Steeped in faded European grandeur, deep-seated melancholy, and an obsessive dedication to psychoanalysis, Buenos Aires is a city that practically begs to be dissected over a heavy meal. When Parts Unknown arrived in 2016, the objective was highly introspective: to explore the psychological weight of the Argentine capital while partaking in its legendary, meat-heavy culinary rituals. The food scene here operates with a beautiful, stubborn simplicity, revolving almost entirely around the primal magic of wood fire, massive cuts of beef, and the lingering influence of Italian and Spanish immigrants. Instead of focusing solely on the polished steak houses of the elite, the narrative dug into the soul of the city—family-style joints serving perfect empanadas, sprawling working-class grills honoring the flame, and historic corner cafes perfect for nursing a beer and a plate of picada. It is an exploration of a culture that uses food and conversation to constantly psychoanalyze itself. To truly understand the romantic, dramatic heart of this metropolis, one must pull up a chair at these essential, meat-centric institutions.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Buenos Aires on his show Parts Unknown, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased in a convenient list.
This is Parts Unknown, season 7, episode 8. It first aired on June 12, 2016.
DISH – “Family Style Dishes” – Anthony Bourdain Buenos Aires
WHAT IS IT?
They had empanada, beef and blood sausage.
“Now that’s exciting. That’s one of my favorite things, I love it.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Don Carlos
Brandsen 699, C1161 CABA, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
STATUS (2026): ✅ Still open. Note: closed Sundays and on Boca Juniors home game days.
READ MORE: INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN BUENOS AIRES: 15 PHOTOGRAPHY DESTINATIONS
DISH – “Meat Extravaganza” – Anthony Bourdain Buenos Aires
WHAT IS IT?
They had parilla or traditional Argentine grilled meat consists of achurras or kidney of cattle, chorizo, black sausage and intestines.
“Wow, I don’t think that’s enough. Meat is king and fire, and we shall go hard in honoring the flame.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Los Talas del Entrerriano
Av. Brig. Gral. Juan Manuel de Rosas 1391, B1655 José León Suárez, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
STATUS (2026): ✅ Still open. Cash and Argentine debit cards only — no credit cards. About 45 minutes from the city centre; plan accordingly.
DISH – Pizza and Beer – Anthony Bourdain Buenos Aires
WHAT IS IT?
They had pizza and beer.
“Yeah…Okay, this is perfect for me. I’m sittin’ down, drinking beer, it’s alright honestly.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Rivera Sur de la Boca
Av. Suárez 699, C1160 CABA, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
NOTES
STATUS (2026): ❌ Closed. This restaurant has since shut its doors.
READ MORE: BEST SHOPPING IN BUENOS AIRES: 15 PLACES TO EXPLORE
DISH – “Argentinian Picada” – Parts Unknown Buenos Aires
WHAT IS IT?
They had picada or a big tray of snacks served with them consists of cheese, meats, olives, fruits, nuts, and leftovers.
“If you’re a cheap tipper by the way or rude to your server, you are dead to me. You are lower than whale feces.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
El Hipopótamo
Avenida Brasil 401, 43008450, C1154AAE Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
STATUS (2026): ✅ Still open.
READ MORE: FREE THINGS TO DO IN BUENOS AIRES: 10 ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY
The journey to Buenos Aires stands out as perhaps the most deeply personal and revealing hour of television he ever produced. By weaving his own on-camera therapy sessions into the exploration of the city’s meat-heavy culture, it shattered the conventional boundaries of a travel show, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the host’s own struggles. In his broader body of work, this episode is a masterpiece of vulnerability, proving that the search for a perfect meal is often a search for internal peace. The stunning juxtaposition of the city’s crumbling elegance and its fiery, life-affirming cuisine makes it an unforgettable experience. Surrender to the rhythm of the city, embrace the wood smoke, and let the conversation flow deep into the night.
