Argentina is a highly diverse country, where Indigenous cultures blend with waves of immigrants from the Spanish Empire, to the mid-20th century. Natives, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, and neighboring countries have created a cultural melting pot, which is reflected in Argentine cuisine with its unique takes on pasta, meat, seafood, wines, pastries and desserts, and characteristic massive portions.
Just keep in mind that while the country is famous for its meats, vegetarian options may be limited. That said, the experience is definitely worth it. Let’s dive into the best Argentine restaurants in Los Angeles, that would make Messi proud!
1. Carlitos Gardel
Named after the iconic tango singer-songwriter and composer, Carlitos Gardel in Beverly Grove is the perfect spot for a romantic evening. As the best Argentinian stakehouse in Los Angeles, it boasts a lovely back patio, tango music, and soft lighting that flatters everyone, setting the mood just right.
It’s renowned for its delicious cuts of meat, like the juicy ojo de bife and the charred entraña, paired with the kitchen’s flavorful garlic chimichurri. To wrap up your date night, don’t miss out on some of the many desserts filled with delectable dulce de leche (which is also Argentinian Anya Taylor Joy’s favorite sweet!)
📍 Location: 7963 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
🍽️ Must try: Ribeye Cap, Skirt Steak, Empanadas
💸 Price: $100+
2. Mercado de Buenos Aires
Filled with soccer memorabilia of the country’s heroes, Maradona and Messi, this restaurant is beloved by the Argentinian community. It showcases a menu with some of the most typical and homemade-looking dishes, while also offering a nice array of all-American meals, like huevos rancheros for breakfast. To make it even more Argentinian, the TV is pretty much always tuned to a soccer game, as it should be.
📍 Locations:
- 7540 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91405
- 16137 Devonshire St, Granada Hills, CA 91344
🍽️ Must try: BBQ, Torta Borracha, Empanaads
3. Empanada’s Place
You can never get too many empanadas—once you have one, you need another in an endless cycle of crunchy dough and flavorful fillings. That’s exactly what The Empanada Place offers, with its 20 different options to choose from, all fried until they’re bubbly and golden brown.
These crispy empanadas are overstuffed with delicious fillings like spicy ground beef, soft potatoes, or ricotta mixed with fresh basil and mushrooms.
📍 Location: 3811 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
🍽️ Must try: Spinach, Spicy Chicken, Spicy Cheese
💸 Price: $10-$20 Cash only
4. Qué Bárbaro
“Qué Bárbaro” is a typical Argentinian expression said when something is exceptionally good… and that’s exactly what you’ll be saying after visiting this place. This upscale spot is located inside Level 8, the huge nightlife amusement park in DTLA.
Qué Bárbaro serves a menu that combines Argentinian dishes with the cuisines of its neighbors, Peru and Brazil. It’s a unique combination for those who love all of South America.
📍 Location: 1254 S Figueroa St 8th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015
🍽️ Must try: Picaña, Provoleta, Swordfish
💸 Price: $100+
5. Aca Grill
Imagine the Argentinian steakhouse of your dreams in Los Angeles, but better. Why? Because the food is served quickly for avid meat lovers who simply can’t wait. Think of your typical asado (or BBQ, whatever works for you) with all the meats, chorizos, and morcilla, but also with plenty of other sides to choose from in a fast-casual setting. This is the ultimate destination for those craving authentic and speedy Argentine food in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 3062 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005
🍽️ Must try: Pork Belly, Choripán, Skirt Steak
💸 Price: $10-$20
6. Guido’s Pizza & Deli
Guido’s in Rancho Cucamonga started as an Italian deli before switching to Argentinian ownership, adding fugazettas to the menu. These thick-crust pies are topped with muzza, a saltier South American mozzarella, that bubbles beautifully in a hot pizza oven. They also offer subs, including a milanesa sandwich with provolone, and yellow mustard. It’s a great spot for Argentine food in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 9755 Arrow Route G, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
🍽️ Must try: Choripán, Lasagna, Empanadas
💸 Price: $10-$20
7. Malbec Market
If you’re looking to relax, disconnect from work stress, and reconnect with your appetite, this is the place to be. Cozy and comfortable with delicious options, Malbec Market is a must-visit on your list of Argentinian restaurants in Los Angeles. Among its iconic dishes, the classic choripán with chimichurri earns a perfect score, but you can also venture to try the grilled octopus.
📍 Location: 1632 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA 90041
🍽️ Must try: Skirt Steak, Patagonian Seafood Stew, Milanesa Napolitana de Lomo
8. El Morfi Grill
Morfi is the Argentinian slang word for food. Simple and straightforward, this restaurant caters to Argentinians with a welcoming, informal atmosphere, serving Argentine and Italian specialties for dine-in or carryout. The menu features truly authentic Argentinian meals, from osobuco to the always-popular empanadas.
📍 Location: 241 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
🍽️ Must try: Fugazzeta Pizza, Empanadas, Churrasco
9. Gaucho Grill
Gaucho Grill is an awesome Argentinian steakhouse with five locations around Los Angeles, and it’s famous for its huge tomahawk steak. The portions are super generous, so you’ll definitely leave full! Plus, the vibe is lively with live music, making it a fun spot to enjoy a meal. If you love steak, this place is a must-visit!
📍 Locations:
- 8830 Apollo Way #100, Downey, CA 90242
- 455 S Lake Ave Suite 102, Pasadena, CA 91101
- 5980 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620
- 1129 W Covina Pkwy, West Covina, CA 91790
- 780 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802
🍽️ Must try: Tomahawk steak, Choripán, Tagliatelle with Chorizo
10. Nonna’s Empanadas
You’ll love Nonna’s not just for the delicious food, but also because empanadas are the ideal snack to enjoy while exploring The Original Farmers Market. With nearly 30 different varieties available in their daily hot case, you’re likely to find something that suits your cravings. Among our favorites are the spicy salsa chicken verde, the fragrant veggie samosa, and the Cuban filled with pork, ham, and mustard.
📍 Locations:
- 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
- 8556 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
- 317 S Broadway C-12, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- 608 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210
🍽️ Must try: Carne Asada, Chicken Mashroom and Cheese, Corn
💸 Price: $10-$20
11. Rincón Argentino
Though it’s not exactly a restaurant, this mini market is packed with Argentinian food delights and prime products you can take home to cook your very own milanesa or enjoy some energizing mates. If you want to grab something to eat here, check out the ground chicken, empanadas or a stew with onions and raisins.
There’s also a fugazzeta that’s pleasantly aggressive with onions, as the recipe demands. For anyone seeking authentic Argentine food in Los Angeles, this market is a hidden gem.
📍 Location: 1375 E Colorado St, Glendale, CA 91205
🍽️ Must try: Sandwiches de miga, Milanesas, Yerba mate