La Brigada Buenos Aires, Argentina

All of the decadent parrilla delicacies you can find in San Telmo's more basic neighborhood joints are on offer at this comparatively upscale restaurant. The elegant dining room, illuminated by white candles, shows off the selection of Argentinean wines displayed on racks lining the walls. The gloriously professional wait staff is notably unobtrusive, gliding through the restaurant; their trays piled high with tender roasts, fresh salads, and provoleta worth writing home about. Appropriate for either an overdue romantic rendezvous or a business meeting, La Brigada brings a touch of refinement to a casual dining scene in a down-to-earth neighborhood. -Bridget Gleeson