Palermo is a charming neighborhood brimming with dining options that are popping up at a pace that most likely makes you feel like you’re always missing out on something. That’s why discovering places that restore your sense of calm and invite you to enjoy yourself without rushing is a breath of fresh air.
If it’s been a while since you’ve gone out to eat in Buenos Aires—to a place that feels authentic even if it’s imperfect, or to a spot where showing off or being seen isn’t the most important thing—we’ll tell you about two hidden gems that are well worth a visit (and many more to come).
El Imperfecto: quebracho wood fire, clay, and unfiltered Salta cuisine
Stepping into El Imperfecto means realizing that perfection is overrated. In this corner of Palermo, there are no gas ovens or polished facades: here, what reigns is the direct heat of the quebracho wood, the oven heated over a low flame, and the unmistakable aroma of northern Argentine cuisine.
El Imperfecto was born when its founders decided to call off their wedding to invest their savings in opening the restaurant, and it’s that same passion that shines through in every dish.
Their unforgettable Salta-style empanadas—toasted over an open fire, stuffed with hand-chopped meat, and served with a spicy homemade yasgua sauce. Each dish celebrates the imperfection of artisanal craftsmanship and the deep flavor of handmade food.
There are few places in Palermo as intimate as this one, where the only thing separating you from your meal and your companions is the glow of a few candles. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to try the quesillo, which comes straight from Salta to Buenos Aires, or the tortilla with grilled sweetbreads.
- Address: Gascón 1417, Palermo.
- Must-tries: Salta-style empanadas baked in a clay oven and charcoal-grilled meats with yasgua.
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday evenings (and weekend lunches).
Humano: literature, signature dishes, and intimate encounters
Just a few blocks away, Humano offers another form of resistance. In the age of algorithms, the human touch is revolutionary, and with that concept in mind, in an intimate space seating just 22, Humano invites you to enjoy small yet great flavors that remind you of the wonder of doing something as simple as enjoying a delicious meal in good company. At Humano, you’ll choose your menu based on the kind of person you think you are, and you’ll even get to pick a song—your song—to listen to while you eat or to share with someone at your table.
Because gathering around a meal, a coffee, or a good glass of wine is a very human—and very Buenos Aires—thing to do, this Palermo restaurant hosts events where you can explore new topics guided by experts. Classic literature? Shakespeare and his plays? At Humano, you’ll find the perfect excuse to connect with others over tapas and signature cocktails.
- Address: Bonpland (check the exact street number when making a reservation).
- Must-tries: Gorgonzola fritters, signature local tapas, and their seasonal cocktails.
If you want to escape the clichés of Buenos Aires, here’s a short tour of the city’s authentic spots.
