desnivel — The San Telmo steakhouse
Neighbourhood: San Telmo | Price: USD 12-20/person | Booking: not accepted
El Desnivel (Defensa 855) is the most popular steakhouse in San Telmo and probably the best value-for-money beef in Buenos Aires. A bife de chorizo with salad and house wine for under USD 15. Pure porteno bodegon atmosphere: tight tables, chequered tablecloths, fast waiters and a grill in full view.
4. La Brigada — Premium cuts in San Telmo
Neighbourhood: San Telmo | Price: USD 25-40/person | Booking: recommended
La Brigada (Estados Unidos 465) specialises in premium cuts you can cut with a spoon — that is how tender they are. The walls are decorated with football shirts (including one of Maradona's) and the wine list is excellent.
5. Parrilla Pena — The centre's secret
Neighbourhood: Microcentro | Price: USD 10-18/person | Booking: not needed
Where Microcentro office workers eat their midday bife de chorizo. No tourist pretensions, neighbourhood prices and top-quality beef. The set lunch with starter, main and dessert costs USD 8-12.
6-10. More great parrillas
- El Ferroviario (Reserva Ecologica): hidden alongside the nature reserve, outdoor tables under trees. USD 12-20.
- La Cholita (Belgrano): neighbourhood parrilla with huge portions. USD 15-25.
- Don Julio Bodegon (Palermo): the more casual, accessible version. No wait, no booking needed. USD 15-25.
- Don Julio Puerto Madero: same quality with a dockside view. USD 25-45.
- La Estancia (Microcentro, Lavalle 941): touristy but decent meat and reasonable prices. USD 15-25.
