Casa Cruz
Casa Cruz
Located in the hip Palermo neighbourhood, Casa Cruz feels like a little bit of NYC in Buenos Aires. An unmarked entrance, the interior is sleek and modern, with dim lighting and cozy banquettes. Dark mahogany wood, red velvet upholstery and a sleek oval bar sets the tone of the restaurant.
While the setting sells the experience, the food is actually really good. Overseen by Chef Germán Martitegui, the menu is Argentine cuisine with dishes like roasted rabbit, tuna with fennal-slaw, and Patagonia lamb. More expensive than the average BA restaurant, you’ll likely be dining with stylish locals, tourists and possible a celebrity or two. We love the extensive wine list (the floor-to-ceiling wine cellar is impressive), and definitely recommend taking in a least a drink or two here at arguably one of Buenos Aires hottest addresses.
WHERE TO FIND:
Casa Cruz
1658 Uriarte, Buenos Aires; (011) 4833-1112
casa-cruz.com
Cabaña Las Lilas
Cabaña Las Lilas
To be in Argentina and not try a mouthwatering steak would truly be a shame (our apologies if you’re vegetarian, but this really is meat country). The proud meat eaters of Argentina are known for raising and cooking up some of the most delicious beef in the world and they are incredibly proud of it. So when we visited Argentina, it was quite easy to get our red meat fix.
One of our favourite places (which was also recommended to us by locals) was Cabaña Las Lilas, located in the Puerto Madero section of Buenos Aires. Part of what makes Cabaña Las Lilas so special is that they raise their own cattle for the restaurant, so you know that you’re getting high-quality meat and delicious meals. Some must-tries include the tender skirt steak, the Medallón de Lomo Tenderloin and the option to make your own salad.
Even better, for those who are trying to limit their red meat intake, Cabaña Las Lilas offers a light menu, with smaller portions of tenderloin, skirt and rump steaks. And if by chance you’re not in a red meat mood at all, the Patagonic Spider Crab is tender, sweet and our non-meat must-try.
The dessert menu is huge, and we mean huge. There is no shortage of options, from dessert wines to ports, ice cream and biscuits, we recommend picking a few options to share around the table, just because it’s far too hard to choose.
WHERE TO FIND:
Cabaña Las Lilas
A. M. de Justo 550, 2ª Piso (C1107AAL) Buenos Aires; (54-11) 4315-1010
laslilas.com
647 Dinner Club
647 Dinner Club
On Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Hot List, 647 Dinner Club lives in the colourful San Telmo district of Buenos Aires. You’ll find the restaurant on an overlooked side street with no signage. The door is black, almost anonymous, with the address being the only way to know it’s there.
Inside is a spacious and stylish dining and lounge area, with high-ceilings, grand crystal chandeliers, dark red walls, and faux antique mirrors. Dining-wise you have a handful of options. There’s a wall of plush booths, where you can have more of an intimate dining experience, or choose to seriously lay back in one of their chaise lounges, where you’ll be served your meal on a special tray. At the back of the restaurant, you’ll find standard rectangular tables to eat, most appropriate for a group of four or more.
Known for their creative cocktails, we highly recommend trying at least one while there. Consider the 647 concoction of rosé, port, and spiced plum juice, or the pepper-rimmed Dragon Bols with mango and chili. The gourmet menu features dishes like duck confit, fresh beet gnocchi and grilled tenderloin. Definitely leave room for dessert too—there are yummy sweets like mini marscapone cheesecake and whiskey parfait on top of a coffee liqueur. Open to the public, reservations are highly recommended.
WHERE TO FIND:
647 Club
647 Tacuari, Buenos Aires; (011) 4331-3026
club647.com
Bar Uriarte
Bar Uriarte
We loved the Palermo area of Buenos Aires, and one of the main reasons why was because of the many great bars and restaurants. One of our faves was Bar Uriarte, which dishes up Argentine cuisine with gusto and is also an amazing place to chill and people watch.
The kitchen is bustling and lively and is exposed to the street, so walkers can see and hear what’s going on. And you enter through the kitchen madness to get to either a bar for classic Argentine cocktails or to one of the two intimate dining areas. The bar is home to a resident DJ, so the music selection is always hip and eclectic, but it can be heard throughout the dining areas making it a super fun place to grab a bite with local Palermo hipsters.
The menu includes tapas, pastas, meats and probably their best selection — pizzas straight from their wood-fired oven. The crisp crust and decadent toppings are definitely the best part, aside from the people watching.
WHERE TO FIND:
Bar Uriarte
1572, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires; (11) 4834-6004
baruriarte.com.ar
