Buenos Aires’s diverse culinary scene offers everything from cheap neighborhood eateries to upscale dining destinations that are redefining Argentinian cuisine. Here is our pick of the bunch.

La Cabrera: You cannot leave Argentina without eating a life-changing slab of beef. Steak is delicious and plentiful here, and not many restaurants in Buenos Aires do it better than La Cabrera. San Pellegrino nominated this steakhouse as one of the best in Latin America for its expertly grilled rib-eyes, robust sausages and great selection of Malbec red wines from Mendoza.

La Cocina: Empanadas are wildly popular savory stuffed pastries. While you cannot walk two blocks in Buenos Aires without spotting an empanada shop, head to La Cocina in Recoleta for the best in the city. The curiously named pikachu is filled with caramelized onion and an incredible amount of cheese.

Chan Chan: With its emphasis on accentuating natural flavors of fresh ingredients, Peruvian cuisine is all the buzz in Buenos Aires. Chan Chan, one of the most popular restaurants in the neighborhood near the National Congress, offers massive plates of refreshing ceviches with chili-infused citrus dressing and decadent yuca fries at a reasonable price. It does not take reservations, however, so make sure to arrive early.

Roux: Chef Martín Rebaudino’s cozy Recoleta spot is perfect for a blow-out dinner. Rebaudino’s
kitchen seamlessly executes stunning plates like slow-poached eggs with wild rice and squid and pan-seared fish with spinach terrine and olive oil emulsion. Save room for dessert. We recommend caramelized apples served with cinnamon crackers and refreshing apple sorbet.

Hierbabuena: If you get tired of eating mostly red meat and carbohydrates during your stay in Buenos Aires, head over to Hierbabuena, an organic cafe in a hip neighborhood of San Telmo — think Bushwick. Choices here range from farm-fresh bowls of salads and simply prepared pasta to creative smoothies. Order a smoothie blended with mate, a traditional caffeine-rich beverage indigenous to Argentina.

Floreria Atlántico: Upon first glance, Floreria Atlántico looks like a flower shop. But little do passersby know, in the basement there is a dimly lit and intimately sized speakeasy bar. Aside from the mysterious ambiance, it should be noted that Floreria Atlántico concocts some of the most delicious drinks in town. The menu is separated by countries, with cocktails designed to match the unique taste of each. For all gin lovers, this bar produces and sells its own. Called Principe de los Apóstoles (Prince of Apostles), the alcohol carries notes of mint, grapefruit, eucalyptus and yerba mate, which is the traditional tea of Argentina.

La Bomba del Tiempo: Every Monday, a percussion party rages on in Ciudad Cultural Konex. Drummers and other musicians take the stage in what is possibly one of the most authentic nightlife experiences in Buenos Aires. The crowd is always fun, with locals and tourists alike joining together for a night of non-stop dancing. While the official party lasts from 8 to 10, there is almost always an after-party led by a group of percussionists that starts on the streets outside the venue and ends at a local bar where the drinking continues.

Club Bahrain: Missing home? Just drop by Club Bahrain to hear all the dance music you have missed — from EDM to Top 40 hits to ‘90s pop songs. Popular with expats and foreigners, this nightclub offers a sweet reminder of home from time to time. But do not worry, not all the South American touch is lost from this club, as  the DJ will occasionally throw in a salsa song or two.

Plaza Serrano: Located in the heart of the hip Palermo Soho neighborhood, Plaza Serrano is perhaps the best spot to go bar hopping in Buenos Aires. Dozens of bars are located within a few blocks from one another, making this area an easily navigable nightlife location. Top contenders include Congo, a trendy bar with an impressive patio and equally impressive — and strong — cocktails. Another favorite is La Virtua, a milonga that offers tango lessons to brave participants before turning into a club that plays traditional tango music. There is no better place to practice your newfound
dance techniques.

Crobar: If you are into the beats of deep house, then Crobar is the club for you. Comparable to the nightlife scene in Berlin, this popular spot does not get filled until 2 a.m. While Fridays are reserved for the electronic beats, Saturdays offer a more Latin-inspired playlist. The music might not be for everyone but regardless if you are a fan or not, Crobar is big enough to wander around. The upper level is filled with couches that allow for easy chilling and
people watching.