Cafe Croque Madame; source: Laura Valerga, Wikimedia Commons

Argentina is revered for its refined and hearty cuisine, and nowhere is this more evident than in the top global food destination that is Buenos Aires. Read on to see where you can find the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, and why.

The Palermo and Recoleta districts is where visitors will find the best restaurants in Buenos Aires and perhaps the southern hemisphere. One world-renowned eatery is upscale Don Julio (Guatemala 4691, at Gurruchaga Palermo Soho) that celebrates Argentina’s specialty—steak.

Medialunas (“half-moons” or croissants) are baked to flaky perfection at Cafe Dorrego (Defensa 1098, Humberto Primero) on Plaza Dorrego. Pair them with an espresso like the locals.

Croque Madame (Libertador 1902) in the fashionable Recoleta district is a charming cafe with garden seating ideal for lunch.

In the heart of Recoleta, Oviedo (Beruti 2602, at Ecuador) may be pricey, but it’s well worth the extra pesos. Seafood lovers fresh off a cruise will love it here.

Buenos Aires restaurants are all about multicultural influences and aesthetic charm, which visitors will find in abundance at Casa Cruz (Uriarte 1658).

Food at Tô (Costa Rica 6000, Palermo Hollywood) follows a modern trend of “Frapinese” (French and Japanese) cuisine suitable for daring foodies with a taste for the new.

Contemporary Argentine cuisine is served up at Sucre (Sucre 676) where traditional dishes can be found in an exclusive setting.

Since Buenos Aires restaurants are all about new trends, the puerta cerrada (“closed door”) establishment known as Casa Saltshaker (Between Peña and Pacheco de Melo) has been a hit since it opened, especially because it isn’t an establishment at all, but the chef’s private residence. Book online and show up at his home for a globally inspired five-course meal.

Set in the city’s up-and-coming dock district of Puerto Madero, Chila (Alicia Moreau de Justo 1160) offers French-inspired Argentine cuisine in a private dining room that seats 20, max.

Osaka (Soler 5608) mixes two hot trends in the restaurant world—Japanese and Peruvian—into one brilliant experience. Dine on the terrace for the best ambience.

El Bistro (Martha Salotti 445) is a world-famous gourmet restaurant located in the Faena hotel, frequently cited as one of the top restaurants on the planet.

Cabaña Las Lilas (Av Alicia Moreau de Justo 516) is a consistently top-rated restaurant in a great location on the water that’s lauded for its excellent appetizers and professional service.

Cluny (El Salvador 4618) is one of the more informal restaurants on this list, inspired by French and Mediterranean cuisine and a definite people-pleaser in the heart of the Palermo. Perfect for picky eaters.

Pasta fans won’t leave Eh! Santino (Báez 196, Las Cañitas) disappointed. It’s cozy and quaint but elegant, serving generous helpings of well-made pasta.

Young travelers (or anyone looking for a party) will definitely find what they’re looking for at chic Godoy (Paraguay 4905) an “after office” bar and restaurant that transforms into a club where you can have a good meal, drink and dance all in one place.