Joaquín Colman 03/10/2016

In Argentina, asado (barbecue) isn't just a meal: it's a tradition. Ever since the Spanish brought cattle to the region in the 16th century, the Argentine pampas became the perfect place to raise cattle. Thanks to natural grass-fed pasture, Argentine beef cuts are famous worldwide for their flavor and quality. The grass-fed rearing technique makes the meat fiber tender and full of flavor, setting it apart from countries that rely on grain-fed, feedlot cattle.

Today, Argentina is one of the world's biggest beef exporters. The meat industry doesn't just drive the economy — it's also starting to adopt more sustainable practices. That's why what really stands out at any parrillada (barbecue gathering) is the quality of Argentine cuts.

The most popular Argentine beef cuts

  • Asado de Tira (Short Ribs): Beef ribs cut crosswise into strips. A classic at any parrillada.
  • Bife de Chorizo: A thick cut from the sirloin, known elsewhere as "sirloin steak." Very popular in restaurants.
  • Lomo: Also known as tenderloin or filet. One of the most tender, leanest cuts.
  • Vacío (Flank): A juicy cut from the lower part of the cow, between the ribs and the hip.
  • Entraña (Skirt Steak): A thin cut from the diaphragm. Very flavorful, and usually grilled.
  • Matambre: A thin cut between the skin and the ribs. Can be grilled, baked, or stuffed.
  • Bife Ancho (Ribeye): Also called ribeye. Juicy, with a good balance of meat and fat.
  • Cuadril (Rump): A lean, tender cut from the rear of the cow, similar to rump steak.
  • Colita de Cuadril (Tri-Tip): A small triangular cut from the top of the rump, known for its tenderness.

In this image, you can identify each cut according to the different parts of an Argentine cow:

Where to eat the best beef cuts in Buenos Aires

The variety of restaurants and parrillas across the country is huge, and Buenos Aires is no exception. You can find the best dishes without straying far from your hotel, apartment, or place of stay. Whether in San Telmo, Palermo, or downtown, great food seems to appear like magic on every corner. The city's best grills are part of our grill tour in Buenos Aires.

It's always good to have some recommendations on hand to compare quality, price, and comfort before choosing among food tours to try Argentine asado. That's why we're presenting our 9 handpicked spots:



Grill Don Julio

Parrilla Don Julio is an icon of Argentine gastronomy, especially known for its commitment to quality and the tradition of asado. Located in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, this parrilla offers an authentic Argentine dining experience with a focus on high-quality meat.

Since it opened in 1999, it has built a reputation for its perfectly grilled cuts, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. The menu includes a variety of traditional cuts like bife de chorizo, asado de tira, and lomo, along with classic side dishes and a selection of Argentine wines that pair perfectly with the food.

A fun fact: it became hugely famous after Robert De Niro filmed Disney Plus's series "Nada" at the restaurant.

Reservations are required, there's outdoor seating, and vegetarian dishes are also available.



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La Cabrera Grill

Parrilla La Cabrera is another classic of Buenos Aires's food scene, also located in Palermo, known for its generous portions and wide selection of meat cuts. This restaurant is famous for its numerous side dishes that round out the asado experience.

With a lively, welcoming atmosphere, La Cabrera offers excellent service and a menu that ranges from bife de chorizo to matambre, all paired with a carefully chosen wine list. The parrilla gained popularity not just for its quality, but also for its friendly, upbeat vibe. It's also worth booking ahead, especially on weekends.



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Poor Luis Grill

Parrilla El Pobre Luis is known for its casual atmosphere and focus on meats and achuras (offal cuts), making it a favorite among locals. Located in Belgrano, this parrilla stands out for its juicy cuts and warm, personal service.

It offers an authentic experience with a menu that ranges from vacío to entraña, all prepared to perfection. It's an ideal spot to enjoy a meal with family or friends. The restaurant often fills up, so reservations are recommended any day of the week.

Vegetarian dishes are also available for those looking for alternatives.



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Las Lilas Cabin Grill

Parrilla Cabaña Las Lilas is located in the elegant Puerto Madero area and is famous for offering a high-end meat experience. With a sophisticated atmosphere and spectacular river views, this restaurant stands out for its attention to detail and a menu featuring premium cuts like bife ancho and lomo.

The quality of the meat is exceptional, and the side dishes are carefully chosen to complement each plate. The experience is rounded out with an extensive list of Argentine wines. Booking ahead is essential, especially for romantic dinners or celebrations.



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The Brigade Grill

Parrilla La Brigada is iconic in the San Telmo neighborhood, known not just for its high-quality meat, but also for its football-themed décor that locals love.

Here, the cuts are prepared with real skill and served in a warm, family-style setting. The menu includes classic options like bife de chorizo and asado de tira, all backed by exceptional customer service. This spot is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a true Argentine experience. It's also recommended to book ahead, since it's a very popular place.



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The Jesus thing

In the heart of Palermo, on Gurruchaga Street, Lo de Jesús grill offers an experience centered on traditional charcoal grilling: the fire is lit with quebracho blanco, espinillo, and organic charcoal , a combination that brings out the smoky flavor like no other cooking method. The menu features three three-course tasting menus: appetizer, main course, and dessert, all with the option to add the most representative cuts of Argentine beef.

Main course options include a 400-gram aged ribeye steak, an aged ribeye steak, and, on the premium menu, a five-rib asado. These cuts embody the spirit of an Argentine grill, from juicy, bone-in cuts to whole steaks served on a board. Wine pairings are curated by a sommelier, with a glass of wine or beer included per person , in addition to a non-alcoholic beverage.

The experience lasts approximately two hours and is offered daily, making it ideal for lunch or dinner. For those who don't eat red meat, the menu also includes cannelloni, potato casserole, and breaded cutlets . It's an option designed to allow you to sample different cuts of meat in a single visit, with the possibility of choosing between a more classic version and one featuring higher-quality cuts.



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Fogón Asado Experience

Based at the Fogón Uriarte or Fogón Gorriti restaurant , this proposal moves away from the traditional grill format to offer a contemporary interpretation of the Argentine barbecue, through a nine-course tasting menu .

The evening begins at 7:30 pm with a welcome cocktail and progresses through dishes that reinterpret classic cuts and preparations: provoleta with grilled fruit, sweetbreads with roasted tomato sauce, black pudding and chorizo prepared with chutney and roasted pepper, and a braised roast cooked in papillote .

The main course is a ribeye steak accompanied by sweet potato purée and grilled vegetables prepared using different cooking techniques . Beforehand, there are courses such as pork belly with yellow chili sauce and smoked beef brisket with cauliflower cream .

One of the highlights of the evening is the preparation of the chimichurri in front of the diners, designed for those who want to understand not only the cut of meat they are eating but also how it is traditionally served. The menu can be complemented with an optional Argentine wine pairing.

The experience concludes around 10:00 PM with flambéed dulce de leche pancakes at the table, coffee, and chefs' recipes to take home . As an exclusive event for adults, with an intimate atmosphere and a focus on culinary technique, it's a better option for those already familiar with classic cuts of meat and seeking a gourmet take on the barbecue ritual.



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Traditional Family Barbecue Experience

This experience takes place at a grill restaurant in Palermo , on Nicaragua Street. It offers a different format than a conventional grill: a front-row seat facing the fire, from where you can follow the cooking process step by step, and a hostess who explains the history and customs behind the Argentine barbecue while the food is served.

The eight-course menu is available for both lunch and dinner , with options in Spanish, English, German, and Portuguese.

The main course includes flank steak, rump cap, and ribeye, accompanied by roasted tomatoes, homemade bread, criolla sauce, and chimichurri . The experience begins with meat empanadas, chorizo, and blood sausage, and concludes with dulce de leche ice cream and a Fernet and cola as a digestif—a sequence that showcases many of the typical flavors of an Argentine meal. The wine selection includes Torrontés, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon to complement each course.

This three-hour experience works well for both couples and families with children, as the atmosphere is designed for conversation and interaction with other diners. A vegetarian menu is also available with prior notice.



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Private Experience at Terrazza Grill

Terrazza Grill in Palermo offers a hands-on cooking class with a dinner of premium cuts of meat for small groups of up to twelve people. For about thirty minutes, the chef guides participants through the grilling area, explaining how the meats are selected and detailing the differences between two classic cuts. They also learn about fire management and cooking times before each person takes part in a stage of the preparation.

The dinner includes appetizers of meat empanadas, chorizo, blood sausage, and provoleta cheese , and a choice of either a 450-gram ribeye steak or a 400-gram sirloin steak, both from grass-fed, grain-finished steers . Side dishes range from triple-cooked fries to a vegetable casserole, and the meal can be finished with either flan with dulce de leche or a "vigilante," the classic sweet potato and cheese dessert.

The full experience lasts two hours, begins at 6:00 PM, and is usually recommended for sunset. It's an alternative designed for those who prefer a more intimate dinner with time to ask specific questions about Argentine cuts of meat , rather than a shared dining room with other tables.



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