The best Italian restaurants in Buenos Aires.

Puerto Madero

Buenos Aires was heavily influenced by the waves of immigrants who came from Italy in the 1860s and 1870s. The Portuguese that’s spoken here blends Spanish and Italian. In fact, you’ll hear “ciao” more often than “adios.” And Italian food is served all over the city.

Some of the best Italian restaurants in South America are here. And there are also plenty of great pizza restaurants.

Italian restaurants in Puerto Madero.

An outpost of the well-regarded Milan restaurant of the same name, Bice serves meat and fish, but it’s the pasta dishes that really stand out. Ravioli quattro formaggi, fettuccini with spinach and shrimp, and tri-colored gnocchi with Parmesan are all winners. The wine list is affordable, and there are tables outside along the Puerto Madero riverfront promenade.

Based on the success of their Puerto Madero location, the owners of Sottovoce decided to open a second restaurant in Libertador. The chef here trained at the Ritz in Paris and Cipriani in Venice before returning to Argentina and going into business with his brother. Starters include bresaola with burrata cheese and prawns, beans, and arugula salad. Veal rolls and rabbit with mustard sauce compete with pastas like pappardelle with chanterelles and portabellos. Have a glass of late harvest Torrontes with rice pudding with dulce de leche ice cream.

One of the first restaurants to open in Puerto Madero in 1995, Sorrento del Puerto is still the only two-story restaurant at the port. If you can’t get a table on the patio, opt for a second-story spot with a view of the waterfront. Sorrento is a great choice is you’re tired of Argentina’s ubiquitous beef because the seafood is really good. There’s a variety of fresh fish available grilled. Or you can opt for a more imaginative preparation like trout stuffed with crab. Although it’s not Italian, the Paella Valenciana is very good.

Italian restaurants in other Buenos Aires neighborhoods.

With its red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Broccolino — which is a corruption of Brooklyn – would be equally at home in New York City. Not far from Calle Florida, it’s a favorite of actor Robert Duvall. Start your meal with calamari sautéed in wine and garlic. Try one of the wonderful pastas or a spicy pizza from the brick oven. You can choose a pasta, a sauce, and a variety of toppings like grilled vegetables. But save room for the wonderful Italian-style gelato.

Piegari restaurant in Recoleta

Filo is one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Buenos Aires. And we’re not alone. The place is usually packed with attractive professionals and fashionistas who come to see and be seen as much as to eat. The décor is chic and modern and the walls are hung with work by local artists. Gourmet, thin-crust pizzas are the big draw here – there are a couple dozen to choose from. And they emerge from the brick oven crispy and slightly charred. If pizza doesn’t strike your fancy, the pastas, salads, and pannini are excellent, and the antipasto is especially good. Filo is conveniently located near the center of Buenos Aires.

Located in the happening Palermo Viejo neighborhood, La Baita fills up at lunch and dinner with locals craving great Italian food. Start with beef carpaccio or the antipasto with local prosciutto and salami. Risotto with squid ink, baked lasagna, and saltimbocca are popular choices. And the crepes filled with crab then baked with parmesan cream are wonderful. Wine is available by the bottle or glass.

Tucked away under a freeway in Recoleta, Piegari serves huge portions of leg of lamb, short ribs of beef, spaghetti, and other hearty dishes. It’s a good ideas to go with others so you can share them family style. In addition to the homemade pastas, there’s fresh seafood, risottos, and deep-dish pizzas. The wine list here is quite extensive.

1) Bice
2) Sottovoce
3) Sorrento del Puerto
4) Broccolino
5) Filo
6) La Baita
7) Piegari

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Puerto Madero Image Flickr: Pedro Angelini
Piegari restaurant in Recoleta Image Flickr: blmurch

Tagged as: Italian food, Italian restaurant, Italian restaurants, pizza restaurants