10 Restaurants with the best price-quality ratio in Buenos Aires

Eating “Chinese food” is often associated with large portions and low prices. Many remember “El Cantón” on Av. Córdoba as a classic cheap and “different” option. But times have changed, and new Chinese restaurants with more refined concepts have emerged. One of them is Tony Wu: under the modern cantina concept, José Delgado and Thomas Nguyen fused traditional Chinese cuisine with its American immigrant influences. They added Vietnamese touches from Nguyen and Delgado’s experience (owner of several Asian restaurants like Saigón, CangTin, and Yakinilo). In short, it’s an artisanal street food that revolutionizes the palate.

Tip: The average cover is around ARS 40,000. Good price-quality ratio. If you can, dare to try the “roast duck.” At Tony Wu, the idea is to order to share, and the experience is worth it.

Where: Loyola 851.

The “bodegón-style” version of the renowned Ácido adds its grain of sand to kickstart neo-Portenian gastronomy—the identity Buenos Aires needs to establish itself as a global gastronomic hub beyond just the grill.

Olla7’s concept is inspired by “cocoliche” cuisine: a unique blend of Italian and Spanish influences mixed with deep porteño nostalgia, reflecting Argentine creole gastronomy heavily influenced by immigrants. Olla7 elevates this spirit by rescuing recipes with refined technique and using quality, seasonal ingredients.

Milanesa as a porteño symbol, fries with enviable technique, and new mussel croquettes destined to become classics are some standout dishes. The new proposal from Nicolás Tykocki, Dalila Vázquez, and Tadeo Pérez reaffirms the Michelin Guide’s recent recognition of their search for harmony between price and quality.

Tip: Nicolás Tykocki is 27 years old and was named “Best Young Chef” by the 2025 Michelin Guide.

Where: Charlone 999.

MN Santa Inés is one of those places that inspire true fandom. Outside the mainstream gastro circuit, it’s a circuit unto itself. The perfect excuse to visit La Paternal neighborhood if you’re not from there. Distinguished as a Bib Gourmand by the 2025 Michelin Guide for its excellent price-quality ratio, Jazmín Marturet’s project revived an abandoned bakery and gave it soul.

The menu changes weekly but the format remains: soup or salad, pasta, a protein dish, and a vegan option. All with a flavor crossing borders between Latin America and Asia, always thoughtful and on point.

Tip: We recommend trying the rogel and/or the pavlova, two expertly crafted desserts. Note: open only at lunch hours.

Where: Ávalos 360.

For some strange reason, the Caballito neighborhood is one of the few left without a gastronomic boom. It has good spots here and there but no specific hub. The area near Ferro’s stadium is starting to show some signs. Casa Luis opened in autumn 2025 with a Madrid-style tapas concept.

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Two friends named Matías aimed to replicate the classic Spanish tapería, and it quickly gained popularity locally and is always busy. The menu is classic, with flavors well known by porteños: Iberian croquettes, potato tortilla with alioli, huevos rotos, cider-cooked chistorra, and several pinchos. The space is designed for high turnover, few tables, lots of bar seating, and the idea is for it to be a meeting place for friends. ARS 25,000 per person will leave you satisfied.

Tip: Watch their schedule; they often host flamenco nights on the sidewalk with a great summer wine vibe.

Where: Mendez de Andes 1002.

In a stately two-story house carefully restored, 29noventa has been aiming for a year to become a neighborhood classic. Led by Esteban and his family, the project has a clear idea: to offer a comfortable, welcoming experience with a taste of home. Every room invites lingering, from plush sofas to a menu interpreting the porteño palate without falling into nostalgia.

The menu bets on bodegón hits (milanesas, pastas, meats, and classic starters) but with subtle twists and a signature touch that avoids predictability. The kitchen takes its time here—you come to savor. Great place to try the Maryland-style supreme chicken again. Average price per person: around ARS 30,000.

Tip: The braised shepherd’s pie, cooked for over three hours, is the true star of the menu. Worth a visit just for that.

Where: Echeverría 2990.

Good, pretty, and cheap. Barra Chalaca fulfills the three B’s perfectly. Gastón Acurio’s idea of bringing high-end Peruvian cuisine to street food format continues to succeed and is ideal for both beginners and experts in ceviches, chaufas, and tiraditos.

It’s a direct trip to the cevicherías bars outside Lima. You can start anywhere on the menu. Begin with a mixed fish and seafood tiradito, continue with spicy prawn empanadas, and finish with traditional lomo saltado. The price-quality ratio is excellent. You can eat for about ARS 30,000 (but it’s easy to double that if tempted).

Tip: Ask about the catch of the day and order the chucuito with a Curatodo (a mocktail with lemon verbena, chamomile, and pineapple).

Where: Arévalo 1392, Montañeses 2599.

Much of porteño gastronomic identity is found in the buffets of neighborhood clubs and cultural institutions. This list, aiming at good price-quality balance, highlights the Centro Montañés buffet, open for over a century. With Cantabrian origins, its cuisine covers all Spain with Argentine touches in the details.

It’s one of those places you can recommend to any diner and it won’t disappoint. The dining room is neat, overlooking sports fields, with high ceilings, wooden tables, and decorated with paintings and maps. Among starters, there are 12 tortillas to choose from, with standout prawn croquettes and gambas al ajillo. Paella is a classic main dish, and the seafood casserole is great for sharing.

Tip: The tortilla stuffed with peceto milanesa is huge. Share it, order a tinto de verano, pay the bill, and leave happy having spent around ARS 22,000 per person.

Where: Jorge Newbery 2818.

Located in the new gastronomic hub known as Villa Crespo Atlanta, Condarco is the spot you look for when you want good food on the go at a good price. A cozy bistro based on seasonal products and a few flawless classics.

Also of interest: 13 iconic authentic porteño pizzerias

The menu fits on half a page and leaves nothing out: everything on it is worthwhile. The potato tortilla flies off the plates, as does the beef milanesa sandwich, repeatedly voted among the best in the city. There’s also cured fish and triple-cooked fries that don’t lag behind. For dessert, an impeccable key lime pie. The wine list is small but well chosen.

Tip: At Condarco, keep an eye on the catch of the day and the yellow curry prawns—two dishes that keep getting better and better.

Where: Av. Dorrego 901.

Boedo’s best-kept secret, one its fans don’t want to spread. Sorry to them, but Carmen de Boedo cannot be left out of a price-quality list. Home cooking that pays tribute to mix-and-match. Matías D’Aquino leads the family kitchen, betting on simple but well-thought dishes, good ingredients, and surprising combinations.

The house hit is the sandwiches, and that’s no exaggeration: they are among the best in the city. There’s something for every taste, from a classic rump milanesa to a lamb burger with halloumi, onion, and parsley, or smoked pastrón and sweet-and-sour chicken (but watch out, the menu changes frequently). Everything serves the flavor, in a place that shuns pretension and puts food at the center.

Tip: On your first visit, order the fried chicken sandwich. Unbeatable!

Where: Castro 1635.

The gem of the list regarding price-quality. From Villa Luro, Puchero is gaining more and more fans with its modern bodegón proposal. A cantina with a lot of vibe, where home cooking is the star. The menu shines with dishes like napolitana-style sirloin milanesa, homemade lasagna, or shepherd’s pie with braised osso buco: comforting classics with a twist.

True to the bodegón spirit, it targets nostalgia directly: home flavors, well executed, that embrace the palate without clichés. Upstairs, there’s a speakeasy bar focusing on tapas and a cellar where special tastings are organized. A complete experience that rejuvenates a neighborhood slowly growing as a gastronomic hub.

Tip: The chipá starter with sweetbread is surprising and very well done—an unmissable for a first visit. The average cover, without ordering extras, is around ARS 30,000.

Where: Av. Rivadavia 10300.