
El Preferido de Palermo
A historic Palermo institution serving traditional Argentine fare with a focus on generous portions and exceptional service.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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El Preferido de Palermo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Palermo institution serving traditional Argentine fare with a focus on generous portions and exceptional service.
"Every new dish seemed better than the last. What a meal!"
Share dishes to try more
Portions are generous; sharing dishes with your table is recommended to sample a wider variety.
Book ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to secure a table.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Argentine
Price
$$$
Phone
+54 11 4774-6585
Address
Jorge Luis Borges 2108, C1425 FFD, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website
elpreferido.meitre.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Milanesa
The chicken milanesa is a must-try, praised for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. It's often shared and always a crowd-pleaser.

Generous Portions & Sharing Plates
Diners rave about the large portion sizes, making it ideal for sharing and experiencing a variety of dishes.

Vibrant Historic Ambiance
Step back in time in this beautifully decorated, historic restaurant that retains its early 20th-century charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Share dishes to try more
Portions are generous; sharing dishes with your table is recommended to sample a wider variety.
Book ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to secure a table.
Visit off-peak hours
Consider visiting during lunch or early dinner to avoid crowds and potential waits.
Strategic ordering
For a group of four, ordering just two dishes is advised due to large portion sizes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Share dishes to try more
Portions are generous; sharing dishes with your table is recommended to sample a wider variety.
Book ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to secure a table.
Visit off-peak hours
Consider visiting during lunch or early dinner to avoid crowds and potential waits.
Strategic ordering
For a group of four, ordering just two dishes is advised due to large portion sizes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise El Preferido de Palermo for its exceptionally delicious food, particularly the famous milanesa, and the generous portion sizes ideal for sharing. The service is frequently highlighted as outstandingly friendly and attentive, with staff often going above and beyond to enhance the dining experience. While the ambiance is charmingly historic, some find the restaurant can get a bit loud, and a few mention the air conditioning being insufficient during warmer times.
"Incredible place. We came to celebrate my sister's birthday and had a great time. All the food was insanely good, especially the chips, the olive oil, and the complimentary freshly baked bum-shaped bread. The staff were all so friendly and helpful. The sommelier helped us a lot with choosing a wine and even let us try before we buy. Would definitely come back!"
Noi Rotstein
"I had an amazing lunch at El Preferido in Palermo. The food was absolutely delicious—flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. The service was outstanding; everyone was so attentive and made sure I felt well taken care of. On top of that, they treated me to complimentary drinks, a side, and dessert, all of which were fantastic! Coming from the States, I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonably priced it was. It’s definitely worth every penny. Make sure to try the milanesa—it’s a must! If you're visiting the area, I highly recommend El Preferido. It’s a must-try spot, and I’ll definitely be back soon!"
Netali
"Really good service! Natasha, our waitress, was very attentive and super nice. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. We shared everything and left feeling full :)
It is on the expensive side, but both the food and the service are totally worth it."
Isa Piérola
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the restaurant is known for its generous portion sizes, making it an ideal spot for sharing dishes with your dining companions.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, as the restaurant is very popular.
The chicken milanesa is widely considered the star dish, praised for its crispy texture and delicious flavor.
The restaurant boasts a charming, historic ambiance, reminiscent of early 20th-century Buenos Aires, with a vibrant feel.
The restaurant offers vegetarian options, and some reviews mention a good vegetarian menu.
Many diners celebrate special occasions here, citing the excellent food, service, and atmosphere for a memorable experience.
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Crían sus propias reses y cultivan sus vegetales, en una estrecha relación con el entorno que los hizo merecedores de una estrella verde Michelin. A esta presencia respetuosa con el medio ambiente se le suma un pasado lleno de historia: abrió sus puertas en 1952 como un sencillo bodegón, en este icónico edificio rosado que data de 1885. En esta esquina súper transitada conviven el encanto de la antigua casa-almacén -que en el mostrador tiene colgados fiambres y pimientos para secar- con una carta tradicional de comida porteña.
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I thought the salamis were beautiful and very fresh, and we had these delicious, colorful desserts at the end. There were vegetables that I loved, like a radicchio salad. I just thought this is the kind of place I could return to many times.
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A lovely project from the team behind World’s 50 Bester Parrilla Don Julio steakhouse, the El Preferido de Palermo underwent a considerable facelift in 2019 from bodegón to fully-fledged restaurant, while managing to retain the atmosphere and flavours of years bygone. Take a seat at the bar for a view of chef Martín Lukesch and team in action, who work with seasonal local ingredients, while dipping into in-house charcuterie such as calabresa and mature bacon aged inhouse over a glass of glou-glou house wine. The list is considerably shorter than at its sibling restaurant at 100 labels, and the...
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Welcome to El Preferido de Palermo - a culinary mecca tucked away in the heart of Buenos Aires, known as the ultimate gastronomic hideout for epicurean adventurers. Step into this unassuming, old-fashioned gem and prepare to be whisked away on a taste bud extravaganza that will leave you questioning your own existence. Whether you're seeking a delightful discourse with chorizo aficionados, attempting to decipher the secret language of empanadas, or just longing to devour your weight in mouthwatering steaks, El Preferido de Palermo is the paradise you never knew you needed.
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Since the first day I arrived in Buenos Aires, a crowd of people waited for seating at two restaurants on my street at opposite ends of the block in Palermo neighborhood, Don Julio, the legendary Argentinean steakhouse, and El Preferido de Palermo. Both restaurants earned positions on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants with El Preferido de Palermo (meaning Palermo’s Favorite) sitting at No. 22, beating out other prestigious fine dining restaurants. I’m always skeptical of hyped up restaurants because they tend to lose a bit of their luster over time.
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El Preferido de Palermo stands as a prime illustration of how traditional Argentine cuisine can be ingeniously reimagined while preserving its classical core. Nestled in the vibrant Palermo Soho, this enduring establishment, operational since the mid-20th century, delivers an unparalleled dining encounter that marries historical charm with contemporary sophistication. Occupying a strikingly restored pink edifice from 1885, it boasts original antique floor tiles, lofty ceilings, and an eye-catching pink marble bar.
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Sister restaurant to legendary steakhouse Parrilla Don Julio, El Preferido de Palermo is equally venerable in its own right as a classic bodegón (tavern). Given an interior facelift four years ago, executive chef Guido Tassi constructed a glass-fronted charcuterie cellar, while the marble counter offers a window into chef Martín Lukesch’s kitchen, where he updates classic dishes. Start with prosciutto and bondiola before tackling the star turn of bife de chorizo milanesa (escalope).
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In the heart of Palermo, this pink-hued eatery, El Preferido de Palermo, offers a nostalgic trip into the Buenos Aires of yesteryears. Initially opened as a grocery store in the 1950s, it has been revived into a modern bistro that still retains its vintage charm. The allure of El Preferido de Palermo is in its ability to blend the old with the new, serving up classic porteño fare such as milanesas (breaded meat cutlets) and lentejas (lentil stew) alongside inventive small plates.
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One of the most emblematic of watering holes in Buenos Aires, El Preferido’s reputation precedes it. Starting out life as a grocery store, over the years it has also morphed into a restaurant, belonging to the same family since it opened in 1952. El Preferido’s pale pink exterior is a beacon on busy Borges street for those who prefer the venerable Palermo institution that outshines many hip joints nearby.
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From the folks who brought you Don Julio (the top restaurants in South America) comes this re-invented traditional Argentinean eatery. The original owners of El Preferido opened nearly 100 years ago, but as these things go, decided to close their doors at some point. Enter the owners of Don Julio, who couldn’t bear to lose this classic restaurant, and you have yourself new life at El Preferido.
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El Preferido de Palermo, the casual spot from the Don Julio team, is a charming neighborhood restaurant located just one block from the flagship. There’s always a buzzy atmosphere here, full all day with locals and tourists alike. On the menu you’ll find seasonal produce and simple housemade food like charcuterie, mezze, Spanish omelettes, black pudding, and Italian Milanesa (beef schnitzel).
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El Preferido de Palermo offers a relaxed and welcoming setting in Buenos Aires, known for its attention to detail and thoughtful service. It draws on local and international inspirations, using quality ingredients to create simple, flavorful meals. Whether you’re visiting for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner, it’s a spot that leaves you feeling well cared for.
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This is one of the best spots to eat in the trendy Palermo neighborhood. The menu is full of Argentinean specialties like Milanesa fugazzeta en el Prefe., Canelones en el Prefe, and Chupín de mero. Dining out in Palermo for dinner is a fantastic choice in Buenos Aires because this district is where travelers will find some of the city’s best nightlife.
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Não é a primeira vez que o El Preferido de Palermo aparece na lista. Após ocupar o 47° posto na lista de 2020, esse ano a esquina mais linda de Palermo voltou com toda a força. No cardápio, pratinhos charmosos e belamente apresentados convidam a viajar pelas influências dos imigrantes italianos e espanhóis que se instalaram em Buenos Aires.
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El Preferido is the more traditional option, and serves both meat and plant-based dishes. Set in a corner unit of a period unit, it was opened in 2019 by the same team that is behind the famous Don Julio steak house. Since then, it has already ranked among the best restaurants in Latin America, according to The World’s 50 Best.
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Don Julio was so good that the next night we visited its sister restaurant, El Preferido de Palermo, and it was another belter. Less meaty, more fun and funky, with great cocktails and even salad and vegetables, which didn’t get much of a look-in from me at the steak joint. After all, you don’t win friends with salad.
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El Preferido de Palermo is a vibrant and authentic Argentine restaurant located in Buenos Aires. Known for its delicious traditional dishes, warm atmosphere, and friendly service, it offers a true taste of Argentina's culinary heritage. A must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Palermo.
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Beloved Argentinean classics and fresh respectful takes round out the menu at El Preferido Palermo. , in the Palermo area of Buenos Aires, has been a go-to spot for beloved classic dishes like enormous. (pounded and breaded beef or chicken), homemade pasta dishes, Spanish tortillas, and French fries since 1952.
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Owned by the same people behind the famous Don Julio parrilla, El Preferido is an upscale take on the classic Argentine bodegón. It’s set in an old house with pink walls (you can’t miss it) and is typically overflowing with diners. You’ll find everything from milanesas to ravioli to dulce de leche pancakes.
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Bodegones são restaurantes tradicionais de bairro, que lembram as cantinas italianas de São Paulo, e servem comida farta e em conta. Alguns também funcionam como armazém. El Preferido de Palermo era um desses bodegones até fechar, em 2018, sucumbindo à gourmetização generalizada do pedaço.
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Brandariz: “Nicky Harrison is a unique and upscale speakeasy, with a sushi restaurant where you can have dinner. Another option, for an authentic porteño experience, is El Preferido de Palermo. Founded in 1952, El Preferido used to be an almacén, a local family grocery store.
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El Preferido de Palermo es un restaurante en Buenos Aires que ofrece auténtica comida argentina y es adecuado para vegetarianos. Destaca por su ambiente acogedor y la esmerada atención de su personal. Los clientes elogian la calidad de las milanesas y las papas fritas.
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Lejos de lamentar el retroceso en la lista, Pablo Rivero y Guido Tassi celebraron por partida doble porque El Preferido de Palermo se ubicó en el puesto 17. En síntesis, los dos mejores argentinos en el Top 20 tiene como denominador común al team Rivero-Tassi.
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EL PREFERIDO DE PALERMO | This classic bodegon (greasy spoon) closed during the pandemic, to the horror of many. Then to our delight, it re-opened under new management (the same owner as Don Julio). She was re-modeled into a fancier version of her older self.
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Después de Don Julio, las ubicaciones fueron las siguientes: Mishiguene (puesto 8), Chila (19), Tegui (16), Gran Dabbang (34), Osaka (38), El Baqueano (39), Narda Comedor (40), Aramburu (43) y El Preferido de Palermo (47).
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Fortunately, it reopened under the watchful eye of Don Julio’s restaurateur Pablo Rivero, who not only renovated the entire space, but called in chefs Guido Tassi and Martín Lukesch to take over.
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A relaxed neighborhood restaurant housed within a pink-painted build. The head chef creates classic small plates, which can be enjoyed with a glass of natural vino from the exclusive wine list.
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El Preferido de Palermo: Locro elaborado con chacinados de su cava (garantía de que nada puede fallar) a $ 500 cada porción. También van a tener pastelitos a la altura de la fecha.
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It also confirmed what many diners already knew: Parrilla Don Julio, Crizia and El Preferido de Palermo really are the bees’ knees, picking up red and green stars between them.
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El Preferido de Palermo is a great dinner spot owned by the team behind Don Julio. Their milanesas (breaded meat cutlets) are delicious. Reservations recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit