I admit, within my one month of staying in Buenos Aires I couldn’t explore all of the restaurants in Palermo. I mean can anyone really, even within a lifetime? Nonetheless I’d visited my fair share if I may say so.
You probably will find your own favourite places too, but I’m very keen of sharing you my recommendations in here for you, just to get you started. ¡Buen provecho y salud!
Malvón
Technically this place is a little outside of Palermo Soho, in Villa Crespo. But as it’s only a short walk from Avenida Córdoba I must include it in the list, if only because this is one of my favourite spots in BA. By far!
Malvón is one of those places where you really can’t see the level of loveliness you’re dealing with on the outside.
It’s technically a bakery and restaurant in one. In my case it was the smell of the homemade bread that made me just turn around to this spot. I returned here three more times.
Go here for lunch. Malvón has a lovely 200 ARS lunch deal which is so filling that you may not have to eat for the rest of the day afterwards. It comes with a big main, a lemonade and one of their awesome desserts. On a hot day, you won’t regret the salads in here either by the way.
The pies, croissants and cookies at this spot are so incredibly yummy, the prices are right, the interior is cute and funky and the patio is the best place to chill out at during a Sunday brunch. So, what more can I say – just go there!
Rapa Nui
Tasty ice cream can to be found all around Buenos Aires. But I think the best cone I’ve eaten (after a tip of a local) was at Rapa Nui. Although chain shops do not necessarily have my attention, the cafe / ice cream place / store that is Rapa Nui felt different.
Most of the the Rapa Nui shops in Buenos Aires are located in gorgeous restored houses. Therefore it’s also worth it to just go there for a cup of coffee. But try their ice cream or chocolate too, seriously.
I didn’t order it at the time, but I think I need to come back for their hot gianduia, basically one big hot cup of Nutella. If you’ve tasted it, please let me know how it was!
Burger joint
The amount of burger places in Palermo Soho is just overwhelming. There are more than one can chew during a trip. My Airbnb host recommended me Burger Joint. I really liked the edgy look and feel of this place and all of the five different burgers come with a decent portion of fries. A beer can be included for a sweet price too. However, a friend of mine took the veggie burger and didn’t like that one at all, so ye be warned leafy eaters!
Ninina
This spot is the cafe located within MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires). Their service is kind of rude and not the fastest and yet, I still would recommend this place. If only because the cooks do their job; they produce divine desserts and decent plates.
On top of that you can eat something in here at any given point of the day.That may sound weird, but very often kitchens in Buenos Aires are closed just right at the time when you as a European or American are suffering that major 7 pm hunger attack. And no, a medialuna and coffee will not always do at such a moment.
Most of the restaurants will open their kitchen again only after 8 pm. Not MALBA, order whatever and whenever you like at this spot, which serves beers and wines (and aperol spritzes!) and has a great terrace to chill out at too.
So go to Ninina if you want to check out that famous Frida Kahlo painting anyway!
a’ Manger
Sandwiches! Tiramisu! Tapas! Everything in here is soooo good and they have a new deal every day.
This also is your ultimate spot to go to if you want to prepare a picnic. They have great sandwich combos and the best tapas (think of stuffed peppers, cheese wrapped in prosciutto, grilled aubergine) and snacks. Try out their brownies with dulce de leche and walnuts too.
I don’t think you can go wrong in here!
Nola
Perhaps a bit of a hipster place, but this is just one of those places you have to go to at the end of a full day of sightseeing. What better way to close it off with a beer – cervezas artesanales, that is, from golden ales to dry stouts -, the sound of jazz, picadas or a plate of fried chicken and waffles.
The overall atmosphere and Louisiana charm will make you order a second beer for sure!
