Eating in Mendoza: What You Should Know

Mendoza is famous for wine, but the food deserves some attention too — especially if you know what to order.

The first thing to know is that Argentinians eat late. Lunch can be long and relaxed, and dinner often starts around 9 or 10pm. If you’re hungry at 6pm, don’t panic. Find a café and have a merienda instead.

Don’t miss a bodega lunch

If you have the chance, make one of your wine days a long lunch at a bodega.

Many wineries have beautiful restaurants serving several courses with their wines. It’s not a quick lunch between tastings — it’s an experience in itself.

Book ahead and give yourself time to enjoy it.

What should you eat?

Asado — Argentina’s famous barbecue, cooked slowly over embers. If you’re here, you have to try it.

Empanadas mendocinas — baked, usually filled with beef, and perfect when you want something simple and inexpensive.

Provoleta — grilled provolone with oregano. It’s usually served before the meat, but honestly, I’d happily eat it as a meal.

Milanesa — a breaded cutlet, often topped a la napolitana with tomato, ham and melted cheese.

And don’t forget dulce de leche, alfajores and medialunas. You’re in Argentina. Resistance is unnecessary.

Where should you eat?

You don’t have to stick to fancy restaurants.

Try a parrilla for meat, a traditional bodegón for comforting Argentine food, or a small local place for empanadas and everyday food.

And if you want a lively evening with restaurants, bars and plenty of people around, Arístides Villanueva is one of the easiest places to head.

One thing that might surprise you

Mendoza isn’t a place where you need to chase the most expensive restaurant.

Some of my favourite food experiences can be incredibly simple — a good empanada, a plate of something grilled, coffee and medialunas in the afternoon.

Come hungry, try the local things, and don’t be afraid to eat late. That’s probably the most important advice I can give you.