Hidden Tables & Iconic Taste: A Curated Food Guide to Buenos Aires
Where I Ate in Buenos Aires — April’s Most Memorable Bites
This past April, I returned to Buenos Aires for a week of wandering, sipping, and tasting — and oh, did the city deliver.
I revisited some favorite places and uncovered a few hidden gems that made me fall in love all over again. This blog is my curated list of flavorful memories: a personal food guide I’m calling Hidden Tables & Iconic Taste
Oporto Almacén
Contemporary Argentine soul food with a modern twist
I went to Oporto with my all-time friends — the kind of dinner that turns into a memory. We ordered a tapeo to share, a selection of six delicious small plates, all recommended by our wonderful waitress. Every dish was thoughtful, full of flavor, and perfect for passing around the table.
The ambiance is cozy and stylish, with warm lighting and an open kitchen that invites you to relax and linger. It’s the kind of place where locals celebrate and travelers feel like they’ve found a secret. I always recommend Oporto for its impeccable balance of comfort, creativity, and heartfelt hospitality.
📍 11 de Septiembre 4154, Nuñez, Buenos Aires
La Cocina
Some of the best empanadas in the city, no exaggeration
I stopped by La Cocina for a quick lunch and ended up with a meal that felt like home. Alongside their famous empanadas, I was lucky enough to find locro on the menu — a hearty, traditional stew that’s not easy to come by in restaurants. It’s typically served on national holidays, so having it that day felt like a small, flavorful celebration. The setting is no-frills, but full of warmth — the kind of place where you’ll find students, locals, and workers squeezing in a comforting bite between errands. If you're craving something deeply rooted in Argentine tradition, La Cocina is a must.
📍 Av. Pueyrredón 1508, Recoleta
Floreria Atlantico
A flower shop hiding one of BA’s best cocktail bars
I went with my Foto Femme retreat group, and it was one of those nights that just sparkled. Hidden behind a florist and wine shop, the entrance sets the tone — whimsical, secretive, and distinctly elegant. The underground space is moody and atmospheric, filled with soft lighting, vintage maritime touches, and a soundtrack that hums just below the buzz of conversation.
Everyone was amazed by the presentation; from how the food was plated to the theatrical way the cocktails arrived at the table. We ordered a mix of shared plates (every bite, delicious) and sampled some of their signature drinks like the Negroni Balestrini and the Mate Martini, both bold, beautiful, and uniquely Argentine.
It’s not just a place for drinks — it’s an experience.
📍 Arroyo 872, Retiro
Bao Kitchen
Bold Asian street flavors tucked into soft, fluffy bao.
Tucked away in Recoleta, Bao Kitchen surprised me in the best way. I found some of the best Asian flavors in Buenos Aires, elevated by top-quality ingredients and a careful attention to detail. Every bite had that perfect balance — sweet, spicy, savory — with pillowy bao buns that practically melted in your mouth.
The ambiance is laid-back and stylish, with a touch of urban street-market charm. The open kitchen adds to the experience, letting you watch the bao magic happen in real time. It was casual, full of flavor, and exactly what I was craving after a long walk through the city. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
📍 Av. Pueyrredón1790, Recoleta
Tea at Alvear Hotel
An afternoon steeped in charm and tradition
At exactly 5 o’clock, I sat down for tea at the iconic Alvear Hotel with my mom and sisters — part of my mom’s 80th birthday celebration. The setting was timeless: silver trays, fine china, and soft piano music floating in the background. We sampled a wide variety from their incredible tea selection, paired with delicate pastries and finger sandwiches. It was graceful, celebratory, and one of those moments I’ll hold close for a long time.
📍 Av. Alvear 1891, Recoleta
Museo Fernández Blanco
A serene courtyard escape in the heart of the city
On a sunny Sunday morning, I wandered into the Museo Fernández Blanco and found the perfect setting for an outdoor, peaceful brunch. Tucked inside this elegant colonial mansion is a leafy courtyard café where time slows down. Surrounded by neo-colonial architecture and soft music, I enjoyed a light meal with coffee and pastries, all under the gentle shade of trees. It’s a spot where art, history, and calm come together — and one I’ll return to again and again.
📍 Suipacha 1422, Retiro