Best Buenos Aires Restaurants Under 30 Pesos

Note: This article is waaaay out of date. It was written in 2009 and updated again in 2011, but I’m sure when you are reading this, the prices will have increased many more times in this ever inflating economy we live in. The restaurants, however, continue to be cheap good options. For a more elaborate list, check out this article of Cheap Bastard Restaurants. 

Here is a quick list of some of my favorite restaurants in Buenos Aires for less than 30 40 pesos per person (about $10): 

Cumaná – Northern Argentine Cuisine (Rodriguez Peña 1149, Recoleta)

There is always a long wait, the tables are ridiculously close together, and you can barely read the menu the place is so dark, but it is consistently good and the prices have gone up only a few pesos in the past couple of years while many other restaurants have increased prices by 50%.
What to order? Cumaná has pretty standard Argentine food like pizza and empanadas, but they also have northern Argentine cuisine like locro (beafy goodness stew), lentejas (lentils) and cazuelas (umm don’t know translation, google it). Personally, I can never go wrong with a couple of empanadas and the cazuela vegetales rusticos.

Sarkis – Armenian Food / Middle Eastern Food (Thames 1101, Villa Crespo)

This Middle Eastern/Armenian restaurant has the best ranking on Guiaoleo.com, an online guide to Buenos Aires restaurants, because it is damn tasty. The idea is to order a lot of little tapas style plates (full or half orders), and go with a big group of people to try an assortment of goodness. Or, as I tend to do, go with a small group and order a varied spread.
What to order? I always have to order hojas de parras rellenas (stuffed grape leaves), ensalada belén (roasted eggplant, red peppers, white grapes, and almonds or cashews yum), morrones asados (roasted red peppers), puré de berenjena (eggplant puré). Most of these plates cost around AR$12-18 pesos. If you want something meaty, the beefy shlong with yogurt sauce served over a crisp greasy piece of pita is always a table favorite. I think I want to go tonight.

Chan Chan – Peruvian Food (Hipolito Yrigoyen 1390, Congreso)

Chan Chan brings Peruvian flavors to BA with excellent meals that are quite affordable. The restaurant’s decorations are random – murals of meadows and fields with rabbits hopping around (funny enough, conejo, rabbit, is on the menu).
What to order? Every table gets a basket of bread and canchita (Peruvian corn snack) with two sauces – one with a spicy kick. Ceviche is always extremely fresh – no fishy taste here, and huge portions are enough for two people to share. My favorite is the grilled fish, it comes with white rice and a boiled potato – simple and delicious.

Oui Oui – French Inspired Café / Brunch (Nicaragua 6068, Palermo Hollywood)

This small café has become quite trendy which is a turn off, but they do offer delicious brunch options, reasonable prices, and it’s a great ambiance.
What to order? Something off the daily special menu! Order a special breakfast combo like the Tony (eggs Benedict) or the Gallo (yogurt, fruit, granola).  
 

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