RESTAURANT INFORMATION

LA VENTANA

In the very heart of San Telmo, this historic restored tenement (known as conventillo) is a classic example of the culture of the old city of Buenos Aires. The premises of La Ventana takes a trip to these old times. The interior, which preserves the building in its purest style, creates the ideal setting for a unique experience which includes 32 performers, two tango orchestras, an Argentine folk music group, dancers and singers. Besides, there is a menu consisting of national and international cuisine and an exquisite selection of Argentine wines.

MADERO TANGO

In Puerto Madero, in the best and modern area of Buenos Aires, is located Madero Tango, with a unique river and city view, wich is a protagonist of the magic of this place where singing, dancing and a spectacular gastronomy mix within a classy, impacting lounge due to its setting and design.

Madero Tango offers a dinner-tango show service with very special characteristics in order to delight the audience of all nationalities...

DON JULIO Palermo


Steak and chimichurri sauce at Don Julio. Photograph: Alamy

There's a hell of a lot of competition for the title of best parrilla in town, and this one consistently makes a very strong case for itself. How? By striking a great balance between traditional and indulgent. Expect sparking glasses filled with velvety malbec, smartly dressed waiters who know the menu inside out, walls lined with old wine bottles signed by past guests, and light fittings made from wagon wheels. The dining room looks into an open kitchen, so ask your waiter to explain the various cuts of meat and they'll be happy to give you a crash course, based on samples sizzling away on the grill. From the bife de chorizo (sirloin) and lomo (tenderloin) to mollejas (sweetbreads) and chinchulins (chitterlings), you'll soon understand the old adage: the only part of a cow an Argentinian doesn't eat is the moo.

EL CUARTITO Recoleta


Cuartito restaurant, a traditional pizza restaurant in Buenos Aires. Photograph: Alamy

As well as the steakhouse, there is another quintessential BA experience - the no-frills pizza restaurant. Dating back to 1934, this classic haunt is dressed up like an Argentinian-themed diner (white-and-celeste flags, football memorabilia, photos of old tango crooners). Argentina may be founded on Italian immigration, but it does pizza its own way: thick bready base, easy on the tomato, oozing with mozzarella. It's the ultimate comfort food and that's why this place is always packed. Buy a slice to eat at the counter and watch all walks of life drift in, from business people to elderly ladies who lunch. Other Argentinian staples to try here include fugazzeta (pizza base topped with curly onion strips) and fainá (a dense chickpea flatbread).

HG RESTAURANT Palermo


HG Restaurant, within Hotel Fierro PR

The initials stand for the star chef: Hernán Gipponi, who came highly recommended in last year's 50 Best hotlist. You'll find his premises inside the Fierro Hotel, on one of the quieter, cobbled streets in Palermo Hollywood. Dishes on the popular tasting menu might include tender calamari as soft as noodles or, for brunch, a slow-poached egg, cooked at 63C. Hotel restaurants can be stuffy and impersonal, but Fierro works hard to create a social atmosphere. The latest move is One Table nights, which bring guests together to enjoy a one-off menu in a communal setting (£40 a head, including wine). The wine list deserves exploration too, as it was created by the owner's brother, Andrés Rosberg, president of the Argentine Sommelier Association. Tip: don't make too many sightseeing plans after the Sunday brunch, because you'll be struggling to move.

FLORERIA ATLANTICO Recoleta


Floreria Atlantico: a bar hidden behind a flower shop PR

This is another choice for night owls (if you're not a night person, you may be in the wrong city). It is currently BA's hippest cocktail bar and you find it by entering a "secret" doorway at the back of a potently scented flower shop, which is open late into the night and has a sideline in selling vinyl records - obviously. A gimmick? You'll dispel all cynicism once you taste the quality of the cocktails. The drinks at this sophisticated, low-lit speakeasy are clearly the mainstay here (the cocktail list takes you around the world), but there is also a fine food menu. Most plates are made for sharing, including a plate known as "Atlantic beasts", featuring langoustines, oysters and prawns.