Most travelers eat well in Buenos Aires but the smart ones eat with a guide.
This city is a feast for the senses, but the real magic lies beyond the obvious menus and glossy restaurant fronts. A guided food tour is the best way to experience the authentic side of Buenos Aires, where every bite comes with a story, every stop is carefully chosen, and you leave with more than just a full stomach.
In this blog, we are sharing four of the most loved and most booked Buenos Aires food tours, the ones travelers return to, guides proudly lead, and locals quietly recommend. Whether you are drawn to smoky parrillas, flaky empanadas, fine wine, or street food gems, these tours offer the perfect balance of flavor, comfort, and cultural depth.
This blog will also walk you through three important things to know before you book. If you are looking for a tailored and comfortable experience, these tips will help you choose the right tour and enjoy every bite with confidence.
4 Most-Booked Buenos Aires Food Tours
The difference between a good food tour and a truly memorable one often comes down to where you go, what you taste, and who guides you along the way. The following experiences strike that perfect balance — praised for their authenticity, warmth, and unforgettable flavor.
Over 70 percent of travelers book one of these four food tours, making them the city’s most trusted culinary experiences. Chosen for their depth, ease, and connection to local culture, these tours offer a guided path to the very best of Buenos Aires.
Tour 1: Sherpa Food Tour — Hidden Gems from Street Eats to Local Favorites
The Sherpa Food Tour is a relaxed, locally guided experience designed to introduce you to the everyday flavors that residents of Buenos Aires truly enjoy.
This walking tour takes you through lesser-known neighborhoods and local streets where food is part of daily life, not just something made for tourists. Along the way, you will stop at a curated mix of small eateries, street vendors, and traditional bakeries — all chosen for their quality, character, and loyal local following.
The food you will try reflects what people in Buenos Aires genuinely eat. Expect classic empanadas with crisp pastry and savory fillings, freshly grilled choripán served with chimichurri, milanesa sandwiches, handmade pastries like facturas, and a stop for artisanal helado (Argentine ice cream), which rivals Italy’s best. Each stop offers generous tastings, with time to enjoy the flavors and learn a bit about the cultural background behind each dish.
The tour focuses on comfort food and street staples, giving you a real taste of the city’s day-to-day culinary identity — flavorful, filling, and full of local character.
- Approximate Duration: 3.5–4 hours
- Transportation: Walking plus optional short taxi/Uber rides
- Food Highlights: Empanadas, choripán, milanesa, pastries, ice cream
- Sightseeing: Local bakeries, plazas, markets, and everyday neighborhoods off the tourist map
Tour 2: The Classic Parrilla Experience — Steak, Malbec, and Tradition
The Classic Parrilla Experience is a guided introduction to one of Argentina’s most beloved culinary traditions — the art of grilling.
This walking tour takes you through a traditional neighborhood known for its local parrillas, where the sound of sizzling meat and the scent of wood smoke fill the air. Along the route, you will visit a curated selection of family-run and time-honored steakhouses that locals trust for their quality, consistency, and welcoming atmosphere.
The food highlights Argentina’s most iconic dishes, starting with provoleta (grilled cheese with herbs), morcilla (blood sausage), and crispy mollejas (sweetbreads), followed by perfectly grilled cuts of beef served with house-made chimichurri and paired with a glass of Malbec. Many tours also include sides such as papas fritas, simple salads, and a traditional dessert like flan with dulce de leche.
This experience is centered on tradition and ritual, from how the meat is prepared to the way it is shared. With a relaxed pace and a knowledgeable guide to explain the cultural context, the tour offers an authentic and satisfying taste of Argentine grill culture.
- Approximate Duration: 3–4 hours
- Transportation: Walking only within one neighborhood
- Food Highlights: Traditional Argentine steak, provoleta cheese, chimichurri, Malbec wine
- Sightseeing: Local parrillas, historic cafés, architectural streetscapes (Palermo or Recoleta)
Tour 3: Wine & Empanadas Tasting — Small-Group, Elegant, and Story-Rich
The Wine and Empanadas Tasting is a relaxed, guided experience that highlights two of Argentina’s most iconic flavors in an intimate and thoughtful setting.
This experience typically takes place in a cozy wine bar, private tasting room, or boutique cultural space. It is designed for travelers who want to explore the rich connection between regional wines and traditional Argentine cuisine without having to move between locations. With the guidance of a local expert, you will taste a curated selection of empanadas and wines while learning about the cultural background and regional variations that make each pairing special.
The empanadas are often handmade and baked fresh, featuring different fillings that reflect the diversity of Argentina’s culinary heritage — from spiced beef to creamy corn or regional vegetarian options. Each is paired with a carefully chosen wine, including Argentina’s famed Malbec along with lesser-known varietals such as Torrontés or Bonarda.
The tasting is unhurried and conversation-driven, offering a deeper understanding of how food and wine are enjoyed together in Argentine culture. With its balance of elegance and simplicity, this experience is ideal for those looking to slow down, savor the details, and connect with the flavors that define Buenos Aires.
- Approximate Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Transportation: Single location (taxi/Uber may be needed to get there)
- Food Highlights: Multiple styles of empanadas, curated Argentine wine pairings
- Sightseeing: Intimate indoor setting, often in a private wine bar or cultural space
Tour 4: Hidden Bites in Palermo or San Telmo — Neighborhood Charm, Local Snacks
The Hidden Bites Tour is a guided walk through two of Buenos Aires’ most iconic neighborhoods, offering a taste of local snacks and everyday culture in a relaxed, open-air setting.
This tour takes place in either Palermo or San Telmo, depending on the guide and day. Each neighborhood has its own rhythm and charm — from Palermo’s leafy, mural-lined streets to San Telmo’s cobblestones, historic markets, and colonial architecture. As you explore on foot, you will stop at local cafés, kiosks, food stands, and bakeries that are popular with residents but often overlooked by tourists.
Along the way, you will sample a variety of classic Argentine snacks, such as warm empanadas, choripán with chimichurri, medialunas, dulce de leche treats, and yerba mate, depending on the itinerary. Your guide will offer context around each food stop while sharing stories about the neighborhood’s history and everyday life.
This tour blends light walking with generous tasting portions and plenty of cultural storytelling. It is well suited for travelers who enjoy wandering with purpose and discovering authentic flavors in the places locals live, work, and eat.
- Approximate Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours
- Transportation: Walking only
- Food Highlights: Choripán, empanadas, dulce de leche, mate, bakery items
- Sightseeing: San Telmo market, colorful murals, artisan shops, or leafy Palermo alleys
Looking for something more unique? Ask a local guide — they can suggest custom tours, even beyond food.
Need-to-Know Tips for a Smooth Foodie Experience
Now that you have a taste of the city’s most trusted food tours, there are a few practical tips that can help you enjoy them even more. From solo travel advice to dietary considerations and what to expect at a tango dinner show, the following tips will help ensure your foodie experience in Buenos Aires is as smooth, comfortable, and memorable as possible.
Solo in the City: Why Food Tours Are Perfect for Solo Travelers
- You get one-on-one attention. With a private guide, the entire experience is tailored to your pace, interests, and comfort level — no need to adjust for a group.
- No awkward solo dining. Your guide keeps the conversation flowing, making it feel more like a shared local experience than eating alone.
- A safe and efficient way to explore. Navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods with a local expert gives you access to authentic places while avoiding the stress of going it alone.
Vegan or Vegetarian? Here’s How to Eat Well in a Meat-Loving City 
- Private tours are easier to customize. Let your guide know in advance and they can adapt the route to include plant-based options without compromising quality.
- Palermo is your best bet. This neighborhood has more vegan-friendly restaurants, bakeries, and cafés — guides based there often have go-to spots.
- Expect local alternatives. Rather than generic substitutes, your guide may introduce you to regional vegetarian favorites you would not find on your own.
First Time in Buenos Aires? Start Here
- A private food tour doubles as a cultural intro. You’ll learn local etiquette, food customs, and neighborhood history while tasting your way through the city.
- Timing matters. Book your tour early in your trip to help you get oriented and start with confidence.
- Ask questions freely. With no group to accommodate, you can ask as many questions as you like — from how to order coffee to tipping norms or how locals eat dinner so late.
Tango + Dinner Shows: Worth It or Tourist Trap?
- Some are overpriced, but not all are tourist traps. There are excellent shows that pair high-quality performances with decent food — especially if booked privately.
- Your guide can recommend a good one. Many private tour guides are happy to suggest reputable venues based on your taste, budget, or preferred vibe.
- Prefer better food? Separate the two. Book dinner at a quality parrilla or wine bar, then enjoy a show-only ticket at a top tango venue.
Want more tips? Ask a local guide — they know the city better than any blog ever could.
How to Contact Your Guide: Ready-to-Send Templates for Each Tour
With so many incredible food experiences available, choosing the right tour can feel like a lot — especially if you want something that suits your pace, interests, and comfort level. The easiest way to get clarity? Ask the guide directly. The next section includes simple, ready-to-use message templates you can copy and paste into the guide’s message page to help you request a personalized experience that fits exactly what you’re looking for.
Tour 1: Sherpa Food Tour — Hidden Gems from Street Eats to Local Favorites
Hi [Guide's Name],
We are [number] people interested in booking your Sherpa Food Tour. We’d love to explore local neighborhoods and try everyday Argentine favorites like empanadas, choripán, and pastries. We are looking for a [x]-hour tour and would like to start from [preferred meeting point].
Could you send us an offer? We’re also interested in visiting [sightseeing spots] — would it be possible to include that in the itinerary?
Thank you!
Tour 2: The Classic Parrilla Experience — Steak, Malbec, and Tradition
Hi [Guide's Name],
We are [number] people interested in your Classic Parrilla Experience. We’re excited to try traditional Argentine steak, provoleta, and Malbec, and learn more about parrilla culture. We’re looking for a [x]-hour tour starting from [preferred meeting point].
Could you send us an offer? We’re also hoping to see [sightseeing spots] — is that something we could add to the plan?
Thank you!
Tour 3: Wine and Empanadas Tasting — Elegant, Relaxed, and Story Rich
Hi [Guide's Name],
We are [number] people interested in your Wine and Empanadas Tasting. We’d love a [x]-hour experience that includes regional wine pairings and empanadas, along with some background on local food culture. We’d prefer to start from [preferred meeting point].
Could you send us an offer and confirm if vegetarian options are available? We’re also interested in seeing [sightseeing spots] — would it be possible to include that in the itinerary?
Thank you!
Tour 4: Hidden Bites in Palermo or San Telmo — Neighborhood Charm, Local Snacks
Hi [Guide's Name],
We are [number] people interested in your Hidden Bites tour. We’re looking for a [x]-hour walk focused on local snacks like empanadas, dulce de leche, and mate, ideally in Palermo or San Telmo. We’d like to begin from [preferred meeting point].
Could you send us an offer? We’re also interested in visiting [sightseeing spots] — would you be able to work that into the tour?
Thank you!
Ready to reach out? Pick your favorite guide and paste your message to start planning.
Conclusion
Buenos Aires is one of those rare cities where food is more than just a meal — it’s how people connect, celebrate, and express culture. From steak to street food, the right private food tour makes all the difference.
With the four most-booked tours now in front of you, plus tips for planning and messaging your guide, you have everything you need to choose a tour that feels like it was made just for you.
All that’s left is to bring your appetite — and let a local Buenos Aires guide lead the way.
