The best Argentine restaurants in Milan
Not just exceptional meat, but genuine warmth and conviviality
Milan, ever on the hunt for fresh ideas and new trends, has a food and drink scene that is constantly evolving. One of its greatest charms is its international spirit: while pasta and pizza remain sacred, the moment an exciting overseas trend arrives, we are ready to try it and share it with friends. That is exactly what happened 20 years ago with Argentine restaurants, which spread when social media did not yet exist and community was built around the warmth of loved ones and the pleasure of good food. Years have passed, but these classic South American dining spots have kept their welcoming soul while honing their craft. Rooted in a deep culinary heritage full of stories, bold flavours and respect for produce, these addresses have become staples for locals and visitors alike.
Empanadas and dulce de leche bookend dinner, but the true stars are the exceptional meats: fillet of black Angus, bife de chorizo, entraña, lomo and costillas are just some of the cuts you can enjoy. Everything is accompanied by excellent Argentine wines that dominate the cellars of every venue.
If you are a committed carnivore, you already know what we mean; if you are curious to explore Argentine cooking and see how it echoes or diverges from Italian traditions, Argentina is the culinary world for you. While waiting to catch a flight to Buenos Aires, here is our guide to the best Argentine restaurants in Milan.
El Patio del Gaucho, Javier Zanetti
Via Caldera, 3
The legendary name of Javier Zanetti stands behind El Patio del Gaucho, an Argentine restaurant on the ground floor of Sheraton Milan San Siro, overlooking the hotel’s lush gardens. The star of El Patio del Gaucho is the asador, who faithfully cooks the finest cuts of prime meat on a gigantic parrilla. Led by Executive Chef Luca Nania – Sicilian by birth, cosmopolitan by adoption – the kitchen serves grilled cuts con hueso and sin hueso (bone-in and boneless), alongside traditional provoletas, empanadas fritas, entradas a la parrilla and sweet postres to finish. An innovative Josper charcoal oven gently cooks a selection of seafood to pair with grilled vegetables. Slate, wood and leather shape the interior, with outdoor dining available as the sun sets in summer. You will be eager to book a table for dinner.
El Carnicero
Via Spartaco, 31
“You can travel the world by journeying or by sitting comfortably at the table.” The spirit of El Carnicero, as stated on its menu, is precisely that: taking guests to Argentina through the colours, aromas and flavours of the country’s culinary heritage. With two locations in the city (plus one for summer escapes to Ibiza), El Carnicero is a benchmark for meat lovers. Angus fillet, Bife de Chorizo, T-Bone, Tomahawk and Tira de Asado are just some of the 12 cuts cooked on the grill. There is also no shortage of empanadas, carpaccio, tartare, traditional sides and postres, led by dulce de leche. Both venues capture an authentic Argentine atmosphere: exposed brick, greenery and baroque mirrors in Via Spartaco, geometric tiles and wood in Corso Garibaldi. Background music ties everything together, bringing the genuine warmth of Latin culture.
El Porteño
Via Gian Galeazzo, 25
The name of this restaurant, now a hallmark of quality, is closely tied to its inspiration. In Buenos Aires, the porteños are “those from the port”, “those who arrived by boat”, living the city across generations with a resilient, passionate and melancholic spirit. Can all of this be captured on a plate? The answer is yes, when visiting one of El Porteño’s Milan locations. Warm colours and ambience, attention to detail, wooden furniture and retro flair set the stage for the menu’s main attraction: the meat. Always flavourful, it is cooked on the parrilla – as tradition dictates – and served with classic Argentine guarniciones of pumpkin, potatoes, carrots and grilled vegetables. While you wait, order a pair of empanadas to share: the fillings vary and are well worth sampling. The kitchen also prepares non-grilled meat dishes, alongside a dedicated children’s menu. Here too, dulce de leche stars among the desserts, though it is not alone. For something different, try the Don Pedro, made with whisky, vanilla ice cream and walnuts. You will forget you are in Milan.
El Porteño Prohibido
Via Macedonio Melloni, 9
More than a simple dinner, an evening at El Porteño Prohibido is an experience. Born from the success of its sister restaurants, Prohibido combines the sensuality of tango with classic Argentine cooking. Every Thursday and Friday evening, you can watch live performances by professional dancers, musicians and singers in a striking setting. A spacious venue, dark tones, soft lighting and original flooring imported from South America recreate the mood of Buenos Aires’ ‘casas de tango’. The Noches de Tango feature set tasting menus, while à la carte dining is available throughout the rest of the week, with softer entertainment to accompany your meal. Grilled meats, empanadas and other delicacies share the stage with a captivating, unique show in Milan, where surprises never end.
Don Juan
Via Altaguardia, 2
With 20 years under its belt, Don Juan was among the first to bring Argentina to Milan and earn widespread critical acclaim. The style reflects its founders: Giorgio Beretta brought Italian elegance, while his wife Marlene Gomes (Brazilian with an Argentine heart) recreated South American charm with terracotta-toned walls, wooden trays crafted in the pampas and wicker armchairs. The undisputed star of Don Juan is the meat: Bife de Chorizo, Picanha, Costillas, T-bone and other cuts tender enough to melt in the mouth. Alongside the mains from the parrilla come traditional starters like empanadas, side dishes, sauces and desserts ranging from the classic to the inventive. Don Juan was also among the first to introduce an open kitchen, visible from both the street and dining room. A delight for the eyes and the palate.
El Paso de los Toros
Via Lazzaro Palazzi, 7
If you are looking for somewhere relaxed to spend an evening with friends enjoying good food and cheerful vibes, El Paso de Los Toros is a fine pick. Opened in 1992 as the first Argentine restaurant in Milan, El Paso serves hearty traditional dishes with grilled meats taking centre stage. Alongside classic empanadas, you will find soups, vegetarian options, bocadillos (sandwiches popular at Latin aperitivos) and various desserts. The interior resembles a traditional South American home, decorated with vintage Argentine film posters, while a handsome dark-wood counter greets you at the entrance. The mood is easy-going, with friendly service, making it just as suitable for a post-work drink as for a full dinner after exploring the city centre. Let your imagination wander and you could easily be in the pampas.
Ristorante San Telmo
Via Giuseppe Meda, 29
The history of Buenos Aires is captivating enough to have inspired many venues. Ristorante San Telmo is a prime example, named after a city neighbourhood that has buzzed with life since Spanish settlers arrived in 1536. The atmosphere here feels genuine, and owner Aixa Natel, who runs it alongside her husband, ensures top-quality meat throughout. The beef arrives directly from the South American pampas and is grilled over charcoal using imported Argentine Quebracho Blanco. Prime cuts of Angus fillet, sirloin, ribeye and more come with flavourful sides. There are also the indispensable empanadas, as well as risotto, pasta, bread and breadsticks made in-house. With an intimate setting and unvarnished dark-wood tables, the spotlight remains firmly on the food.
El Gaucho
Via Carlo D’Adda, 11
Located in the Navigli district, this was Javier Zanetti’s first venture into the Milan dining scene. And who better to understand the nuances of Argentine cuisine, from butchery cuts to recipes passed down from generation to generation? Driven by a longing for the flavours of his homeland, the former Inter captain wanted to introduce Milanese diners to his roots, believing the dinner table is one of the best ways to experience a culture. At the heart of the dining room stands the parrilla, framed by warm, dark tones – dominated by burgundy walls and wooden tables. Notable mentions go to the cured meats, starting with legendary Pata Negra, and dishes inspired by family heritage, such as Flan de la abuela.
Botinero
Via San Marco, 3
Following the success of El Gaucho, Zanetti doubled down by opening not just a restaurant, but a true temple for lovers of football and Argentine food. What immediately catches your eye upon entering is an entire wall displaying the boots of football legends from Italy and abroad. Don’t assume this spot lacks elegance, though: the furnishings are stylish and the front-of-house team delivers the attentive service worthy of fine dining. The menu is varied and sophisticated: starters feature meat, fish and premium ingredients, while pasta courses offer inventive twists, such as the ‘Milan-Tokyo’ mezzelune filled with Milanese-style tripe and Japanese wagyu. Mains celebrate Argentine beef and beyond, featuring cuts from across the globe. Desserts leave nothing to chance; if you are an Inter fan, your heart will guide you straight to the ‘Triplete’: black-and-blue almond paste filled with mango ice cream, chocolate and dulce de leche.
Pampa Gourmet
Via Spontini, 12
Pampa Gourmet is an ideal spot for a traditional Argentine meal in a rustic, informal setting. With takeaway also available, it offers a straightforward formula without skimping on flavour or ingredients. Alongside a generous selection of empanadas, the menu features savoury tarts, juicy burgers with various sauces and sides, and classic grilled meat dishes. Inside, wooden tables and black-and-white tiled walls set the scene. The welcoming vibe is well suited to a casual dinner with friends, though ordering your favourites to enjoy at home is just as tempting when you simply want to unwind with good food and a glass of wine.
