StayUnico Reveals the top 5 Closed-Door Restaurants in Buenos Aires
If there’s one thing that you can find in abundance in restless Buenos Aires is a wide range of restaurants to choose from. However, when looking to get off the beaten path, the closed-door or puertas cerradas option is the way to go.
If you’re not yet familiar with the concept, the closed-door restaurants are somewhere between a private dinner and a restaurant, where the city’s top chefs invite small groups into their homes (or at least that’s how they start), sometimes at a shared table, to deliver some of their best culinary delights.
Keep reading to find out more about our favourite gems of the in-house dining scene in Buenos Aires.
| iLATINA |
One of the most renowned successes of the new Porteño dining phenoms (if not the zenith). Run by Colombian siblings Santiago, Camilo and Laura Macías, their chic spot in Villa Crespo neighborhood won them a privileged place in every South American Top 5 Restaurants list, and mentions in major publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian.
Their much talked about seven course tasting menu combines the best of Latin American flavours and the perfect crowd for some mingling, as it brings together a mix of locals, expats and first time visitors.
Tip: you will also be able to find iLatina on wheels. There are several food festival events being held in Buenos Aires, and iLatina will definitely have their food truck there. Under the motto Pura Sabrosura (Pure Taste) you will be able to try some of their delicious creations on the go.
Go to iLatina website.
| CASA FELIX |
Famed for its distinctly South American menu and beloved for its charming garden seating where they grow many of the ingredients used on the menu, Casa Felix is known for its pescetarian five-course menu and use of seasonal ingredients native to Argentina.
Chef Diego Felix and his wife Sanra greet their guests at this front door and welcome their crowd with a signature cocktail. Their six-course menu is for many a well–deserved break from city’s steak-heavy culture. Wine pairing is optional but highly recommended.
Tip: they are not only known for being a top-notch closed door restaurant, but they also offer cooking classes, workshops, tastings and pop-up events held by other cooks. Definitely a must try!
Go to Casa Felix website.
| TREINTASILLAS |
Behind a mysterious red door in the Colegiales neighbourhood lays one of the best closed-door restaurant of the city. Run by Chef Ezequiel Gallardo and with a multi-course, local cuisine focused menu that changes weekly, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
Translated as “Thirty Chairs”, Treintasillas is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings only. The chef understands the balance between fantastic food, great service and a cozy atmosphere, creating the perfect dining experience.
Fun Fact: the place is called Treintasillas, but at the venue there are actually only 20! The other 10 chairs are painted on the ceiling. Also, you can check out their menu here. Absolutely delicious!
Go to Treintasillas website.
| MO MENT |
The name says it all, but in case you need further explaining Mo Ment is about creating an amicable atmosphere where like-minded guests get together to enjoy the culinary treats of Chef Federico Cassino.
The Colegiales casona that houses this innovative restaurant immediately catches your eye with a space that feels strangely familiar. Their three or five course menu doesn’t disappoint as it works around local ingredients that vary every month, based on the best that each season has to offer.
Tip: Mo Ment is also available for private events and celebrations. It is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings only. Our favourite dish? The ribs with barbeque sauce.
Go to Mo Ment website.
| FLOR DE CEIBO |
As we write this article, down a dim street in Palermo Hollywood, some sole, pork belly, pommegranate foam and jasmine mousse is taking somebody’s palate to foodie paradise thanks to Martín Casalini, the talented hand behind Flor de Ceibo.
Their monthly, 9 course menu, leaves a lot of room for experimentation and that’s where Flor de Ceibo excels. Their well-thought-out plates are worthy of a high end restaurant, but manage to stay homey giving the evening a laid-back feeling.
Martin and his wife are very welcoming and deliver an impeccable service. When they’re not perfecting their next dish they can be found chatting with their guests, sharing stories about travel, food and wine.
Fun Fact: Ceibo is the national tree of Argentina (and also Uruguay). It blooms from October until April, and its bright red flowers can be seen throughout Buenos Aires.
Go to Flor de Ceibo website.
There’s no doubt about it, closed door restaurants are on the rise in Buenos Aires. In a city with such an intense love for food where the amount of options can be almost overwhelming, these intimate spaces provide a different, must-try gastronomic experience.