Buenos Aires

A slick spot that gets high marks for its high-concept cuisine but disastrous grades for its snide service. — Fodor's

Palermo's best parrilla is on the quiet corner of Cabrera and Thames. Fun paraphernalia hangs everywhere, giving the feel of an old grocery store. — Fodor's

The best high-end Spanish restaurant in the city, Recoleta’s Oviedo offers professional service, a refined and relaxed setting and the freshest fish–brought in up to twice a day. — Frommer's

This knockout, family-run parrilla run by a butcher is now a Palermo classic, thanks to its perfectly seared prime cuts sourced from grass-fed cattle, impeccable service, and a top-notch wine list. — Travel + Leisure

While maintaining its original lavish form, the classic architecture is offset by cutting-edge art displays and projected visuals, bringing the space in line with its new, style-conscious clientele. — Time Out

Chila remains an elegant (if slightly stiff) favorite of business types, big-spending locals, and special-occasion visitors. — Concierge

Considered best restaurant in Argentina for longest time running. Passion fruit parfait, mushroom ravioli, avocado with gravlax all superb. — BlackBook

Mostly tourists from the nearby hotels flock to this Northern Argentine regional spot, but you'll spot some longtime locals, particularly at lunchtime. — Fodor's

If you've ever had dinner in San Telmo, you know what it's like to be packed in tightly with eager patrons awaiting their steak and papas fritas. — Time Out

When famed "anti-chef" Leandro Cristóbal decided to return to his roots, he dropped his trademark modern cuisine in favor of huge platters of rustic traditional dishes. — Fodor's

Country cooking in froufrou Las Canitas attracts flocks of hungry locals. Epic slabs of beef, hearty northern fare like tamales and locro. — BlackBook

Here's an anomaly: an exclusive restaurant in one of BA's poorest neighbourhoods serving Argentinian comfort food like choripanes (sausage sandwiches) and empanadas. — Time Out

This decades-old eatery on Avenida de Mayo is about as authentic as it gets, packed mostly with Porteños who want to keep this place to themselves. — Frommer's

The place to head if you want to splurge on just about the finest steak around. — Rough Guide

Ideal destination for old-time porteño fare, including the usual meaty parrilla offerings and the wondrous Argentine pot-au-feu known as puchero, a stew of brisket, sausage, calabaza, potatoes. — Concierge

Crowded and lively, particularly at lunch, this is the hot spot for pizza and pasta in the downtown area. — Fodor's

The backpackers pile in to this no-frills parrilla, which offers meat-laden dishes at rock-bottom prices. Tues–Sun lunch and dinner, Mon dinner only. — Rough Guide

There are few places as delightful to spend a long lunch in San Telmo as Petanque, an honest-to-goodness French brasserie with a marvellously light and airy atmosphere. — Time Out

Buenos Aires’ most famous café exudes pure elegance, but it is in grave danger of turning into a tourist trap. — Rough Guide

Smart noodle bar with a Vietnamese chef who prepares tasty curries and other Southeast Asian food at reasonable prices, all in modern, minimalist surroundings. — Rough Guide