It's been nearly two decades since Gonzalo Aramburu opened his eponymous restaurant in Buenos Aires, establishing himself as a leading figure in the local dining scene. Holding Two MICHELIN Stars since the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Argentina edition, Aramburu continues to innovate and impress diners. He showcases his distinct approach through a tasting menu that celebrates Argentina's rich produce, from Tierra del Fuego’s king crabs to San Juan’s saffron; Misiones’ cassava to Tandil’s Jerusalem artichokes, and more.
"I'm deeply focused on the restaurant, which means I often miss out on the new and exciting developments in Buenos Aires, a city that's always buzzing," Gonzalo tells MICHELIN. "However, there are a few places I regularly visit where I feel at home. They're part of my usual routine."
Here, the acclaimed Argentine chef opens up his address book for MICHELIN.
A Morning Buzz: The Shelter Coffee
“I start my day early at The Shelter, a relaxed spot with an atmosphere reminiscent of an English pub. The coffee here is superb and the setting is cozy. This moment of calm helps me prepare for the day ahead,” says Aramburu. With four locations in Buenos Aires, each café has a unique charm. Gonzalo’s favorite is in Retiro, nestled among art galleries and some of the city's most traditional buildings."This is my starting point; from there, depending on the day, I set out to visit various suppliers to chat with them and select fresh produce for our menus," he continues. This tour might include the El Redondel vegetable garden in San Vicente, La Anunciación in La Plata, as well as Mercado Central de Buenos Aires, Barrio Chino, Mercado Andino de Liniers, or even the local fair held every Thursday in Plaza Vicente López, in the same neighborhood as Aramburu.
The Shelter Coffee
Arroyo 940, C1007AAD
Buenos Aires
A Leisurely Luncheon at Roux
Gonzalo’s lunch is often grab-and-go, but on rare days when he has time for a leisurely midday meal, he chooses Roux, chef Martín Rebaudino's restaurant. "It’s a compact venue with a kitchen that masterfully blends technique and respect for the product. Martín has an impressive track record, and his experience shines through with every dish he serves."Roux’s menu highlights Argentina’s finest local ingredients—from Atlantic seafood and farm-raised pork from Buenos Aires province to lamb from Mendoza and kid sweetbreads from Córdoba. The flavors draw on French, Spanish, and Argentine traditions, brought together through the skill and vision of its chef.
Roux
Peña 2300, C1126ABF
Buenos Aires
The Golden Hour in Casa Cavia's Garden
The Buenos Aires golden hour is particularly lovely, especially when enjoyed in the inner garden of Casa Cavia, a century-old aristocratic estate."At Casa Cavia, Julieta Caruso is a truly sensational chef. From breakfast to dinner, she presents dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients. It’s a delightful spot to enjoy a meal. The lounge marries contemporary aesthetics with the property's classic architecture. But I relish sitting in the rear garden, listening to the fountain’s water flow while enjoying a sweet treat for afternoon tea," says Gonzalo. Guests can choose from a lemon curd tart with quince and sugared almonds, puff pastry filled with cream and caramelized apples, or the creamy vanilla cake with rich chocolate mousse and caramel.
Casa Cavia
Cavia 2985, C1425DDA
Buenos Aires
The Best 'Picada' at Anchoita Cava
As dusk descends, it’s time to raise a glass of wine. "A perfect spot for starting the evening is Anchoita Cava, with its carefully curated selection of Argentine wines and cheeses. In our country, we have the 'picada' concept, like the Italian antipasti, where you enjoy charcuterie, cheeses, and pickles as an aperitif before dinner." For a perfect picada, Anchoita Cava is a great choice.Under the guidance of sommelier Valeria Mortara, beverage director for the Anchoíta group (comprising restaurant, bakery, and more), this charming venue in Chacarita district has over 200 wine labels from Argentina and around the world. They also offer a range of goat, sheep, and cow cheeses aged in-house, along with a personalized selection of cured meats and preserved delicacies, featuring items like river fish mortadella or acorn-fed pig ham.
Anchoíta
Juan Ramírez de Velasco 1520, C1414ARF
Buenos Aires
Dinner with a Seaside View at Crizia
"At the end the day, I love dining at Crizia, Gabriel Oggero's venture. I'm so happy that this year, it earned its well-deserved MICHELIN Star. Gaby’s culinary creations center around seafood, working collaboratively with small producers and artisanal fishermen. Starting with an oyster there always feels like the beginning of a dreamlike journey."
Just like Aramburu, Crizia is an Argentine classic. Opened in 2004, it has moved locations twice and today, continues to impress diners with à la carte options and two tasting menus: Pure Sea and Earth Sea. Alongside its renowned oysters, a signature offering, arriving daily from Carmen de Patagones, are a selection of the freshest fish (including amberjack, grouper, sole, Patagonian toothfish, among others), various meats (beef, duck, lamb) and vegetables sourced around Argentina.
Crizia
Fitz Roy 1819, C1414CIA
Buenos Aires
Related articles:
Hero image: Chef Gonzalo Aramburu. © Aramburu
