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Best asado in Buenos Aires: the parrillas, barrio by barrio

Asado tasting at the grill, 9 courses

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The quick take

The best asado in Buenos Aires is spread over several barrios: famous and small grills in Palermo, a hotel grill near Recoleta, dockside rooms in Puerto Madero and local favorites further out.

Before you go

  • Book ahead at weekends9
  • Don Julio ranked in 2016's Latin America list13
  • Don Zoilo opens Tuesday to Sunday33

See all 22 stops

Where to eat asado in Buenos Aires, barrio by barrio

Start by picking a route; tap a pin or stop for its note and Google Maps.

Map of Buenos Aires with parrillas outside Palermo: Recoleta, San Nicolás, Puerto Madero, La Boca, Villa Crespo, Belgrano, the Costanera, Liniers and the Mataderos fair

  1. The Four Seasons' grill near Recoleta, with clay ovens for slow cooking and an asador criollo for ribs by the fire.

    Google Maps

  2. An old-school grill in San Nicolás that chef Narda Lepes called the most authentic, like the ones of her childhood.

    Google Maps

  3. Counted by the city tourism board among the most prestigious grills of Puerto Madero.

    Google Maps

  4. A Puerto Madero grill on the docks, in the heart of the district.

    Google Maps

  5. A grill set inside an old La Boca tenement, the conventillo.

    Google Maps

  6. Generous portions and accurate cooking since 1989; open Tuesday to Sunday.

    Google Maps

  7. A Belgrano grill founded by a Uruguayan, with pamplonas from across the river.

    Google Maps

  8. The heir to the old grill stands of the Costanera riverside.

    Google Maps

  9. Half bodegón, half parrilla in Liniers; go as a group to share.

    Google Maps

  10. The Sunday gaucho fair, with carne al asador at the stalls and small grills in the streets around.

    Google Maps

Map data from © OpenStreetMap contributors

The best asado in Buenos Aires is spread across the city, from famous Palermo dining rooms to neighborhood grills on the edge of town. Here they are on a map, with what each one is known for.

Editorial team, buenosairesasado.click · Updated November 9, 2026 · A 6 min read

Essentials

  • PalermoThe densest cluster of grills, old and new.1,2
  • RecoletaUpmarket rooms, including a hotel grill.3,4
  • Puerto MaderoGrills on the regenerated docks.5,6
  • Further outNeighborhood favorites in Villa Crespo, Belgrano and Liniers.7,8
  • BookingBook ahead at popular places, above all on weekends.9

How to pick a parrilla

Searching for the best asado in Buenos Aires turns up hundreds of names, and the city tourism board admits there are grills for every taste, from family neighborhood favorites to the most modern and sophisticated rooms.10 This page follows the board's own selection of asado restaurants in Buenos Aires, plus a few places named by Argentina's national tourism promoter, and puts them on a map by barrio.

There is no single winner, because the question changes with the trip. A first-time visitor may want a famous Palermo dining room with a long wine list; a returning one may prefer a busy local grill where waiters have worked for decades. The board itself suggests asking locals for their tips, which is good advice in any barrio.11

A few signs help. A real asador at a wood or charcoal grill, cuts listed by their Spanish names, and a crowd of local families on a weekend afternoon all point the right way. Ask what is good that day, start with a provoleta or a plate of achuras, and order the big cuts to share. The cuts page on this site explains the names you will see.

The list

Parrillas by barrio at a glance

ParrillaBarrioKnown for
Don JulioPalermoAwards and a huge wine list
La CarniceríaPalermoSmall room, pasture-raised beef
La Choza de GascónPalermoClassic plates, sweetbreads
El SecreTitoPalermoRacing Club decor, always full
Nuestro SecretoRecoleta borderHotel grill, clay ovens
Parrilla PeñaSan NicolásOld-school room
Estilo CampoPuerto MaderoCountry style by the docks
El Gran ParaísoLa BocaGrill in an old tenement
Don ZoiloVilla CrespoBig portions, local crowd
El FerroviarioLiniersBodegón meets parrilla

Barrios from the City of Buenos Aires address service; descriptions follow the city tourism board and Visit Argentina.13,21,22,23,24,25,5,26,7,8

Palermo's famous names

Palermo is the city's busiest dining district. The city tourism board calls Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Soho and Las Cañitas perhaps the trendiest food areas, and says you will find plenty of grills there.1,2 Its own Palermo list names La Cabrera on Cabrera, El 22 on Carranza, Río Alba on Cerviño and Don Julio.17

Don Julio has the international awards. The board notes it ranked 21st in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants in 2016, and Visit Argentina reports it was named the best restaurant in Latin America in 2020.13,15 Pablo Rivero opened it in 1999 in his twenties and named it after a neighbor who made great asados; the cellar lists more than 1,900 wine labels.12,18,19

Its own site gives opening hours of 11:30 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 1:00, at Guatemala and Gurruchaga.20 The tasting sold on this site is a different format: Fogón Asado, founded in Palermo in 2018, serves fixed menus at a counter around the grill, and it holds a MICHELIN Plate, not a star, in the guide's 2026 Argentina edition.14,16 The Palermo dinner page covers both of its addresses.

Grill history

How the city's famous grills grew

  1. Don Zoilo

    Villa Crespo opens

    A neighborhood grill with big portions, open since 1989.7

  2. Don Julio

    A Palermo corner

    Pablo Rivero opens his grill in 1999, in his twenties.12

  3. Latin America list

    Don Julio ranks

    Placed 21st in Latin America's 50 Best in 2016.13

  4. Grill counter

    A counter around the fire

    The tasting restaurant is founded in Palermo in 2018.14

  5. Top of the region

    Don Julio named best

    Named best restaurant in Latin America in 2020.15

  6. Michelin

    A guide arrives

    The tasting restaurant holds a Plate, not a star, in the 2026 Argentina edition.16

Smaller Palermo grills worth the walk

Away from the big names, Palermo has rooms that feel like a local's secret. The city tourism board describes La Carnicería as small and informal, with about 30 covers and pasture-raised beef from one of the owners' farms.28,21 Ask what is best that night and trust the answer. A small room also means a small number of tables, so this is one to book.

La Choza de Gascón is the classic version, with generous plates; the board says its vegetable fritters are tasty and its sweetbreads never fail.29,22 Río Alba, on Avenida Cerviño, was the first grilled-meat restaurant in its area, according to the board.30 Both suit an unhurried weekday dinner.

El SecreTito, on Avenida Dorrego, is always full, says the board, so book, and the decor is a shrine to Racing Club, the football team.31,23 It is the most football-mad room on this map. If you want a grill where locals argue about last night's match over a shared parrillada, this is a good bet. Wear neutral colors if you support a rival club.

Choose your grill

Which barrio for your asado?

Start from the kind of evening you want.

  • If I want a famous name

    Palermo

    Don Julio and the board's other Palermo picks are all here.17,13

  • If I want a hotel-style dinner

    Recoleta

    Nuestro Secreto is the Four Seasons' grill.4

  • If I want a view of the water

    Puerto Madero

    Estilo Campo and Rodizio sit on the docks.5,6

  • If I want a local crowd

    Villa Crespo or Liniers

    Don Zoilo and El Ferroviario serve big neighborhood portions.7,27

  • If I want the fire explained

    Book the tasting

    A chef explains the cuts as they come off the grill.

Let someone else book

Asado experiences in the city, compared

Palermo

Grill counter tasting

Fixed menu around the fire

  • Courses9
  • BookingReservation only
  • WineOptional
See this experience

On foot

Palermo food walk

Street food, wine and a grill stop

  • Length3.5 hours
  • GroupUp to 10
  • AreaPalermo
See this experience

Open air

Rooftop asado

Dinner with wine on a terrace

  • Length2.5 hours
  • IncludesWine and dessert
  • HostsEnglish, Spanish
See this experience

Best asado in Recoleta and the center

For the best asado in Recoleta, the city tourism board points to a hotel grill. Nuestro Secreto is the Four Seasons' parrilla, near the border of Recoleta and Retiro.4 It has clay ovens for long cooking and an asador criollo, the upright rack for ribs by the fire, and the board recommends the costillar de asado al asador and the kid.24,49

More generally, the board places many upmarket options in aristocratic Recoleta and the regenerated docks of Puerto Madero.3 Prices follow the setting, so expect a hotel bill. If you are visiting the cemetery nearby, an early dinner here is a short walk; book a table and give yourself time to linger over dessert.

Closer to the center, chef Narda Lepes told Visit Argentina that Parrilla Peña, on Rodríguez Peña in San Nicolás, is the most authentic grill, like the ones of her childhood.25,32 The board says the central barrios of Montserrat, San Nicolás and Balvanera keep the more traditional eateries.50 Go here for an old-school room and no fuss.

Price the night

What a booked asado experience costs

Tap an experience and add the number of diners.

Compare 3 choices

What a booked asado experience costs

Tap an experience and add the number of diners.

2 people
  1. Grill counter tasting9 courses · each person, from $93

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    View
  2. Palermo food walk3.5 hours · each person, from $93

    ≈

    View
  3. Rooftop asado2.5 hours · each person, from $77

    ≈

    View

Starting prices from GetYourGuide, converted at the ECB reference rate. You will see the exact price when booking.

Puerto Madero and La Boca

Puerto Madero lines the old docks with restaurants. The city tourism board counts Estilo Campo among the most prestigious grills of the district, with a country theme in an urban setting.5 Rodizio Madero sits in the heart of Puerto Madero as well.6 Both suit a dinner with a view of the water and the bridges.

La Boca offers something very different. El Gran Paraíso, says the board, runs inside an old conventillo, the tenement houses where immigrant families once shared patios.26 Eating asado in a converted tenement is a memorable lunch after a walk through the colorful streets around Caminito.

One practical note: the UK government's travel advice lists La Boca among the areas of Buenos Aires where visitors should be particularly careful, so go by day, keep valuables out of sight and take a radio taxi back.51,47 The same advice covers Palermo too, so the precautions are the same wherever you eat.

Video

Eating at a famous Buenos Aires steakhouse

Mike Chen Clips & BEST Eats on YouTube · Nothing is fetched until you hit play.

It's the most authentic grill, like the ones you went to when you were a kid
Visit Argentina (Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística)25

Before you go

Parrilla night checklist

Plan3

  • Book popular grills ahead, above all at weekends9
  • Check hours: many grills close between lunch and dinner45
  • Bring friends: sharing cuts is cheaper and more fun27

Getting there3

  • Top up a SUBE travel card before you ride46
  • Take a radio taxi at night47
  • Taxi fares are paid in pesos48

Neighborhood grills further out

Some of the most loved grills sit far from the tourist map. Don Zoilo, in Villa Crespo, has kept a simple formula since 1989: good meat, accurate cooking and big portions.7 It opens Tuesday to Sunday, 12 to 16 and 20 to 23.33 Start with achuras, as the board advises, and move on to the house cuts. Waiters here know the menu well and will steer you if you hesitate.

In Belgrano, El Pobre Luis was founded by a Uruguayan and serves his country's specialties, such as pamplonas, rolled and stuffed meat.34 Up on the riverside Costanera, Happening is the heir to the legendary carritos, the old grill stands along the river.35 Both are easy taxi rides from Palermo.

Out west in Liniers, El Ferroviario is a mix of bodegón and parrilla, and the board's advice is to go in a group so the food goes further.8,27 On a Sunday, pair it with the Feria de Mataderos nearby, where small grills around the fair serve a seated lunch.37 It is a long way from the center, and worth it.

Booking, hours and getting a table

Once you know where to eat asado in Buenos Aires, booking is the next step, and it matters more than you might expect. For well-known grills, the city tourism board's tip is to reserve in advance, and weekends need it most.9 The tasting sold on this site goes further: its own FAQ says access is restricted to prior reservations.52 For famous Palermo rooms, reserve before you fly; for neighborhood grills, a call the same day often works.

Hours differ from place to place, so check before you set out. Don Julio's site gives a lunch and a dinner window, Don Zoilo closes on Mondays, and many grills shut between lunch and dinner.20,33 Arriving right at opening is the easiest way to get a table without a booking at a busy grill. Late arrivals on a Saturday night may wait at the bar for a long time.

If you would rather have someone else choose, guided food walks in Palermo stop at grills along the way. One such walk pairs an aperitif, wine and street food with a barbecue stop over 3.5 hours. The tasting this site sells runs from $93 and takes the guesswork out of the menu. You only choose a time and whether to add wine.

FAQ

Quick answers to quick questions.

Where is the best asado in Buenos Aires?
It depends on the barrio and the budget.

The city tourism board lists grills from Palermo and Recoleta to Puerto Madero, La Boca and Liniers, for every taste.10

Which parrilla in Buenos Aires has won the most awards?
Don Julio carries many.

It ranked 21st in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants in 2016 and was named best in Latin America in 2020.13,15

Where can I eat asado in Recoleta?
Try the Four Seasons grill.

The city tourism board lists Nuestro Secreto, with clay ovens and an asador criollo for ribs.4,24

Do I need to book a parrilla in Buenos Aires?
At popular ones, yes.

Reserve well-known grills in advance, says the city tourism board, and weekends most of all.9

What should I order at a parrilla?
Provoleta, then a steak.

Grilled provoleta first, then short ribs or a bife de chorizo, is the city tourism board's opening move.53

Are there vegetarian dishes at parrillas?
Usually, yes.

Don Julio offers a vegetable parrillada, and many grills grill peppers, sweet potatoes and aubergines.40,54

Is it safe to eat out in La Boca and Palermo?
Yes, with care.

UK travel advice lists both among areas to be particularly careful in; go by day in La Boca and use radio taxis.51,47

Sources

  1. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · What, where and when to eat ↩
  2. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · 8.30pm | A night of beef and tango ↩
  3. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · What, where and when to eat ↩
  4. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Nuestro Secreto ↩
  5. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Parrillas de Buenos Aires ↩
  6. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Parrillas de Buenos Aires, page 2 ↩
  7. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Don Zoilo ↩
  8. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · El Ferroviario ↩
  9. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · What, where and when to eat ↩
  10. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Buenos Aires' famous steakhouses ↩
  11. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · What, where and when to eat ↩
  12. Visit Argentina (Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística) · The two dishes that you must try in Don Julio ↩
  13. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Parrilla Don Julio ↩
  14. Fogón Asado (the restaurant's own site) · About Fogón ↩
  15. Visit Argentina (Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística) · The two dishes that you must try in Don Julio ↩
  16. MICHELIN Guide (guide.michelin.com) · Fogon Asado, Buenos Aires: a MICHELIN Guide restaurant ↩
  17. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Day 1 | A week in Buenos Aires ↩
  18. Visit Argentina (Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística) · The two dishes that you must try in Don Julio ↩
  19. Visit Argentina (Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística) · The two dishes that you must try in Don Julio ↩
  20. Parrilla Don Julio (the restaurant's own site) · Parrilla Don Julio ↩
  21. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · La Carnicería ↩
  22. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · La Choza De Gascón ↩
  23. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · El SecreTito ↩
  24. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Nuestro Secreto ↩
  25. Visit Argentina (Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística) · Where to eat in Argentina: the recommendations of three famous chefs ↩
  26. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Parrillas de Buenos Aires ↩
  27. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · El Ferroviario ↩
  28. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · La Carnicería ↩
  29. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · La Choza De Gascón ↩
  30. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Parrillas de Buenos Aires ↩
  31. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · El SecreTito ↩
  32. Visit Argentina (Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística) · Where to eat in Argentina: the recommendations of three famous chefs ↩
  33. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Don Zoilo ↩
  34. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Parrillas de Buenos Aires ↩
  35. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Parrillas de Buenos Aires ↩
  36. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Feria de Mataderos (Spanish)
  37. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Feria de Mataderos (Spanish) ↩
  38. Fogón Asado (the restaurant's own site) · Fogón Asado: Argentine fireside dining
  39. Fogón Asado (the restaurant's own site) · Fogón Asado: Argentine fireside dining
  40. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Parrilla Don Julio ↩
  41. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · What, where and when to eat
  42. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · What, where and when to eat
  43. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Festival del asado y la empanada
  44. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Festival del asado y la empanada
  45. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board (turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar) · What, where and when to eat ↩
  46. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Getting around ↩
  47. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · Argentina travel advice: safety and security ↩
  48. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Getting around ↩
  49. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Nuestro Secreto ↩
  50. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · What, where and when to eat ↩
  51. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · Argentina travel advice: safety and security ↩
  52. Fogón Asado (the restaurant's own site) · Fogón Asado: Argentine fireside dining ↩
  53. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Day 1 | A week in Buenos Aires ↩
  54. Buenos Aires City Tourism Board · Buenos Aires' famous steakhouses ↩

Next read

More to read before the fire is lit

GuideAsado experience prices in Buenos AiresGuideThe asado experiences comparedGuideThe nine-course tasting menuGuideIs the asado tasting worth it

Before you go

Hold a seat by the fire.

Keep a stool by the grill for later: nothing is charged now, and backing out stays free while the grill is still 24 hours away. Live dates and fares are below.

Pick a date