Buenos Aires Dining, Bars and Pubs

Three hundred years after its second founding in 1580, the port city of Buenos Aires started to thrive on the banks of the río de la Plata. Over this 25-kilometer (15-mile) slope, the city grew and developed, especially in the areas of fine food production, and meat and grain export. The diversity of immigrants who settled in Buenos Aires brought a variety of cultures and, of course, flavors to the region.

Like any bustling metropolitan city, Buenos Aires offers a broad array of dining options. The city is now host to an increasing number of Asian and European restaurants, but is still best known for its parrillas (steak houses) and Italian restaurants. Pizza is as popular here as in any college dorm room. There are a few other things one should keep in mind about dining in Argentina. Breakfast usually consists of medialunas (mini croissants with powdered sugar), or other small pastries, and coffee of course. Americans expecting bacon and eggs will be ridiculed. The most popular time to go out to dinner is probably between 8:30p and 10p. Wines are very common, especially the local red Malbec, which is bold and smooth, often inexpensive, and goes well with many different meals. Coffee is as popular as wine. Most waiters speak English and often Italian. For dessert, dulce de leche (caramel) is king. Don't forget to try a cup of maté (traditional Argentine tea), which is as essential to Argentina's culinary culture as the famous Argentine beef.

Puerto Madero

Parrillas are like enormous steak houses that throw every cut on the grill, and they are some of the best and most well-known restaurants in the city. Siga La Vaca is a great place for a large group. One flat fee and you get all you can eat beef, side dishes and enough wine to draw a bath. Another option on the beautiful docks is the Spettus Steak House. Specialty dishes vary, but the best thing to do is ask the chef what the best-looking cut of beef is for the day and you won't be steered wrong. One note of caution: be careful what you order because they will serve you parts of the cow you probably thought weren't edible. If you're not in the mood for steak after mulling that over, try Pizza Banana. They offer pizzas with some outrageous fruit and seafood toppings. Don't forget to comfortable shoes because the dance floor gets crowded in the evenings. Also check out Katrine, where the pastas are sublime and the salmon with shrimp and vegetables is a special treat.

San Telmo

San Telmo is another neighborhood known for its restaurants, but the real focus is on tango. Often these two go hand-in-hand as dinner precedes a music or dance show. San Telmo has a reputation for being a bit touristy and consequently being overpriced, but there is still a lot to see and taste here. At La Trastienda, you can order a few empanadas and watch actors, dancers or musicians, depending on the day. For an Japanese treat, Kitayama is an elegant restaurant that serves traditional Japanese cuisine - first and foremost, sushi. La Divina Comedia is as much a social destination as it is a restaurant, very much in accordance with the Argentine way.