5 Must-Try Gastronomic Experiences in the Retiro Neighborhood, Buenos Aires
Step into one of the most central neighborhoods of the city of Buenos Aires, home to outstanding restaurants and food courts that are ideal for visitors.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant gastronomic scene of Buenos Aires, where different neighborhoods offer a wide range of culinary experiences. In the heart of the city, the Retiro neighborhood dazzles visitors with its culinary charm. Known for its iconic renovated train station, this urban enclave captivates with its elegant architecture, lively nightlife, and restaurants where gastronomy shines brightly. Here are five restaurants in Retiro that you should discover:
1) Mercado de los Carruajes
A gastronomic corner that blends the past with innovation. The result? A luxurious culinary stroll. Mercado de los Carruajes is much more than a simple market; it is a journey through time thanks to the striking architecture of its orange industrial structures, which once served as presidential carriage houses in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, far from their original function, they house more than 40 gastronomic stalls. From the exquisite meats of La Cabrera—awarded in the prestigious Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking—to authentic Mexican cuisine, irresistible crêpes, gourmet burgers, fresh pasta, and an open-air terrace perfect for enjoying cocktails and drinks.
The true jewel of the crown is the branch of the iconic churro shop with roots in Madrid: San Ginés. Despite the long lines that often form, the wait becomes a ritual worth experiencing. The famous churros—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—dipped in thick hot chocolate transport visitors straight to the streets of Spain.
2) Florería Atlántico
An underground world that blends the essence of Buenos Aires as a city of immigrants with the creativity of Tato Giovannoni, the internationally renowned bartender.
Welcome to a place where innovation lies beneath the surface: Florería Atlántico. On the outside, a paradise of flowers; inside, a speakeasy bar that made history by reaching first place in the World’s 50 Best Bars ranking in 2019.
The theme of immigration intertwines with every sip, reminding us that this city was built on the dreams of people from around the world. The true star is Tato Giovannoni himself, whose creations explore the deepest authentic flavors of Argentina. Ingredients such as water from Mendoza’s rivers, quinoa, squash, and yellow corn come together to create new tastes that celebrate local cultural value.
The culinary offer is also remarkable: tempting starters such as anchovies, burrata, squid, and octopus, followed by main dishes including succulent pork matambrito, catch of the day, and more.
3) The Shelter Coffee
This café is located on one of the most charming streets in the area: Arroyo Street. French influences can be felt in every building, cobblestone street, and decorative detail. Along this corridor, visitors will find several tempting options, including The Shelter Coffee.
This specialty coffee spot offers excellent culinary options for breakfast or afternoon tea. Inside, leather armchairs sit in a dimly lit environment reminiscent of an English pub in the middle of the bustling Argentine capital.
Outdoor tables allow guests to enjoy the awakening life of the small street—perfect for meeting friends or simply enjoying a book alone. Toasted sandwiches, sfogliatellas, slices of cake, pound cakes, alfajores, and cookies fill the counter, ready to delight every palate.
Coffee, the star of the menu, receives special attention: different brewing methods, beans, machines, and temperatures create a true treat for coffee enthusiasts.
4) Rooftop Pulitzer
The ideal place to capture a view—both mentally and through photographs—of downtown Buenos Aires from above. Hotel Pulitzer features an attractive rooftop terrace on the 13th floor, an open space designed to enjoy the best of Buenos Aires’ famous nightlife.
Live music sessions, signature cocktails, and magical sunsets complete the experience. On the gastronomic side, the menu blends international cuisine with Mediterranean touches full of creativity: mussels, spiced ricotta, potatoes with aioli, rice crackers with pickles, and more.
5) Mr. Ho
The essence of Korea in the heart of Buenos Aires.
In 1977, Martín Ho arrived in Argentina. His beginnings were linked to the textile industry in the Flores neighborhood, until gastronomic inspiration struck and he opened his own restaurant in Retiro in 2017.
This spot reinvents traditional Korean flavors to delight curious palates. One of the star dishes is bulgogi: thin slices of marinated beef served ssam-style, wrapped in lettuce leaves and accompanied by rice, pickled radish, and fermented bean paste.
The menu also features a variety of soups, spicy squid, and mandu—small boiled dumplings filled with pork or vegetables. Mr. Ho is a tribute to the rich Korean culinary heritage in the heart of Buenos Aires, where tradition meets innovation.