9 Essential Budget Eats in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Even with Argentina's soaring inflation, you can still enjoy budget-friendly meals in Buenos Aires. From charming local empanada joints and menú ejecutivo lunch deals to cozy grills and cheesy Porteño pizzerias, you can savor the city's flavors without spending a fortune. While comida callejera (street food) usually means quick grill carts serving up sandwiches, you can find most of the city's popular eats within any price range.

Searching for the must-visit dining spots in Buenos Aires? Check out the 38. Want to know the hottest places? Visit the Heatmap. For now, here's the scoop on enjoying affordable dining in Buenos Aires.

Empanadas

These handheld savory pockets, whether baked or fried, are a staple on nearly every city street, making them perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. Each empanada type has a distinct fold, known as a repulgue, which also identifies its classic flavors: carne (beef), carne picante (spicy beef, though not really spicy), jamón y queso (ham and cheese), queso y cebolla (cheese and onion), humita (corn), caprese (tomato, cheese, and basil), and verdura (swiss chard with béchamel). The general rule: one or two empanadas make for a snack, while three or more constitute a meal. An empanada typically costs no more than USD $2.

Where to find it:

Feria de Mataderos Av. Lisandro de la Torre and Av. de los Corrales, Mataderos. This Sunday market offers the city's best street food, including two variations of empanadas with the same name. Look for the empanadas salteñas: one is a deep-fried, chopped steak empanada from Argentina’s Salta province, and the other is a larger, sweeter baked version from Bolivia filled with stewed chicken or beef. | Website

La Cocina Pueyrredón 1508, Recoleta and Florida 142 #61, Centro. Try the house specialty, pikachu, a spicy cheese empanada. La Cocina’s second location, tucked away in a sketchy mini-mall basement on Florida Street, is only open for lunch. The main location is closed on Sundays. | No website

El Banco Rojo Bolívar 866, San Telmo. This spot offers adventurous flavor profiles that push the boundaries of traditional empanadas, featuring unique fillings like spicy braised lamb and blood sausage with apples. Closed on Mondays. | Website

Pizza

Pizza is a big deal in Buenos Aires, which proudly claims the title of South America's pizza capital. For a budget-friendly option, try pizza con fainá, a popular combination of chickpea flatbread—akin to Italian farinata—served on a slice of pizza. Varieties include napolitana (tomato and garlic), jamón y morrones (ham with roasted red peppers), or muzzarella (cheese). Cheese and onion lovers should opt for fugazzeta. Be cautious: the napkins may resemble toilet seat covers and are often found crumpled on tables.

Where to find it:

Pizzería Güerrín Av. Corrientes 1368, Centro. Since its establishment in 1932, this wood-fired pizzeria has never ceased operation. Enthusiasts often bypass the dining area to join locals who enjoy their pizza standing at the front bar. Open every day until 2 a.m. | Website

El Mazacote Chile 1400, Montserrat. A local favorite renowned for its a la piedra pizza—baked on a stone. Try the fainazeta, a delightful mix of fainá and fugazzeta. Closed on Mondays. | Website

La Mezzetta Álvarez Thomas 1321, Villa Ortúzar. This standing-room-only spot, a favorite among taxi drivers, serves up hefty slices of fugazzeta. Closed on Sundays. | Website

Parrilla

Street food in Buenos Aires features tiny joints and mobile carts dedicated to grilled meats and sandwiches. The term parrilla describes both the meat vendors and the grill itself. Pick your preferred cut—bondiola (pork shoulder), churrasquito (steak), vacío (flank), or lomito (filet)—and top it with chimichurri and salsa criolla. Ask for it completo to get it loaded with lettuce, tomato, ham, and cheese, or a caballo for a fried egg on top. Pro tip: Don’t expect gourmet bread.

Where to find it:

La Parrilla de la Esquina de Sucre y Miñones Sucre 1902, Belgrano. This unassuming grill at the corner of Sucre and Miñones has garnered a devoted fan base. Open for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday. | No website

Parrilla Mi Sueño Costanera Sur. A line of outdoor grill carts stretches along the mile-long Costanera Sur, making it a hotspot for street food in Buenos Aires. Open 24 hours. | No website

Parrilla El Litoral Moreno 2201, Balvanera. If you can’t find a seat inside, use the side window to place a takeout order and enjoy your steak sandwich in the nearby park. | Website

Bonus budget tip: Renowned upscale steakhouse La Cabrera offers a 40 percent discount on the full menu if you dine between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., well before the typical 9 p.m. dinner time. | Website

Choripán and Morcipán

Technically falling under the parrilla category, these two sausage sandwiches are special enough to warrant their own spot. Choripán, often called chori, is Argentina's beloved street food featuring sausage served on bread. The morcipán—morcilla (blood sausage) on bread—ranks just behind in popularity.

Where to find it:

Chori Thames 1653, Palermo. Experience a gourmet twist on this classic street food here. Sample the smoked chorizo and blood sausage choripanes. Pair them with a yerba mate gin and tonic. Open every day. | Website

Lo de Freddy/Nuestra Parrilla Bolívar 950, San Telmo. This cozy, no-frills parrilla doesn’t follow a strict schedule, but you can usually catch Freddy, the asado expert, grilling from around 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and then again after his nap from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. | Website

Don Niceto Niceto Vega 5255, Palermo. Feel free to show up in your pajamas at this laid-back spot where you can enjoy incredible chorizo for less than USD $3. | No website

Milanesa

Milanesa, akin to schnitzel, embodies the heart of budget-friendly Argentine comfort food. Thinly pounded veal or chicken is breaded and deep-fried, then topped with various options. The most popular, milanesa napolitana, reflects Argentina’s Italian heritage (with many Argentines having Italian roots) and features tomato sauce, cheese, and ham. Typically served with a side of purée (mashed potatoes) or fries, milanesas can be enjoyed as a main dish or in a sandwich.

Where to find it:

La Mamma Rosa Julián Álvarez 878, Villa Crespo. While most bodegóns (Argentine cantinas) serve milanesas, La Mamma Rosa stands out with its special family-recipe sauces. Closed on Tuesdays. | Website

El Buen Libro Reconquista 631, Centro. Be prepared for long lines during lunch at this popular takeaway. A half milanesa sandwich can easily serve two and costs under USD $4. Closed on Sundays. | No website

Don Ignacio Av. Rivadavia 3439, Almagro. Known as the 'Milanesa King,' Don Ignacio serves massive milanesas that barely fit on the plate. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight. | No website

Pollo a la Brasa

Peruvian immigrants introduced Argentine tastes to an exciting array of new flavors and spices, making a significant impact on the local culinary landscape. Roasted Peruvian chicken, renowned for its affordability, is a popular choice for a satisfying meal. The whole, half, or quarter chicken typically comes with a side of french fries, salad, and a variety of sauces.

Where to find it:

La Conga La Rioja 39, Once. This bustling Peruvian spot is famous for its enormous portions. A whole chicken with sides is priced at USD $15 and can easily serve a family of four. For larger groups, consider ordering specialties like papa a la huancaína, chaufa, tallarines, ají de gallina, and lomo saltado. | Website

Ice Cream

Buenos Aires, a city mad for ice cream, offers some of the finest artisanal gelato around. Heladerías serve their creamy creations in cups, cones, or by the kilo, with many offering free delivery. The gelato is typically free of artificial flavors and preservatives. Begin your taste adventure with classic flavors like dulce de leche, chocolate, and sambayón (or zabaione), which features sweet wine, sugar, and egg yolks.

Where to find it:

Ladobueno Julián Álvarez 2533, Palermo. Enjoy premium helado at unbeatable prices. A quarter kilo is under USD $4, and buying a kilo earns you an extra quarter kilo for free. Top flavors include suspiro de dulce de leche, Rocher chocolate, and apple tart. (Several locations.) | Website

Rapa Nui Av. Elcano 3127, Colegiales and Arenales 2302, Recoleta. This Patagonian ice cream shop’s dulce de leche flavors are notoriously addictive. Don’t miss the franuí, frozen raspberries enrobed in both dark and white chocolate. (Various locations.) | Website

Alfajores

An alfajor transcends the simple cookie to become a true Argentine obsession. Traditional alfajores de maicena consist of two cornstarch cookies with a layer of dulce de leche in between, all rolled in coconut flakes. They come in various forms: some with a crunchy texture, others soft and cake-like, and many are stuffed with chocolate mousse or frosting and dipped in chocolate.

Where to find it:

Los Galgos Callao 501, Tribunales. This iconic café, nestled in the courthouse district, is an ideal place to enjoy an aperitif while people-watching. | Website

Oui Oui Nicaragua 6099, Palermo. If the dulce de leche from this alfajor doesn’t send you straight to the dentist—and you’ve got room for more—try the chocotorta, a legendary dessert made from layers of chocolate cookies and dulce de leche cream cheese. | Website

Any kiosco near you Convenience stores and supermarkets offer prepackaged popular brands like Havanna (also a café chain), Cachafaz, Aguila, and Jorgito.

Allie Lazar, a food writer with a passion for choripán, is based in Buenos Aires. Connect with her on Instagram and Pick Up the Fork.