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Argentine parrillaPalermo Soho
Nino Gordo in Buenos Aires: argentine parrilla room. Asian-Argentine parrilla concept; visitors expect a steakhouse and find Korean short rib and katsu.
Why locals goAsian-Argentine parrilla concept; visitors expect a steakhouse and find Korean short rib and katsu sando.
TipOrder the katsu sando and the wagyu skewers; ask for sake or shochu pairings.
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ArgentineVilla Crespo
Julia is a 22-seat Villa Crespo townhouse from chef Julio Baez; an eight-strong team runs two nightly seatings, dinner only Monday to Friday.
Why locals goTwenty-two seats in a Villa Crespo townhouse; eight-strong team, dinner only Monday to Friday.
TipBook four weeks ahead through the venue's reservation system; both nightly seatings sell out by mid-week.
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Tasting menuVilla Crespo
Trescha seats 11 around a single cedarwood counter in a Villa Crespo casona; the 15-course menu earned a Michelin star inside a year of opening.
Why locals goEleven seats around a single cedarwood counter in a Villa Crespo casona; the Michelin nod followed inside a year.
TipReservations open three months in advance; the 15-course menu changes constantly.
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Asian fusionPalermo Soho
Gran Dabbang is Mariano Ramons no-reservations, no-signage Palermo room where the nights plates land on a chalkboard; arrive by 20:00 or wait.
Why locals goNo reservations, no signage, no wine list; Mariano Ramon writes the night's plates on a chalkboard.
TipArrive by 20:00 or sit and wait.
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CafePalermo Soho
El Preferido (cafe corner) in Buenos Aires: Most visitors come for dinner; the morning-and-aperitif counter at the original 1952 bar is the locals' move.
Why locals goMost visitors come for dinner; the morning-and-aperitif counter at the original 1952 bar is the locals' move.
TipWalk in at 12:00, sit at the bar, order vermouth and a tortilla wedge.
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ArgentineChacarita
Anchoita (cheese cart) in Buenos Aires: argentine room. Visitors come for the steak; the 50-strong Argentine cheese cart is the chef's quiet.
Why locals goVisitors come for the steak; the 50-strong Argentine cheese cart is the chef's quiet flex.
TipEnd dinner with the cheese cart; ask for the Patagonian and Salta selections.