Where to Eat in Bariloche, Argentina: Best Steak, Chocolate, Wine, and More

In addition to awe-inspiring natural beauty, Bariloche is also home to one of the best food scenes in Argentina. From juicy steaks to wood-roasted Patagonian lamb to mouthwatering chocolate, this town is one of the best places in South America to eat your way through. Read on for a guide to the best places to eat in Bariloche.

El Boliche de Alberto

This legendary spot is the most famous parrilla in town, and for good reason—their steaks are second to none. They don’t take reservations and always have a line, but the wait is well worth it. I recommend the most traditional of Argentine steakhouse orders: start with a provoleta (grilled provolone cheese), followed by bife de chorizo (strip steak) and ojo de bife (ribeye) with a side of French fries, and finish with a flan accompanied by dulce de leche and cream, all washed down with a bottle of Malbec. You’ll leave completely satisfied.

La Fonda del Tío

This is another of Bariloche’s iconic restaurants with no reservations, a long line, and incredible food that is worth any wait. La Fonda del Tío specializes in the milanesa, a thin-breaded veal cutlet brought to Argentina by Italian immigrants in the 19th century. I recommend ordering it a la napolitana, topped with tomato sauce and a healthy dose of mozzarella cheese. Simply spectacular.

Mamuschka

Bariloche is famous for its chocolate, a tradition brought by the Swiss immigrants who arrived here in the late 19th century. You’ll see plenty of chocolate shops around town, but for me, there is none better than Mamuschka.

This is seriously some of the best chocolate available anywhere in the world. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into heaven when you see all manner of their chocolates on display in the large glass cases—pick out as many as you want, and err on the side of abundance. I especially love the ones filled with dulce de leche, but you can’t go wrong with anything—just trust your eye.

Chocolates Rapanui

Just next door, Rapanui is the other of the town’s two most famous chocolatiers. The chocolate here is also of the utmost quality, but what really makes Rapanui stand out is its incredible ice cream—its chocolate ice cream is consistently ranked as one of the top ice creams in the world. A cup with a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of dulce de leche is simply to die for—and why not get some pieces of chocolate while you’re at it?

Alto El Fuego

This is another excellent parrilla where you can repeat your order of provoleta, steak, and wine.

They have two locations, each with its own charm: one is in a small house at the top of a hill in the center of town, while the other is just east of town in the beautiful old train station.

Weiss Beer & Burgers

Argentina’s prowess in beef isn’t just limited to steak—it’s also used to make incredible burgers. You can get the best in town at Weiss, whose menu also features a rotating selection of locally brewed craft beers. Patagonia has a strong tradition of craft beer—Cerveza Patagonia, one of the most famous in the country, is brewed right here in Bariloche.

Chimi Bar de Choris

If you’re looking for a handheld meal, you should also check out Chimi, which serves up one of Argentina’s most humble yet delicious creations: the choripán. Consisting of chorizo (sausage) and pan (bread), with a variety of different toppings to choose from, this dish is a staple of asados (barbecues) across the country, so it’s a real Argentine experience to eat one. This bar has a great selection of local craft beers, too.

La Dulciteca

For your morning caffeine fix or for a pick-me-up after a heavy lunch, La Dulciteca has the best coffee in town.

El Patacón

Just west of town, El Patacón is a top quality restaurant for all manner of meats.

In addition to steak, this is also a great place to try cordero patagónico, one of the region’s iconic dishes, which is a locally-raised lamb slow roasted over an open wood fire.

Rincón Patagónico

Continue a little farther west to this restaurant, which is another excellent spot for steak or Patagonian lamb. They have a cozy, wooden interior and friendly service to make you feel right at home.