Best Restaurants in Bariloche
The bustling mountain town of Bariloche, Patagonia has much to offer for the adventurous traveler but many underestimate the region’s rich culinary heritage. From delectable Argentine beef to world-class chocolatiers, this town has many options to explore but figuring out where to eat can be a little challenging. Google and Yelp are not widely used in Argentina and there never seem to be quite enough photos to judge if a place is worthy. After conversing with locals, reading articles, and wandering in for a random encounter, here are some of the best places to eat in Bariloche and surrounding areas.
This family restaurant was hands down one of the best steaks I had in Argentina (including the several top-rated steak houses in Buenos Aires)! While the ambiance is simple and the sides are standard, the steak is bound to wow you. After we ordered our preferred cut of steak, we watched our chef behind the counter slice our cut and throw it on the open wood-fire barbecue. If you haven’t tried the Bife de Chorizo (Argentina’s prized cut) I highly recommend giving it a shot. It combines the juicy marbling of a ribeye and the tenderness of a filet. What makes this place so special is the care they have for their steak. They select large beef portions from the Mar de Plata region, cut them to order, and grill them right before your eyes.
(TIP- arrive 15-30 minutes before they open to avoid waiting 1-2 hours, we got there 15 minutes after opening and still waited 2 hours!)
It’s no secret Argentina has world-class beef due to its abundance of open land thriving with Pampas grass for cows to graze on. Ordering beef in Argentina means that it is almost always grass-fed and of great quality because the beef industry has the highest quality standards. You can’t go wrong with either of these options for a juicy, American-style burger.
Not only is the food delicious but the ambiance is one of a kind in Bariloche. Overlooking mountains and lakes, this rustic and historic hotel makes for a luxurious experience. You can either get a small bite and drink or choose from the full menu in their sunroom. We popped in for a snack+ tea and it was so worth it for some of the best empanadas I had in Bariloche! Afterward, you can peruse around the town of Llao Llao and there are short easy hikes in the area.
Located further outside of town near Llao Llao Hotel, this upscale dining came highly recommended by locals offering a unique blend of Argentinian and European influence. Be sure to make a reservation because this is no doubt always booked out.
This mom-and-pop Pulperia (grocery) was converted from a historic cabin into a vibrant restaurant. Step into a cozy warm environment decorated with instruments and attended by locals. They serve typical Argentine dishes such as choripan (Sausage with bread), steak & empanada; this place is a must-stop. A small but impeccable menu, be sure to also try the provoleta (cheese) and mushroom toast!
Amazing quality coffee and pastries, this was one of my favorite coffee shops in Bariloche. It is modern and a great place to get some work done with fast, free internet.
A casual lunch spot serving burgers, pizzas, and small bites, the view here is worth the stop! Overlooking the gorgeous snow-capped mountains and lakes, their name lives up to the view.
Hands down, this was the best chocolate shop in Bariloche! Asking locals will always lead you in the direction of this chocolate mecca which features a modern design. The truffles were so divine and if you need a coffee their lattes are impeccable! What makes this location unique is that Rapa Nuí was founded in Bariloche. The store is much larger than other locations consisting of various chocolate selections, an ice cream section, a sit-down cafe, and an indoor ice skating rink!
No trip to Bariloche is complete without a sampling of local cuisine and these recommendations are sure to please any traveler. With the local mountaineering attractions and picturesque scenery, it is easy to underestimate the ability of Argentina’s chefs to create wonderful and unique dishes using the ingredients at hand and techniques from their diverse and international population.
