The best spots to eat goat and barbecue in Mendoza

Located in the Valley of the Sun, Cordón del Plata, Rancho Don Daniel is a true gaucho corner. Led by Daniel, he has been living here with his gaucho family for 16 years, working every day to sustain this home in the Cordillera del Plata. They offer traditional meals like homemade bread, meats, empanadas, barbecue with Mendoza wine, picadas, and sopaipillas. All in a spectacular mountainous setting.

Sharing with each visitor a piece of their history, the lifestyle that comes with living in the Cordillera, and the connection with nature is Daniel and his family's goal, offering a space outside the routine and away from the city's pace.

Tip: They offer horseback riding tours that explore the mountain ranges of the Cordillera, a unique experience in the area.

Where: From Las Vegas, enter the main street, cross the Las Mulas stream, turn right, and continue for about 4 km to the stall. Contact: +54 9 261 341-8696.

At over 2,600 meters above sea level, an old mining settlement stands. In the 17th century, Spanish conquerors and Jesuits in search of minerals arrived at this site they called “Paramillos,” a diminutive of “páramo” or desolate place. Today, the ruins fascinate visitors and invite them to explore the underground galleries of a mine full of stories and mysteries.

Within the Minas de Paramillos complex, you'll find this stall, one of the most attractive spots in the precordillera. Among its experiences, it offers barbecues with stunning views of the front mountain range. Taking advantage of sunny days to contemplate the impressive Aconcagua mountain from its terrace is the best experience.

Tip: We recommend visiting the mining ruins, where you can observe veins of various minerals and items used in the mining operations.

Where: 25 km northwest of Villa de Uspallata, via Provincial Route No. 52. Contact: Phone/WhatsApp: +54 9 261 578-4210. Email: info@minasdeparamillos.com.

At the foot of Cerro Arco and just 15 minutes from the city, this is the most visited stall by those who go trekking in the surrounding hills. With a rustic and mountain atmosphere, it offers craft beers, tasty sandwiches seasoned with native spices, and some fast food options. It has outdoor tables and offers vegetarian dishes.

You may also be interested in: Best Trekking Trails in Mendoza

With a mountain refuge style, this is one of the closest stalls to the city and is easily accessible for those looking for a quick regional experience.

Tip: It has its own museum, a space decorated with old photos and objects that silently tell the story of mountaineering.

Where: Puerta de la Quebrada, Las Heras, Mendoza. Contact: 0261 543-9114.

To the east of Mendoza, where Bonarda and Criolla wines are undisputed protagonists, we find this charming spot. Authentic and rustic, El Talerito is a field stall that offers rural cuisine, barbecue, goat, stewed meats, empanadas, and pickled delicacies.

If you choose to go on a national holiday or during special dates, this place becomes a unique experience. Locals and invited stall owners participate in a day full of rodeo, typical savory and sweet foods, and cart rides.

Tip: They host night bonfires for stargazing.

Where: Calle Talavera K18, Nueva California. Contact: 2615029252.

Salón Zequeguay belongs to the González brothers, a family that is part of the Huarpe community of Lavalle, a town with about 160 families, where you can find traditions and products typical of their roots.

The González family runs the stall, which opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am. Their traditional food offerings win over all palates with their exquisite goat dishes, stewed meats, empanadas, and typical desserts like vigilante (a combination of cheese and quince paste).

Tip: We recommend visiting the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary of Guanacache, a colonial temple over 400 years old.

Where: Pueblo de La Asunción, Lavalle, Mendoza. Contact: Phone: 261 606-0326 - zequeguay.22@gmail.com.

In the middle of the Lavallino desert, Puesto Díaz offers a 100% criollo menu with goat as the house specialty, a delicious local classic, along with empanadas and other regional dishes. The wines accompany this experience, which is further enriched with traditional customs; every weekend, after lunch hours, live music takes center stage for an unmissable folk gathering with instruments and typical dances.

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Additionally, the stall has its own farm and a complex of cabins with a pool. Getting there is a challenge, but it's worth it – just remember, you're heading into the desert, pure sand and earth.

Tip: We recommend trying the chanfaina, a stew made with goat meat, a typical dish from the Cuyo region, served with barbecue or as a main course.

Where: Calle Justo Emilio Pizarro s/n°, Colonia Italia, Lavalle, Mendoza. Contact: 0261-15255522 or 261-155253308.

This authentic Lavalle stall operates on Saturdays and Sundays for lunch, with prior reservations. It specializes in its classic goat and empanadas cooked in a clay oven, in a natural setting among chañares and retamos. They also make typical Mendoza sopaipillas and prepare the dough on the spot.

It’s an honest stall in its offerings, and if the weather is good, we recommend dining outdoors under the shade of trees to enjoy the surroundings and nature.

Tip: If you're into adventure, we recommend visiting nearby sand dunes, such as the Alacrán dune, a perfect plan to spend a night under the stars.

Where: Paraje de San José, Lavalle, Mendoza. Contact: Phone: 261-4722330.