Food & Wine in Argentina

Custom-Made Experiences by Locals

Explore Argentina Through Its Flavors

Discover Argentina through its food, wine, local traditions, and regional flavors. We are a local travel agency that designs personalized journeys in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, adapted to your needs and preferences. Enjoy memorable culinary experiences while exploring the countries' diverse landscapes and cultures.

Best destinations for Food & Wine in Argentina

From world-famous wine regions to cities that surprise visitors with their culinary traditions, Argentina offers a diverse range of destinations for food and wine lovers. Discover places where international and local flavors, regional products, cultural heritage, and memorable dining experiences come together to create fantastic journeys across the country.

Buenos Aires

Argentina's capital is often the starting point of a culinary journey through the country. Beyond its famous steakhouses and parrillas, Buenos Aires offers a rich gastronomic scene shaped by European influences, immigration, and contemporary creativity. Visitors can explore traditional cafés and historic "bares notables", enjoy rooftop bars with city views, discover tasting experiences hosted by locals, and sample everything from artisan pastries to modern Argentine cuisine. Food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, share the ceremony of the “mate”, and local markets provide additional opportunities to connect with the city's culture through its flavors.

Mendoza

Known as Argentina's premier wine region, Mendoza combines vineyards, mountain scenery, and a strong culinary identity. The province is home to renowned wineries ranging from boutique estates to internationally recognized producers, many of which offer tastings, vineyard tours, and gourmet lunches overlooking the Andes. Beyond wine, visitors can discover olive groves, fruit farms, local markets, and regional cuisine that highlights fresh ingredients from the surrounding valleys. The combination of food, wine, and spectacular landscapes makes Mendoza one of South America's leading gastronomic destinations.

Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego

Ushuaia’s gastronomy combines premium seafood with traditional Patagonian and Andean flavors. Must-try specialties include centolla fueguina (king crab) from the Beagle Channel, merluza negra (Patagonian toothfish), and cordero fueguino (lamb), renowned for its lean, flavorful meat.

These dishes can be enjoyed in restaurants with scenic views or in intimate culinary experiences led by local chefs. Vegetarian options, including pasta and vegetables prepared with a variety of sauces, are also widely available.

Puerto Madryn & Península Valdés

In Puerto Madryn and its surroundings, the highlights include Patagonian lamb, fresh seafood, and the traditional Welsh tea, along with a variety of cakes and pastries originating from the Welsh heritage in the town of Gaiman.

Local fishing boats provide fresh seafood daily, ensuring an authentic and high-quality culinary experience.

Bariloche & Lakes District

Often called the “Alps of South America,” this region combines European—especially German—culinary traditions with local Patagonian ingredients. Unique dishes feature trout, salmon, deer, wild boar, and lamb, prepared stewed, smoked, grilled, or in the traditional curanto style, often served with flavorful sauces.

Vegetarian options are also abundant, and the region’s local berries are a must-try. The experience is completed by boutique breweries serving craft beers and charming tea houses offering homemade chocolates.

El Calafate & El Chaltén

In this region, the highlights include Patagonian lamb, trout, and salmon, prepared in various styles such as grilled, smoked, or stewed, often accompanied by rich sauces.

Vegetarian alternatives are also available, and it is highly recommended to try the local calafate berry, commonly used in jams and desserts.

Salta & Jujuy

The cuisine of Northwestern Argentina reflects a fascinating blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and Andean traditions. Salta and Jujuy are particularly known for their empanadas, tamales, humitas, regional stews, and distinctive altitude wines (Cafayate is ideal for wine tours). Local markets, colorful villages, and family-run restaurants provide opportunities to discover recipes and ingredients that have been preserved for generations. Combined with dramatic landscapes, colonial heritage, and vibrant local culture, the region offers one of Argentina's most unique gastronomic experiences.

The Litoral Region

Shaped by rivers, wetlands, subtropical forests, and cultural influences from neighboring countries (such as the guaranies), the Litoral region offers a culinary identity unlike any other in Argentina. Freshwater fish, local citrus fruits, traditional dishes, and the country's deep-rooted mate culture are among its highlights. Visitors exploring destinations such as Iberá, the Paraná River, or the Misiones rainforest can enjoy authentic regional cuisine while discovering landscapes that remain largely off the traditional tourist trail. The combination of nature, local traditions, and distinctive flavors makes the region a rewarding destination for food-minded travelers.

Córdoba

Located in the heart of Argentina, Córdoba offers a different culinary experience shaped by its rural traditions, mountain villages, and strong agricultural heritage. The region is known for its salami and cured meats, artisan cheeses, traditional bakeries, herbs, and locally produced wines. Visitors can explore small producers, family-run establishments, and scenic countryside restaurants while discovering the cultural character of the Sierras de Córdoba. The slower pace and authentic atmosphere make it an appealing destination for travelers seeking local flavors beyond the country's most famous culinary regions.

18 Must-Try Foods & Drinks in Argentina

Argentina’s cuisine tells the story of the country itself—a blend of local traditions, Indigenous heritage, European immigration and distinctive regional flavors. From world-famous steaks and Malbec to Patagonian lamb, Andean recipes, fresh pasta and dulce de leche, food is an essential part of the Argentine travel experience. Here are some of the flavors we suggest you to try.

Argentine Steak

Argentina is world-famous for its high-quality beef, and enjoying a perfectly grilled steak at a traditional parrilla is an essential part of any visit. Popular cuts include bife de chorizo, ojo de bife and lomo, usually simply seasoned and grilled over an open flame.

Asdado & Achuras

More than a barbecue, asado is one of Argentina’s most important social traditions. Different cuts of beef, ribs and chorizo are slowly grilled over wood or charcoal, often alongside achuras—traditional cuts such as sweetbreads (mollejas), kidneys and chinchulines. Everything is shared around the table with family and friends, making asado as much a social experience as a meal

Empanadas

One of Argentina’s most beloved foods, empanadas are baked or fried pastries filled with meat, cheese, corn and many other ingredients. Every region has its own recipes and traditions, with Salta and Tucumán particularly famous for their versions.

Milanesa

Inspired by Italian immigration but firmly established as an Argentine classic, milanesa is thinly sliced meat that is breaded and fried or baked. The famous milanesa napolitana adds tomato sauce, ham and melted cheese on top.

Choripán

Simple and delicious, choripán is grilled chorizo served inside crusty bread, usually accompanied by chimichurri. It is a classic at barbecues, markets, football matches and casual food stands throughout Argentina.

Buenos Aires Pizza

Generations of Italian immigrants gave Buenos Aires a pizza culture of its own. Porteño pizza is typically thick and generous with mozzarella, with classics such as fugazzeta—filled or topped with cheese and onions—and the traditional addition of fainá.

Fresh Pasta

Italian immigration had an enormous influence on Argentine cuisine, and fresh pasta is now a staple of family tables and traditional restaurants. Ravioli, sorrentinos, gnocchi, tagliatelle and cannelloni are among the favorites, accompanied by a wide variety of sauces.

Humita & Tamales

These traditional dishes of Northwestern Argentina reflect the region’s Indigenous and Andean heritage. Humita is based on fresh corn, while tamales combine corn dough with seasoned fillings, both traditionally wrapped and cooked in corn husks.

Locro

A hearty stew with deep roots in Argentine and Andean history, locro combines corn, beans, squash and different cuts of meat. It is especially popular in Northwestern Argentina and during national celebrations such as May 25 and Independence Day.

Patagonian Lamb

One of Patagonia’s signature dishes, cordero patagónico is traditionally slow-roasted over an open fire until tender and flavorful. It is particularly associated with southern Patagonia and is a must-try when visiting Santa Cruz or Tierra del Fuego.

King Crab

Caught in the cold waters around Tierra del Fuego, centolla fueguina is one of Ushuaia’s great culinary specialties. Its delicate, slightly sweet meat can be enjoyed simply or incorporated into sophisticated seafood dishes.

Patagonian Trout

Fresh trout is a specialty of Patagonia’s lakes and rivers, particularly around Bariloche and the Lakes District. It can be grilled, smoked or served with herbs and regional ingredients, making it a lighter alternative to Patagonia’s famous meat dishes.

Dulce de Leche

Sweet, creamy and unmistakably Argentine, dulce de leche is found in everything from cakes and pastries to pancakes and ice cream. It is one of the country’s favorite flavors and an essential part of Argentine desserts.

Artisan Ice Cream

Argentina’s strong Italian heritage has also created an exceptional artisan ice-cream culture. Heladerías can be found throughout the country, offering intensely flavored gelato-style ice cream, with dulce de leche in its many variations among the absolute classics.

Alfajores

A classic Argentine treat, alfajores consist of two soft biscuits filled with dulce de leche, often covered in chocolate or a sugar glaze. Different regions have developed their own versions, making them a popular snack and souvenir.

Wine

Argentina is one of the world’s great wine-producing countries. Mendoza is internationally renowned for its Malbec, while Cafayate and the high-altitude vineyards of the Northwest produce excellent Torrontés and other distinctive wines.

Café Culture & Facturas

Argentina’s cafés are an important part of everyday social life, particularly in Buenos Aires. Coffee is often accompanied by facturas—traditional pastries such as medialunas and varieties filled with dulce de leche or custard—best enjoyed slowly at a neighborhood café or historic bar notable.

Mate

More than a drink, mate is a deeply rooted Argentine social ritual. Yerba mate is infused with hot water and traditionally shared from the same cup, making the experience as much about conversation and friendship as the drink itself.

Trips to Inspire You

• Argentina Highlights Tour

  Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls - the Northwest - El Calafate - El Chaltén - Ushuaia

• Patagonia Highlights Tour Itinerary

  Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - El Calafate - El Chaltén - Torres del Paine - Bariloche

• El Calafate to Ushuaia Road Trip Itinerary (15 Days Self-Drive)

  El Calafate - El Chaltén - Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas - Ushuaia

• Fitz Roy Trek & W Trek - Patagonia tour

  Buenos Aires, El Chaltén, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine & Santiago de Chile

• Patagonia Wildlife Safari

  Peninsula Valdés, Puerto Madryn, El Calafate, Torres del Paine National Park & Puerto Natales

Articles

Looking for inspiration? Explore our travel articles about Patagonia’s destinations, wildlife, culture, hiking trails, road trips, food, places to stay, and practical travel tips.

• Argentina Wines: Discover the Best Wines from Across the Country

  Argentina wines are an essential part of the country’s culture, history, and culinary identity. From the high-altitude vineyards of Salta and Jujuy to the world-renowned wineries of Mendoza…

• Best Vineyards in Mendoza

  Mendoza, Argentina, is renowned for its world-class vineyards and exceptional wines. The province’s wine region is centered around three major areas: Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, and the Uco Valley, each…

• Cafayate: High-Altitude Wines and Colorful Landscapes

  Nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys of Salta, Cafayate is one of Argentina’s most celebrated wine destinations. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, colorful rock formations, and high-altitude vineyards…

• Buenos Aires Ibero-American Capital of Gastronomy 2017: A Remarkable Culinary Journey

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• Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires

  Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires are a must for anyone looking to experience Argentina’s renowned beef and traditional parrilla culture. Buenos Aires is famous for its steakhouses, known locally as…

• Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires

  Looking for the best restaurants in Buenos Aires? The city’s culinary scene offers far more than the famous asado. Since the arrival of European immigrants, Buenos Aires has developed one of the…

• Patagonian Cuisine: What to eat

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• Puerto Almanza

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• Best Pizza in Buenos Aires: A Guide to Iconic Pizzerias

  When you think of Argentina: Steak, Malbec and Tango may come to mind first. But step into a traditional pizzeria in Buenos Aires and you’ll discover another obsession: Pizza. If you’re looking for…

• Best Cafés in Buenos Aires

  Buenos Aires is Argentina’s largest city and a culturally rich destination shaped by its history and diverse influences. Among the many traditions that form part of everyday life here, coffee…

• 10 Best New Cafés in Buenos Aires: Fresh Spots Worth Discovering

  Buenos Aires has always had a strong café culture, but a new generation of cafés is bringing fresh energy to the city’s beloved coffee scene. From carefully crafted specialty coffee and creative…

• Where to Find the Best Ice Cream in Buenos Aires

  Explore the best ice cream in Buenos Aires, where a long-standing love for helado is part of the city’s food culture. Influenced by Italian immigration, local heladerías blend Italian techniques…

• How to Make Mate: A Traditional Argentine Guide

  Hello everybody! My name is Santiago, and I’m part of the local tour operator Beyond BA Latam, the website you’re currently visiting. We’re based in Buenos Aires and create custom tours in Argentina…

• Bars in Buenos Aires: Hidden Gems & Underground Spots

  Buenos Aires is home to a fascinating hidden bar and speakeasy scene, making it a great destination for travelers looking to discover underground bars in Buenos Aires. From secret entrances and…

• Rooftops in Buenos Aires: Best Bars & Terraces

  Buenos Aires, the city that never sleeps, has embraced one of the world's favorite urban trends: rooftop bars. Inspired by iconic venues around the globe, the city has adapted this concept…

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Beyond BA Latam is a local travel company based in Argentina, specializing in tailor-made journeys across Argentina, Chile, and Antarctica. Our knowledgeable team designs trips around your interests and travel style, helping you experience the region in a more enjoyable way.

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As the best recommendations come from real experiences, we personally explore the places and activities we recommend, while always discovering new ones to share with you.

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Our work has led us to build meaningful partnerships with local experts across Argentina and Chile, connecting us to truly authentic experiences.

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Our aim is to promote responsible travel by respecting local cultures, protecting the places we explore together and preserving the cultural & natural heritage of our country.

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