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As with other Latin Countries, Argentineans take Siesta
which often runs between 1 and 4 to 5pm. All shops will close including
many restaurants. Most restaurants (aside from some of the main tourist
ones) will reopen in the evening around 8pm. You typically won't find
restaurants crowded until at least 10pm and its not uncommon to see
families with children dining at this "late" hour! We found restaurants
to be quite crowded on the weekdays as well - but Saturday was by far
the worst. |
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Some of the restaurants had lines out the door at 11pm - and the local
restaurants were a hub of activity at this hour.
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The food in Argentina is delicious and extremely affordable. You can eat
a decent meal for several US Dollars or splurge for up to $20+ per meal.
We opted to splurge as the prices for
what we paid in Mendoza would have been significantly higher in our home
countries. Argentina
is famous for its steaks and Mendoza does not disappoint! We have eaten
at most of the following restaurants.
Ana Bistro is a hip urban tastefully decorated setting which
appeals to a younger set. It is casual yet slightly elegant. The prices
are very reasonable and the service is extremely fast. Excellent salads
and empanadas. |
They are located at Av. Juan B. Justo 161 and are open
Tuesday to Saturday for Lunch and Dinner. Phone: 425 1818
Azafran is located at Av. Sarmiento 765 in Mendoza. As with other
popular Mendoza restaurants, Azafran really starts to fill up around
10pm and reservations are recommended. They serve a variety of eclectic
dishes using ingredients from all over Argentina including deer and
lamb. They also have a good local wine list. Website:
www.bve.com.ar
Bistro M is located in what is currently the fanciest hotel in
Mendoza, the Park Hyatt. This restaurant is very centrally located as
the Park Hyatt is located right on the city's main plaza. As you enter
the main entrance the restaurant will be found on your left. For
reference, the bathrooms are in an unmarked corridor all the way to the
right of the main entrance. We had several lunches here. The weekday
lunch is Prix Fix (fixed price) and at press time was about 50 pesos per
person. It included the appetizer, glass of wine, main dish and desert.
This is a very good deal for the money - their kitchen was the first
major kitchen in South America to be completely open to the diners - you
see everything the chefs are doing from your seat. Exquisitely prepared
salads and nice meats also. Weekends are not fixed price and the cost is
a bit more, but the main course portions also tend to be larger. A very
extensive wine list. Average price for lunch will run 50 to 60 pesos
without wine. Located at Chile 1124 - open everyday for lunch and
dinner. Website:
www.mendoza.hyatt.com
Alliin Resto Bar (Dasani) is a very touristy restaurant among
other touristy restaurants located at 26 Sarmiento Street. They serve a
wide range of Salads, Pizzas and Pastas. Sometimes the employees will
give you discount cards for approximately 20% off the entire meal. This
restaurant has average food but along with several other touristy type
restaurants, is usually open during the Siesta time each day.
Choqequirao Restaurant is located at Calle Don Bosco 218 in
Mendoza. Have the urge for some Peruvian food during your stay in
Mendoza? Then try this restaurant! They also have a good wine list.
Phone: 423-7978 or email:
choqequirao@gmail.com
Don Mario. Ask the locals what is the best steakhouse "in town"
and they invariably will tell you it is Don Mario located at 25 de Mayo
1324 about 20 minutes by car from the center of Mendoza. This restaurant
is not really in town - rather its located in the outskirts district.
There however, *is* a street in Mendoza with the same name as the one this
restaurant is located on, so don't make the same mistake we
made! Web:
www.donmario.com.ar
La Escala Cafe and Restaurant is located on Sarmiento near many
of the other tourist type restaurants. This restaurant has outdoor and
indoor dining - outside is much preferable if the weather is good. Nice
selection of meats, salads and coffees. There pepper steak is among the
best we tried in Mendoza and is very reasonably price.
La Sal is located upstairs at Belgrano 1069. This is an elegant
restaurant serving delicious foods especially their salads and meats.
The chefs change their menu every few months so if you revisit this
restaurant chances are you will find new dishes. Freshest local
ingredients are always used here. You can't go wrong with the food!
Also, they have one of the best wine lists in all of Mendoza - there is
a wine on their list to satisfy even the most sophisticated wine
connoisseurs! Live ambient background music is played Wed through Friday
- usually violin or guitar and the music doesn't overpower the eating
experience. All dishes are very tastefully and delicately prepared - the
flavors just flow together and don't overwhelm your palate. Website
www.lasalrestaurante.com
Los Rodeos Restaurant is located at San Juan 973. Phone: 423-9367
They specialize in traditional Argentine cuisine especially their
grilled meats. Also a good wine list.
Ruca Malen - this is a five course lunch, each course paired with
a glass of wine. Lunch is served at this winery.
See our Wineries Page for more
detailed information. |
