Beyond the stunning landscapes and chocolate shops, Bariloche hides a culinary scene that deserves its own spotlight. The region’s European heritage—Swiss, German, Hungarian—blends beautifully with Patagonian ingredients like wild game, smoked trout, and berries from the surrounding forests. During our time exploring the area, we discovered restaurants that made us understand why this corner of Argentina is considered a gastronomic destination in its own right.
Whether you’re craving a perfectly aged steak, authentic mountain cuisine, or the best cheesecake you’ll ever taste with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, we’ve put together this guide to help you eat your way through Bariloche. From cosy houses tucked in the mountains to lakeside tea houses with private docks, these are the food experiences that made our trip truly unforgettable.
1. Ánima Restaurante
Tucked away on Ruta Provincial 77, Ánima feels like a well-kept secret among Bariloche’s food lovers. This intimate restaurant operates from a charming house in the middle of the mountains, with only 7-8 tables creating an atmosphere that’s both exclusive and warmly welcoming. The concept here is “al centro”—dishes designed to be shared at the centre of the table, encouraging a communal dining experience that perfectly matches the cosy setting.
Owners Florencia and Emanuel have crafted a menu that showcases local, seasonal ingredients through a creative lens. The tasting menu takes you through several expertly prepared stages, each with thoughtful presentation and unexpected flavour combinations. Florencia personally curates the wine list, featuring some of Argentina’s finest bottles that pair beautifully with each course. The homemade bread and amuse-bouche starters set the tone for what’s to come.
Signature dishes: Multi-course tasting menu, shared plates featuring seasonal Patagonian ingredients
Average price: $25-40 USD per person for the tasting menu
Pro tip: Reservations are essential—this place fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
3. Familia Weiss
A Bariloche institution, Familia Weiss represents the best of the city’s German-Patagonian culinary heritage. The space is generous, perfect for groups, and the menu is impressively extensive—from house-smoked meats and fish to fondue, traditional spaetzle, and an outstanding wine selection featuring Argentina’s best wineries. The restaurant also produces its own craft beer, featuring four varieties: Pale Ale, IPA, Irish Red Ale, and Stout.
The star here is undoubtedly the “Picada Familia Weiss”—a generous platter of house-smoked meats, salmon, and cheeses that’s perfect for sharing. The smoked venison and trout are particular highlights, prepared using traditional techniques in their on-site smokehouse. Don’t leave without visiting the shop at the back, where you can purchase smoked products to take home.
Signature dishes: Picada de ahumados (smoked meat and cheese platter), smoked trout, cheese fondue, goulash, and lamb
Average price: $20-35 USD per person
Pro tip: The trout here is more affordable than at many other spots along Calle Mitre. Pair your picada with their house-brewed craft beer for the full experience.
3. Paila & Co
If you’re looking for a tea house experience that feels like stepping into a fairytale, Paila & Co delivers in every way. Located on a peninsula of Lake Nahuel Huapi about 20 km from downtown, this gem has been serving exquisite European pastries for over 15 years. The journey there—along gravel roads through the forest—is part of the experience, building anticipation for what awaits.
Sabina Wiedemann, the owner, learned her first recipes from her German mother Barbara, and that heritage shows in every bite. The apple strudel, served warm with cream, might just be the best you’ll ever taste. The Sacher torte and white chocolate mousse have earned devoted fans who return visit after visit. The setting is equally impressive: hand-painted tables and dishes, a splendid garden, and views of the lake and mountains that make time slow down.
Signature dishes: Warm apple strudel with cream, Sacher torte, white chocolate mousse, house-made scones
Average price: $15-25 USD for a complete tea service
Pro tip: Pair the apple strudel with Earl Grey tea—it’s a combination that reviewers call “a caress to the soul.” You’ll need a car to reach this place, and the access involves some stairs.
4. El Mallín
If you want to understand what “cocina de montaña” (mountain cuisine) truly means, El Mallín is your destination. This family-run restaurant on the outskirts of Bariloche, at Km 11.6 on Avenida Bustillo, perfectly captures the Alpine spirit that defines the region. The décor features warm wood and picture windows that frame the mountains, creating an atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace on a cold Patagonian evening.
The Hungarian goulash here is legendary—rich, warming, and served with perfect portions of mashed potatoes or traditional spaetzle. The recipe pays homage to the Hungarian and Slovak immigrants who helped shape Bariloche’s culinary identity in the late 1800s. Beyond the goulash, the German sausages with sauerkraut and the lamb dishes showcase the kitchen’s dedication to hearty, satisfying mountain fare.
Signature dishes: Hungarian goulash with spaetzle or mashed potatoes, German sausages with sauerkraut, Patagonian lamb
Average price: $18-30 USD per person
Pro tip: This is a family restaurant “run with love,” as reviewers often note. Book ahead to secure a table, and come hungry—portions are generous.
5. Chiado Casa de Té
Perched within walking distance of Cerro Campanario’s chairlift, Chiado offers something special: afternoon tea with what might be the most photogenic lake views in Bariloche. This cosy wooden cabin, decorated with vintage touches, has just a handful of tables inside and a lovely deck overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi. Timing your visit for sunset is highly recommended.
The cheesecake here has achieved near-legendary status among visitors—light, creamy, and absolutely worth the trip. While the fruit topping can be a touch sweet (as is common in Argentina), the base itself is perfectly balanced. The apple pie and chocolate cakes are equally impressive, all homemade and displayed in a cabinet that will test your willpower. The wide selection of teas completes the experience.
Signature dishes: Cheesecake (the must-try), apple pie, chocolate cake, and afternoon tea service
Average price: $12-20 USD per person
Pro tip: Visit during sunset for the best views and photos. Be aware that they may only accept Visa debit cards—confirm payment options before visiting.
6. Madurado Resto
For serious steak lovers, Madurado represents the pinnacle of Argentine beef culture. This lakeside restaurant specialises in dry-aged meats, with cuts aged between 40-50 days in a specially controlled chamber. The process transforms already excellent Argentine beef into something extraordinary—tender, intensely flavoured, and unlike anything you’ll find at a typical parrilla.
Located at Km 20 on Avenida Bustillo, the restaurant combines rustic charm with modern elegance. Wooden beams and stone walls create warmth, while contemporary art and ambient lighting add sophistication. The sommelier-curated wine cellar features exceptional Argentine bottles that pair perfectly with each cut. The empanada de trucha (trout empanada) makes an excellent starter, and even non-meat-eaters will find divine pasta options.
Signature dishes: 45-day dry-aged ribeye, dry-aged T-bone, empanada de trucha, housemade limoncello
Average price: $40-60 USD per person
Pro tip: Ask the staff to explain the different cuts and ageing processes—they’re passionate and knowledgeable. The lake-facing location adds to the experience. Open Wednesday to Monday, 6 PM – 11 PM.
7. La Fonda del Tío
Since 1978, La Fonda del Tío has been serving what many consider the best milanesa napolitana in Argentina—and perhaps the world. The prestigious Taste Atlas guide ranked it at position 72 among the best foods globally, and one bite explains why. Located centrally on Calle Mitre 1130, this is unpretentious, satisfying food that perfectly refuels you after a day of hiking or skiing.
The milanesa napolitana here is a thing of beauty: a massive, perfectly breaded cutlet topped with ham, tomato sauce, and a generous blanket of melted cheese. One portion is easily enough for two people—and we’re not exaggerating. The restaurant sprawls across multiple rooms on two floors, service is fast despite the constant crowds, and prices remain surprisingly accessible for Bariloche.
Signature dishes: Milanesa napolitana (the legendary one), milanesa with fries
Average price: $12-18 USD per person (portions are massive and shareable)
Pro tip: Expect queues during peak hours—the wait is worth it. They don’t accept credit cards, only debit and cash. Seriously, share the milanesa; finishing one alone is nearly impossible.
8. Stag Restó
Suspended over a wooded rocky outcrop at Playa Bonita, Stag offers what many consider the most spectacular dining views in Bariloche. The restaurant overlooks Lake Nahuel Huapi and the Andean mountains, and watching the sunset from the terrace is an experience that transcends the meal itself. Request a table on the top level for the most breathtaking panorama.
The menu focuses on regional products prepared with international flair. The organic Patagonian trout, sourced from local farms, arrives tender, moist, and paired with grilled vegetables. The philosophy here is “slow food”—no heavy sauces or over-seasoning, just the pure taste of fresh, carefully prepared ingredients. The wine list is predominantly Argentine, and the service is consistently praised as “outstanding and flawless.”
Signature dishes: Organic Patagonian trout with grilled vegetables, lamb, and regional berry desserts
Average price: $35-50 USD per person
Pro tip: Book for sunset and arrive a bit early to enjoy drinks on the terrace. The views alone justify the visit, but the food ensures you’ll remember it as one of your best meals in Patagonia.
9. Oni Ramen
Yes, ramen in Patagonia—and it works beautifully. Oni Ramen brings authentic Japanese comfort food to Bariloche, operating from Km 13.9 on Avenida Bustillo. This isn’t a traditional restaurant but rather a more casual experience, perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something different from the regional staples.
The concept is simple: well-crafted ramen bowls with rich broths, quality noodles, and carefully selected toppings. It’s a refreshing change of pace that has quickly built a devoted local following. The intimate setting and limited hours add to the charm—this feels like a discovery rather than a tourist spot.
Signature dishes: House ramen bowls, traditional Japanese preparations
Average price: $15-22 USD per person
Pro tip: No reservations accepted—just show up and be prepared to wait if it’s busy. Open Thursday to Saturday from 7 PM, and Sundays from 1 PM. They also offer takeaway.
10. Casa de Té Origen Enya
What sets Origen Enya apart is the dock—yes, an actual pier extending into Lake Nahuel Huapi, where you can arrive by boat or simply sit and absorb the views. Located at Km 14.2 on Avenida Bustillo, this tea house sits within a small forest, offering a unique combination of woodland charm and lakefront access that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The tea selection, curated by expert Tadeo, takes you on an olfactory journey through different varieties. The medialunas (Argentine croissants) are fresh and buttery, and the pastry display includes tortas and cakes that showcase local flavours. While some visitors note that prices lean toward the higher end, the setting—massive, beautiful trees, comfortable modern decor, and that incredible marina view—creates an atmosphere worth paying for.
Signature dishes: Medialunas (try them with ham and cheese), house-made tortas, speciality tea service
Average price: $15-25 USD per person
Pro tip: Take bus 10 or 20 from downtown (about 30 minutes) if you don’t have a car. The dock access is unique—walk down to the lake after your tea for photos that will make everyone jealous.
Quick Reference: Price Comparison
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Avg. Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ánima | Tasting menu | $25-40 | Special occasion |
| Paila & Co | Tea house | $15-25 | Pastries, views |
| Familia Weiss | German-Patagonian | $20-35 | Smoked meats, groups |
| El Mallín | Mountain cuisine | $18-30 | Goulash, cozy vibe |
| Chiado | Tea house | $12-20 | Cheesecake, sunset |
| Madurado | Steakhouse | $40-60 | Aged beef |
| La Fonda del Tío | Argentine classics | $12-18 | Milanesa |
| Stag | Contemporary | $35-50 | Views, trout |
| Oni Ramen | Japanese | $15-22 | Ramen, casual |
| Origen Enya | Tea house | $15-25 | Lake dock, tea |
Final Tips for Eating in Bariloche
- Reservations matter: For restaurants like Ánima, Stag, and Madurado, booking ahead is essential—especially during high season (December-February and July for ski season).
- Cash and cards: Some restaurants (like La Fonda del Tío) only accept debit or cash. Always confirm payment options, particularly at tea houses outside the city centre.
- Portions are generous: Argentine restaurants serve substantial portions. Sharing dishes is not only acceptable but often recommended.
- Timing: Lunch runs from approximately 12:30 to 3:00 PM, and dinner typically begins at 8:00 PM or later. Many tea houses are best visited mid-afternoon (4-6 PM).
Looking for more Bariloche inspiration? Check out our Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary for Bariloche with Budget Tips to plan your complete trip.