Buenos Aires: Women-Owned Restaurants & Bars

Looking to support the creative and captivating women that give Buenos Aires its cool factor? Don't miss these women-owned restaurants, bars, and cafés on your next visit. 👉 Worked up an appetite and ready to book a table? Leave a tip on this free guide and get in touch; I'll make the reservation arrangements for you.

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BA's Best Women-Owned Restaurants & Bars

In a city dripping with machismo, it's refreshing to discover the women behind some of the best places to eat, drink, and be merry around Buenos Aires. These movers and shakers are rolling up their sleeves and changing the name of the game, from Palermo to San Telmo - and beyond.

Anafe

@paigenichols

From its humble beginnings as pop-up to winner of the Michelin guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction, Anafe is a perfect reflection of the leaps & bounds Argentine cuisine has made in recent years. Run by the intrepid Mica Najmanovich (and her partner Nico Arcucci), Anafe serves up classic dishes with a decidedly modern and global twist. Though you'll always find its iconic paté on the menu, seasonal changes mean you'll never miss a chance to try something new and exciting. A well-curated wine list and laid-back atmosphere make it a place to see and be seen, and no matter who you invite to sit at your table is sure to be impressed.

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Na Num

@paigenichols

Unbeknownst to many, a majority of the Korean restaurants in Buenos Aires are tucked away behind nondescript doors in residential neighborhoods far from the tourist-friendly hotspots. While this tradition remains alive and well, the next generation is being spearheaded by Lis Ra's NaNum, located in the trendy Chacarita part of town. Imagine classic Korean flavors infused with an elevated, contemporary twist. The open kitchen lets you in on the action, perfect for newbies curious to learn more. Colorful and creative, dishes range from mussel ceviche to spicy Tteokbokki, and more. With a mention in the first-ever Michelin Guide for Argentina, there's no doubt that Na Num is going places.

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ApuNena

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Named after co-owner Christina Sunae's grandmother, ApuNena breaks the mold with its bold flavors and creative combinations. Combining the Asian tradition of street food and the Spanish ritual of tapas, this Chacarita restaurant isn't afraid to shake up the local palate. From vegetarian baos to Filipino kinilaw, red curry prawn empanadas and more, a visit to ApuNena is truly a culinary adventure.

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Catalino

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Serving up "honest food" made only with the best organic and locally-sourced ingredients, Catalino is a charming, unassuming restaurant run by two sisters in the Colegiales neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Once a closed-door operation, Catalino now offers weekly dinner service and lunch on the weekends (walk-in only). Most of its dishes blend seasonal flavors with classic Argentine recipes and are prepared in a clay oven, serving as a reminder that veg-forward plates are the wave of the future. Bonus points if you snap a selfie with the in-house chicken, Catalina.

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LA GARAGE

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Small but mighty, La Garage churns out a tantalizing array of sweet and savory treats from its compact Palermo Hollywood outpost. From buttery croissants and gooey chocolate chip cookies to puff pastry with fresh asparagus and peas, it's nearly impossible to decide what to order. Made with high-quality, seasonal, and fresh ingredients, everything at La Garage is a nearly utopian example of the porteño passion for pastry.

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Pain et Vin

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Argentina might be known for its multi-generation winemaking tradition, but its locals only recently warmed to the concept of drinking by the glass. Pain et Vin pioneered this trend over a decade ago, with married duo Eleo and Ohad providing a high-end experience in a laid-back setting. Serving a hyper-curated selection of the country's best wines, this wine bar showcases the traditional heavyweights alongside more innovative and experimental labels. A menu of veg-forward small plates rounds out the experience. Its cozy Palermo outpost has always been a favorite with visiting tourists, but a savvy pivot during an extended COVID quarantine solidified its spot in the hearts of locals, too.

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Cochinchina

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When it comes to cocktails in Buenos Aires, Inés de los Santos is the godmother of it all. With decades of experience under her belt, from the early days of stalwart Gran Bar Danzón to running her own mobile drinks business Julep, her talent and vision are absolutely the stuff of legend. CoChinChina is inspired by French Indochina (primarily Vietnam), and offers you the chance to travel to far-off lands without leaving Palermo. An enticing fusion of global flavors, both the cocktails and the food will prove a delight to even the most jaded of palates. If you're looking for a dose of something sleek, sexy, and fun, you've come to the right place. After all, there's a reason it was recognized by the World's 50 Best Bars.

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La Alacena Trattoria

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In a country with no shortage of Italian heritage and tradition, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. Luckily, La Alacena has no problem doing so, as it serves up some of the most incredible pasta Buenos Aires has to offer. Located on a sunny and tranquil Palermo corner, this charming trattoria uses the best seasonal ingredients around to make any pasta-lover's heart sing. From ricotta tortellini with mortadella and pistachio, squid-ink spaghetti, and meatballs so good they rival your nonna's, head chef Juli Oriolo knows her stuff. Make sure you save room for dessert! The chocolate mousse with Amarena cherries and the tiramisú, both made in-house (of course), can't be missed.

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Pastelería Labán

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Your life truly isn't complete until you've tried the famous "macarón helado" from Laban. A dreamy hybrid between an ice cream sandwich and a French macaron, classic flavors include pistachio, vanilla with raspberry and mascarpone, and coffee, with limited-edition flavors that change monthly. Laban is a carb-lover's paradise, with flaky croissants, sweet and tender canelés, profiteroles, and so much more. The team is freshly arrived to a new location in Palermo, but fans can often find them at special pop-ups all over town. Keep an eye on their Instagram for all the details.

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Casa Cavia

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No, you're not dreaming: Casa Cavia really is this beautiful. A luxe and verdant jewel box located in the chicest corner of Palermo, this is a perfect place to indulge and treat yourself as you get some respite from BA's fast-paced rhythm. Housed in a perfectly-preserved mansion that dates to 1927, the space boasts a charming inner courtyard with lush greenery (and a secret flower shop to boot!). Inside you'll see that no detail has been overlooked, inviting you to stay as long as you'd like. With a 2024 Michelin Guide mention under its belt thanks to head chef Juli Caruso, Casa Cavia serves elegant and modern cuisine with a strong focus on quality seasonal ingredients. Don't forget to have an after-dinner drink at the buzzing cocktail bar before you call it a night.

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Nilson

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With its cobblestone streets, antique architecture, and myriad antique shops and stalls, San Telmo is the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon in Buenos Aires. When you're ready for a break - and perhaps a libation to celebrate any recent purchases - Nilson comes to the rescue. Petit yet perfectly located next to the old Market Building, this wine bar is the ideal spot for a quick copita and simple yet tasty bite before moving on to your next adventure. The selection is thoughtful and elevated, without being snobby (or breaking the bank).

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paige Nichols

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👋 Hi there! I'm Paige, a Washington, D.C. native that has called Buenos Aires home for the last 17 years. My greatest passion is helping others fall in love with Argentina as much as I have, particularly through the lens of culture & cuisine. 🍷 I work in luxury travel and have been writing about food & wine for nearly a decade. It's my personal mission to peel back the layers of Buenos Aires so others can discover all of the magic that it contains. ✨ My guides and recommendations include the can't-miss highlights that make Argentina so sought-after, with a curated focus and polished perspective that transcend surface-level stereotypes. 🔎 Looking for the perfect blend of classic and cool? Keen to save yourself endless hours of research combing the Internet for vetted tips that will take your experience to the next level? Curious to cut through the junk and hone in on the movers & shakers that make the city so electric? You've come to the right place! 🇦🇷 My love for Buenos Aires is present in everything that I do, and my years of working in travel and media mean I've got my finger on the pulse and know what discerning travelers are looking for. 🏆 Argentina is a bucket list-level destination; your itinerary should be just as epic. I can guide you through the process, answering any and all questions that pop up along the way. Think of me as your trusted advisor and friend - I won't steer you in the wrong direction, and I've got the street cred to back it up.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina