The Top Argentinian Restaurants in London

If you ask us, there’s nothing quite like a juicy steak and no country knows this better than Argentina. Thankfully for Londoners, Argentines are sharing that knowledge in many authentic restaurants throughout the city.

This then begs the question, which is the best Argentinian restaurant London has on offer? The team at Quisine were keen to find that answer, so we’ve done some digging and picked our favourites. From leading steakhouses to empanada shops, the list features multiple eateries that will make your mouth water. And, as the epitome of romantic dining, we recommend booking you and your other half in for a date night or Valentine's Day dining experience at one of the following spots...

Argentinian cuisine

Argentinians truly love meat. Just take Anthony Bourdian’s word for it. Or rather, acquaint yourself with South America’s favourite chef, the Argentine Francis Mallmann who seems to be the world’s best barbecue master.

In comparison to veganism rising elsewhere, Argentines still consume an average 70kg of beef a year. Their love of beef is not only noteworthy, but absolutely fundamental to Argentinian cuisine, traditionally cooked over the licking flames of an open grill.

Common meat cuts in Argentina

🥩 Bife de chorizo – sirloin steak

🥩 Lomo – fillet/tenderloin steak

🥩 Ancho ojo de bife – ribeye steak

🥩 Cuadril – rump steak

🥩 Picana – premium steak from the top of the rump

🥩 Costilla – T-bone/porterhouse steak

🥩 Vacio – flank steak

🥩 Angosto – striploin steak

🥩 Entraña – skirt steak

🥩 Asado – short ribs

🥩 Mollejas – sweetbreads

🥩 Chorizo – sausage (but not spicy)

Yet beyond high-quality steaks and signature cuts, Argentinian restaurants also offer other specialities which are unique to the South American enclave. You can find more tips for dining at an Argentinian restaurant here.

But enough talking… it’s time to find out the best steakhouses and Argentinian restaurants in London.

London’s Top Argentinian Restaurants

1. Gaucho

You can’t get far in conversation about Argentinian restaurants in London without mentioning Gaucho. We admit, it is a chain restaurant. Yet they keep it classy and these guys have certainly raised the bar for steak. The meat quality is top shelf, this because all beef comes from Black Angus free-range cattle bred in the Pampas area of Argentina. Just make sure you enjoy it with chimichurri salsa, not peppercorn or béarnaise sauce (aka utter blasphemy).

Steaks available: cuadril (rump), ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet), picana (top rump cut).

Book a table now: Broadgate , Canary Wharf , Chancery Lane , Charlotte Street , City , Hampstead , The O2 , Piccadilly , Richmond , Sloane Square , Smithfield , Tower Bridge

2. Buen Ayre

If you want to support a local restaurant, in contrast to a big player like Gaucho, our top pick is Buen Ayre. This Hackney restaurant is led by John Rattagan, a passionate chef raised in Argentina. The beef is grass-fed and free-range, also hailing from Argentina. But furthermore, Buen Ayre shines because it also serves more irregular Argentinian delicacies. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the mollejas sweetbreads (throat or stomach cuts) or the sliced ox tongue as a starter.

Steaks available: cuadril (rump), ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet), asado (short ribs).

Open Sunday to Thursday, 12 – 10pm; Friday & Saturday, 12 – 10:30pm 50 Broadway Market, Hackey, London E8 4QJ

3. La Patagonia

This popular Camden eatery is dedicated to recreating the authentic vibe of a “barrio”, a typical informal restaurant in Argentina. Hence La Patagonia’s ambience is cosy and welcoming, making it the perfect setting to savour good food and wine. Order something from the charcoal grill and enjoy a glass (or several) of Malbec wine from the Mendoza region. This place has limited seats, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Steaks available: cuadril (rump), ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet), entraña (skirt), asado (short ribs).

Open Mon – Thurs, 12 – 3pm & 6 – 10:30pm; Friday, 6 – 10:30pm; Weekends, 12 – 11pm. Located at 31 Camden High Street, Camden, London NW1 7JE.

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4. Comedor Grill & Bar

Bringing a contemporary approach to Argentinian cooking, Comedor Grill & Bar offers both classic and modern South American dishes. Due to such creativity, you’ll find things like gambas tostadas with sweetcorn, a short rib burger with pickled jalapeños and cucumber, or dulce de leche cheesecake. As expected for any Argentinian restaurant in London, steaks are also in abundance.

Steaks available: cuadril (rump), ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet), picana (top rump cut), costilla (T-bone), asado (short ribs).

Open Monday to Friday, 5 – 11pm; Weekends, 11am – 11pm. Located at 176 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1RG.

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5. Cabrera

Although quite far from central London, a trip to Cabrera is absolutely recommended. This modern steakhouse keeps it simple and lets their beef do all the talking. The menu is short, but nicely curated. Guests can graze on empanadas, padron peppers and chorizo before digging into the juicy mains. And when you team the great food with a charming and casual atmosphere, it’s little wonder why this neighbourhood eatery is a local favourite.

Steaks available: ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet).

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30 – 11pm; Sunday, 12 – 9pm. Located at 133 Burnt Ash Road, Hither Green, London SE12 8RA.

6. Constancia

This Argentinian grill house has a menu packed with delicious specialities, more so than other restaurants on the list. If you’re looking for something more than steak, Constancia is definitely the place for you. Customers can enjoy homemade empanadas, morcilla black pudding, grilled sweetbreads and traditional flan with dulce de leche for dessert. Better yet, this atmospheric restaurant is also family-run and independent. You can sense that passion is undoubtedly the key ingredient.

Steaks available: ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet).

Open Mon – Thurs, 5:30 – 10:30pm; Friday, 12 – 2:30pm & 5 – 10:30pm; Saturday, 12 – 10:30pm; Sunday, 12 – 9:30pm. Located at 52 Tanner Street, St Saviours Estate, London SE1 3PH.

7. Porteña

And finally, we couldn’t write an article about the best Argentinian restaurants in London without listing an empanada joint. Consequently, we picked Porteña, a casual and bustling eatery in Borough Market. These guys serve a range of Argentinian street food, wine and beer. The empanadas are stand out, but they also serve authentic rump sandwiches and grilled provoleta cheese. Also worth mentioning are their sweet treats – not to be missed!

Empanada flavours: beef, chicken, ham and cheese, spinach and ricotta, provolone cheese and caramelised onion.

Open Monday, 10am – 5pm; Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 11pm; Saturday, 8am – 11pm. Located at Borough Market, 7A Stoney Street, City, London SE1 9AA.

More Argentinian steakhouses in London

Casa Malevo

Steaks available: ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet), vacio (flank).

23 Connaught Street, St George’s Fields, London W2 2AY

Santa Maria Del Sur

Steaks available: cuadril (rump), ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet).

129 Queenstown Road, Battersea, London SW8 3RH

Omnino Steakhouse

Steaks available: cuadril (rump), ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet), picana (top rump cut).

78-79 Leadenhall Street, City of London, London EC3A 3DH

Chimichurris

Steaks available: ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), asado (short ribs).

132 Southwark Bridge Road, Newington, London SE1 0DG

Zoilo

Steaks available: ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), vacio (flank), asado (short ribs).

9 Duke Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3EG

Moo Cantina Pimlico

Steaks available: cuadril (rump), ancho ojo (ribeye), lomo (fillet), asado (short ribs).

43 Vauxhall Bridge Road, Pimlico, London SW1V 2TA

Bariloche

Steaks available: cuadril (rump), ancho ojo (ribeye), chorizo (sirloin), lomo (fillet).

145-149 Battersea High Street, Battersea, London SW11 3JS