La Zaina Cocina Patagónica
Experience the heart of Patagonia with traditional dishes in a unique, museum-like atmosphere. Renowned for lamb, steaks, and a surprising array of gl...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
La Zaina Cocina Patagónica
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the heart of Patagonia with traditional dishes in a unique, museum-like atmosphere. Renowned for lamb, steaks, and a surprising array of gluten-free options.
"Probably the best meal we had in Patagonia - great lamb, steak and trout."
Reservations Recommended
This cozy spot fills up quickly; booking ahead is advised to secure your table.
Sunset Dining Experience
Visit around sunset for a relaxed meal with views of the mountains.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Argentinian
Price
$$$
Phone
+54 2966 78-7799
Address
Gdor. Gregores 1057, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Website
linktr.ee/lazainaHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Succulent Patagonian Lamb
Tender lamb braised for hours in Malbec, falling off the bone. A must-try for meat lovers.
Authentic Patagonian Museum Atmosphere
A cozy, rustic interior filled with historical artifacts, offering a unique dining ambiance.
Exceptional Gluten-Free Options
A surprising range of delicious gluten-free dishes, including pasta and even beers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
This cozy spot fills up quickly; booking ahead is advised to secure your table.
Sunset Dining Experience
Visit around sunset for a relaxed meal with views of the mountains.
Explore the Wine & Cocktails
Enjoy local wines and expertly crafted cocktails, from classics to unique creations.
Don't Skip the Lamb or Steak
The braised lamb and succulent steaks are highly praised by diners.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
This cozy spot fills up quickly; booking ahead is advised to secure your table.
Sunset Dining Experience
Visit around sunset for a relaxed meal with views of the mountains.
Explore the Wine & Cocktails
Enjoy local wines and expertly crafted cocktails, from classics to unique creations.
Don't Skip the Lamb or Steak
The braised lamb and succulent steaks are highly praised by diners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Zaina Cocina Patagónica is lauded for its exceptional, often gluten-free, traditional Argentine dishes and cozy, museum-like atmosphere. Diners rave about the tender lamb, steaks, and excellent service, with many calling it a highlight of their trip. However, some find the prices to be on the higher side for the value received.
"Thank you Jorge & Team for this pleasant experience and service! The story of the restaurant is beautiful and so are the dishes. Every plate is made with intention and extraordinary taste. Everyone who would like to try local fresh food and get inspired by new creations, this is the place to go!🦙🐟♥️"
Rebecca Brandmeier
"Be prepared for it to be expensive and it will be brilliant. Probably the best meal we had in Patagonia - great lamb, steak and trout. Delicious wine. Great setting. Definitely recommend if budget is not the main concern."
Joe Knight
"Amazing homey place, my favorite in El Calafate! The food is just so satisfying and the people are super nice and humble. If you are in El Calafate, this is the place to have a dinner at least once! There's a nice family photography wall with the people that opened the place and a beautiful open kitchen and outdoor terrace"
Sie-Hang Cheung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
La Zaina is renowned for its tender Patagonian lamb, succulent steaks, and a surprisingly extensive selection of delicious gluten-free options.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation as the restaurant is small and popular, and can fill up quickly.
Absolutely! La Zaina is celebrated for its many delicious gluten-free choices, including pasta and even beers, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
The restaurant boasts a cozy and unique atmosphere, often described as a historical museum with rustic decor and a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Some diners have experienced live blues music during their visits, adding to the enjoyable and sensational dining experience.
Highly recommended are the lamb braised in Malbec, traditional Argentine steaks, and sorrentinos de cordero.
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Even though they don’t label themselves as a parrilla(grilled meat) place, La Zaina is one of the best options to get a succulent slab of meat. Here you can get it as your main dish in a thick juicy steak, or as a starter in a thin, fresh, serving of carpaccio with a side of arugula salad and aioli. The dark wooden interior and big open doors offer a neat, relaxed dining experience for a late lunch, or early dinner as the sun sets behind the nearby mountains.
Restaurants in Patagonia
This trendy bistro is filled with seductive cocktails, colorful plates, and fusion flavors. It might be located in a rural Patagonian town at the end of the world, but these dishes could easily come straight out of a trendy Buenos Aires restaurant---served with edible flowers, spirit infusions, and plenty of attitude.
Donde comer en El Calafate
El vino es el foco principal de este restaurante y bar y en La Zaina los amables camareros tienen un conocimiento excelente y pueden ayudarlo a combinar su comida con la botella perfecta. El interior es cálido y acogedor, perfecto después de un día de invierno viendo los glaciares, y tiene una decoración pintoresca de antigüedades y cuadros antiguos. La comida es generalmente a la parrilla con algunos extras, incluido el estofado de pescado y cordero, todos muy bien cocinados y presentados.
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The most popular dish on the menu is the lamb that’s been braised in Malbec for over four hours, and it literally falls right off the bone. The cocktail menu was also one of the best I found in Patagonia, with classics like an Old Fashioned that was as good as you can get at home. Finish your meal with the chocolate mousse topped with passionfruit ice cream.
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El restaurante La Zaina en El Calafate ofrece una experiencia gastronómica única con platos tradicionales argentinos. Su decoración cálida y la exposición de objetos históricos hacen de este lugar un auténtico museo del pasado patagónico. Los comensales elogian la calidad y sabor de los platos, incluyendo los sorrentinos de cordero y la trucha con verduras.
Dónde COMER En El Calafate
En La Zaina les recomendamos pedir un plato de cordero patagónico que esta hecho durante varias horas… se desarma en la boca😋. Otro plato recomendado es la hamburguesa de guanaco, que es una bomba de “ricura”. También probamos un pastel de batatas y guanaco, muy sabroso.
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Se trata de un lugar muy cálido, con mucha historia y una atención tan esmerada y familiar que te vas a sentir como en casa. Sus platos son deliciosos. El plato estrella es el cordero braseado al horno 4 horas con Malbec.
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Petite baraque en bois et en taule qui ne paye pas de mine mais qui vaut le détour. La viande y est succulente et très tendre. Il est préférable de réserver à l’avance car la salle est petite et peut être vite remplie.
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La Zaina (Gobernador Gregores 1057, noon-2am daily, except closed lunch on Monday). They specialise in Argentine steak and Patagonian lamb and have probably the best food in El Calafate.
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Irma the Owner welcomes you and also very kindly told us the history of the place and her family of Finnish origin. Everything is gluten free. Thank you, I will definitely return.
How to Spend 3 Days in El Calafate, Argentina
Make a reservation here in advance, as it tends to book up quickly (especially during peak season). After dinner, have a taste of local craft beer at Cerveceria Artesanal Chopen.
What to eat in El Calafate – Patagonia-Argentina.Com
La Zaina: This restaurant offers a blend of Argentine and Patagonian cuisine. You can try some regional dishes like lamb or trout, and their extensive wine list is a big plus.
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Try out Don Pichon for traditional Patagonian lamb dishes and Viva la Pepa for a fusion of Argentine and international cuisines.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit