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· Web viewThe Lakes District and Patagonia are, rightfully so, world famous for their natural beauty, unexplored terrain, and unlimited year-round recreational opportunities. Many

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The Lakes District and Patagonia are, rightfully so, world famous for their natural beauty, unexplored terrain, and unlimited year-round recreational opportunities. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised to learn of plentiful and excellent dining options in the area. From succulent steaks to seven-course gourmet extravaganzas, from mouth-watering microbreweries to incredible international cuisine, there is something for everyone.

Bariloche Restaurant Guide is a concise collection of over 50 of Bariloche’s many excellent dining options. With the help of other locals, we have searched out the best places to eat, and compiled this easy-to-follow, English compilation, which gives you an overview of Bariloche’s most worthy dining experiences as well as their locations, hours, website addresses (where applicable), and other useful notes.

WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL BARILOCHE!

San Carlos de Bariloche is Argentina’s gateway to awe-inspiring Patagonia. It is a majestic, enchanting land; rich in amazing forests, incredible views and impressive outdoor activities and excursions. But beyond the stunning beauty and flourishing national parks, Bariloche is a city filled with culture, gourmet dining and first-class amenities.

Bariloche is considered to be one of Argentina’s favored gourmet dining cities, Buenos Aires being the other. However, many of Bariloche’s tastiest eateries are camouflaged, operating behind an unassuming exterior, off the beaten path and oft-times without any advertising.

And so this handy guide was created to help reduce the time-intensive search for fabulous eating and drinking options. We have included the restaurants we believe are worthy; those where we would gladly dine again and again or which have been recommended by local friends we trust to have a refined palate. It is a non-biased guide, written with no obligation, owner's knowledge or relationship to the restaurants listed. Think of it as a little inside knowledge from one friend to another.

Each section is broken down into types of cuisines and then listed by location, moving from city center out towards Llao Llao. The rating system is based on an easy-to-follow five-star system: five stars being the best, one being the worst.

If the restaurant has a website, we have included it, just click on the name. May your dining experiences equal the amazing nature of Bariloche.¡Buen Provecho!Karen y Carl

BreweriesBariloche is the microbrew capital of Argentina. Although there are a few breweries in the surrounding areas of El Bolson and Villa La Angostura, Bariloche has the largest concentration. There are new brands popping up all the time. All of the breweries offer food to complement their vast beer selection. Most cervecerias offer a

sampler of small glasses, giving you a taste of each type of their beer. Saludos!

Antares3.5 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 4 stars beerLocation: Elflein 47, Bariloche centerTelephone: 431 454www.cervezaantares.comHours: 1 p.m. to 3 or 4 a.m. (until there are no more people)The Antares brewery, hailing from Buenos Aires, considers itself to be the most famous microbrew in Argentina. The modern bar is a popular tourist hangout due to its central location. They have live music on Thursdays and DJ Antares on the weekends. They also offer Wi-Fi and happy hour from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. They have eight styles of beer including Kolsch, Scotch and Porter, as well as their specialties Imperial Stout, Honey Beer, Cream Stout and Barley Wine.

Cerveza Artesanal La Cruz2 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 4.5 stars beerLocation: Nilpi 789, between Bustillo and Pioneros at KM 6.1Telephone: 525 065www.cervezalacruz.com.arHours: from 6 p.m. until...This is a small, cozy, local’s bar that offers some food as well. It is known to become especially crowded during apres ski hour. Their varieties of beers change but include the usual pale, red and dark ale.

Cerveceria Berlina (our personal fave!)4 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 4.5 stars beer Location: Bustillo KM 11.750Telephone: 523 336 www.cervezaberlina.comHours: 12 p.m. until 1 a.m. (or until there are no more people)This is located next to Cerveceria Blest but is not as touristy. They have a nice outside deck for watching the sunset and enjoying great brews. They offer six different lagers, all made in house by their own European brew meister. They also have a diverse menu, which includes hard-to-find items like tacos and vegetarian stir fry. Happy hour is every day from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Cerveceria Blest3 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 4 stars beer Location: Bustillo KM 11.6Telephone: 461 026Hours: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.Blest is a very popular tourist destination. If you are visiting during high season (July – August and mid-December – February), be sure to

dine early in the evening or during off hours. The restaurant, luckily, doesn’t close down for siesta, giving ample opportunity to eat without large crowds. Their in-house brewery offers Pilsen, Bock, Red Ale, Stout and Raspberry Cider, all in draft form. They also offer some typical German and Irish foods, as well as low calorie plates. Blest will let you leave your mark; people throughout the years have written funny sayings or happy birthdays wishes and wallpaper their words of wisdom to the walls.

Cerveza Artesanal Gilbert3.5 star ambiance, 3 food, 4.5 star beerLocation: KM 24, Ruta 77, Circuito ChicoTelephone: 448 347Hours 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, check ahead if off-seasonCerveza Gilbert is located within the El Establo camping area, close to Lago Moreno on Circuito Chico. This is a rustic, antique-style restaurant run by two brothers. They offer basic meals, such as fondue, hamburgers, pizzas and sauerkraut with sausage. The beer is the real reason to partake in this local favorite. It is open, unlike most restaurants, all day. Gilbert also happens to be strategically located close to many of the hiking trails for that post-game beer.

InternationalThe restaurant scene around Bariloche is becoming more international with each passing year. If you’re craving a little something other than the normal Argentine fare, this is the only area in Patagonia where you can satisfy the urge.

Chinese

Huang Ji1.5 stars ambiance, 2 stars food, 0 stars wine list Location: Rolando 268, between Moreno and ElfleinTelephone: 428 168Hours: 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Although Bariloche is not known for its Chinese food, Huang Ji gives it its best shot. Huang Ji has the common Chinese menu, with chow mein, fried rice and almond chicken. The food is a bit bland, but try their hot pepper sauce to liven it up. The ambiance, decorated in plastic Chinese knick-knacks, is not especially warm or inviting, but it is a great place for a quick bite to eat.

Orillas Del Lago2 stars ambiance, 2 stars food, .5 star wine list Location: Bustillo KM 8Telephone: 462 841Hours: 12 until 3 p.m., 7:30 until 11 p.m.Orillas Del Lago, located directly across from the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, has the best view of all the Chinese dining options in the city. The restaurant has all of the makings of a regular Argentine Asian experience and the menu is the common Chinese fare (the egg rolls are one of the tastier options). The food tends to be lacking in flavor, although not in portion size. Again, ask for their pepper sauce for a little kick. They have a buffet on some evenings in high season.

German

Familia Weiss4 stars ambiance, 2 stars food, 2 stars wine list Location: Vice Alte O'Connor 404, 1 block from Mitre, Bariloche CenterTelephone: 435 789www.weissrestaurante.comHours: 12 p.m. until 12 a.m.For some reason this regular Argentine and Patagonian-fare restaurant is often one of the first dining spots to which tourists are sent. It is worth a visit for the sake of the building (Familia Weiss is located within one of the premier log buildings in the center of the city), but the food is not of the highest quality. While the menu is very large and does give a good show of everything Patagonian, with a little German mixed in, the food can lack in flavor. The restaurant does open up its upper level to large groups and parties.

Italian

La Trattoria de la Familia Bianchi3 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 3.5 stars wine list Location: Espana 590, Bariloche Center Telephone: 421 596Hours: 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.A decently priced Italian restaurant within city center, La Trattoria uses the likes of garlic, parsley and basil freely. It is located perfectly in the

center of the city for moving on to an evening out on the town. The dining area can feel a bit cramped during busy periods.

Di Como3 stars ambiance, 2.5 stars food, 2 star wine list Location: Bustillo 868, just west of Bariloche Center Telephone: 522 118Hours: 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., 8 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.This is an average Argentine-Italian restaurant and the food is not especially flavorful, but they do serve large portions. It also has nice outdoor seating and is centrally located.

El Boliche de Albertos Pastas2 stars ambiance, 2.5 stars food, 2.5 stars wine list Locations: (1) Elflein 163, Bariloche Center and (2) Bustillo KM 5.8Telephone: 431 084 / 442 782 www.elbolichedealberto.comHours: 8 p.m. until 12 p.m.Albertos de Boliche has two pasta-focused locations of his small restaurant chain. One is located in el Centro and the other is out in the kilometers. Although there are other Italian restaurants in Bariloche that are more worthy, Boliche’s renditions are decent. The lasagna type dishes are their best pasta offerings.

Il Gabbiano (one of our faves & within walking distance!)4.5 stars ambiance, 5 stars food, 4.5 stars wine list Location: Bustillo KM 24.3Telephone: 448 346www.gabbiano.com.arHours: 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. closed on TuesdaysWith the exterior of a charming cabin and flourishing gardens, Il Gabbiano could be your long lost relative’s Italian get-away. The food is freshly prepared using spices from the property's garden. Although all of the dishes are flavorful and exquisitely prepared, the smoked salmon pasta is a recommended choice. The inviting entrance opens into a warm, softly-lit, dining area that is split into three rooms, creating a private dining experience for all guests. A local, married couple owns and runs the establishment; he is the host and she, the talented chef. The menu is delivered artistically on a chalk board, where the waiter describes the dishes to you personally. Reservations are recommended, especially in high season.

Mediterrean Bastion3.5 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 3.5 stars wine list Location: Within Villa Huinid, Bustillo KM 2.6 Telephone: 523 523

www.villahuinid.com.arHours: 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.Located within the five-star resort Villa Huinid, this restaurant is a classy option for regular Argentine fare of pastas, basic salads and steaks. Mediterranean-style dishes are also offered. They have set menus for special holidays such as New Years, Valentine's Day and Christmas that are a good value. The ambiance is inviting, as is the staff.

Mexican

Dias De Zapata3 stars ambiance, 2.5 stars food, n/a star wine list Location: Morales 362, next to YPF Station, Bariloche CenterTelephone: 423 128www.diasdezapata.com.arHours: 12 p.m. until 3 p.m, and 7 p.m. until 12 a.m.Dias De Zapata is the most popular Mexican restaurant in Bariloche mainly due to its location in the middle of town. The food is a decent Argentine attempt at Mexican food, though some is bland and can have the lingering taste of being pre-packaged. The nachos come in large portions and are tasty. The machine-made margaritas are nothing to write home to madre about. Dias De Zapata becomes inundated with travelers in high season but they do not take reservations. The restaurant is two stories though, so the wait tends to go by quickly. If you go to the website, they sometimes offer a coupon to print for a free margarita.

Mexico Lindo y Que Rico3 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 1.5 stars wine list Location: Guemes and 24 de Septiembre, just above Bariloche CenterTelephone: 400 008Hours: 7 p.m. until 12 a.m.Mexico Lindo y Que Rico offers a tastier version of tacos and fajitas than other places in town but tends not to be as packed as, say, Dias De Zapata. This is much more of a local joint, maybe because they serve Argentine food along with the Mexican fare. The chef is very personable and often visits the restaurant patrons at their tables. He is open to any food requests or variations to dishes. The margaritas are also handmade and tasty. The chef has been known to pour a shot of tequila for some customers before dinner.

Middle Eastern/Indian

Luna de Oriente4 stars ambiance, 4 stars food, 2 stars wine list Location: Pioneros KM 3.9Telephone: 442 574Hours: 8:30 p.m. until 1 a.m.Luna de Oriente is about as ethnic of a restaurant as they come in Bariloche. From the lighting to the wall coverings, from the falafel to the phylo dough desert, Luna de Oriente creates an Indian vibe as much as is possible in a country that lacks in authentic, exotic restaurants. The menu is split into a variety of tasty dishes, though the flavors vary a bit from Indian food found in the United States. There is also a desert table filled with sweet concoctions. They put on belly-dancing shows on some weekends and holidays; contact the restaurant for details.

ParrillasArgentines take their meat very seriously. A parrilla is a BBQ restaurant that offers everything from prime rib to specialty sausages, plus a few intestines and organs thrown in. The most tender and recommended cut is the bife de lomo, cooked "a punto" (“on point” which means medium rare). Be sure to try the chimichurri sauce; it will make the amazing cut that much better, and generally each restaurant will have it’s own special recipe for chimichurri. Portions tend to be huge, so bring your appetite!

El Boliche Viejo4.5 stars ambiance, 5 stars food, 4 stars wine list Location: Ruta 237 y Puente Limay, East of Bariloche CenterTelephone: 468 452Hours: 12pm until 3pm, 8pm until 12amOwned by a long-standing local family, this parrilla is famous around the region for the most succulent cuts of beef as well as a salad bar. Despite its location (it is a good thirty minutes outside of town) it is worthy of the trip. Its incredible slices of meat are not the only reason for a visit. The ambiance, cultural aspect and photos from the early 1900s also make it a must-do for those wanting some authentic Argentine experiences. Butch Cassidy once passed through here.

El Boliche de Alberto, Bariloche Central Locations3 stars ambiance, 4 stars food, 3.5 stars wine list Locations: (1) Villegas 347 and (2) Elflein 158Telephone: 431 433 / 434 564 www.elbolichedealberto.comHours: 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.

Based on the same premise as its chain brother located in the kilometers, the two central locations of El Boliche de Alberto are popular places to get a succulent cut of beef. These 2 city dining spots, in comparison to the other one located at Bustillo KM 8.8, are often more crowded with tourists. The portions are a bit smaller and the staff not quite so friendly. But the food is still an impressive representation of Argentine parrillas.

El Boliche de Alberto, Playa Bonita2 stars ambiance, 4.5 stars food, 3.5 stars wine list Location: Bustillo KM 8.8Telephone: 462 285www.elbolichedealberto.comHours: 8 p.m. until 1 a.m.There are many parillas in Bariloche and there are also multiple El Boliches. This one is our favorite and a favorite of locals. The full spectrum of barbecued meats is available, the bife de lomo (best ordered “a punto”) being highly recommended. Portions are quite large and it is a good idea to eat the meal family style. If you have room for desert, La Copa del Alberto is spectacular. The restaurant, especially during high season, can have huge waiting lists. To miss the crowds, show up early (around 8 p.m. or so).

Las Brasas1.5 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 2.5 stars wine list Location: Elflein 163, Bariloche CenterTelephone: 431 628 www.lasbrasasbariloche.com.arHours: 12 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.A small, old-school restaurant, Las Brasas is a common, no-frills Argentine parrilla with the rainbow of cuts from cow, goat, lamb and chicken. They also have the various styles of sausage, including blood sausage and chorizo. The restaurant is very basic, a bit dingy, but is a favorite to city center locals for these reasons as well as the price.

El Chucaro, Asador Criollo2 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 3 stars wine list Location: Bustillo KM 11.5Telephone: 525 809Hours: 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.El Chucaro is a large, airy restaurant that is more of a neighborhood joint than a tourist hangout. The dining space is children friendly. The BBQ grill is large and in the open, making it possible to watch them cook your choices (this is common in other parrillas as well). Staff is fairly friendly and open to questions or alterations to the menu.

Regional Patagonia Regional Patagonian cuisine consists of exotic smoked meats and cheeses, ravioli stuffed with smoked trout, fondues and, of course, steak dishes. Another favorite in the region is the tabla. The tabla is a mixture of smoked cheeses and meats, samplers and finger foods to be shared.

Kandahar4 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 3 stars wine list Location: 20 de Febrero 698, Bariloche Center Telephone: 424 702www.kandahar.com.arHours: from 8 p.m. until…, closed SundaysDespite its name, Kandahar is loyal to the tastes and flavors of Argentina with a slight fusion of European flare. The restaurant has an eclectic, chic interior design, complete with mismatched tables, antique decorations and 19th century artwork. The chef was trained in Europe. Portions are ample. Prices are bit higher than neighboring restaurants. Reservations required.

Santos3.5 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 4.5 stars wine list Location: Espana 268, Bariloche CenterTelephone: 425 942www.santosresto.com.arHours: 8 p.m. until 12 p.m.Santos is a great local spot for those looking for an intimate, romantic setting. The modern, classy ambiance is a fitting match to the well-portioned menu offerings. The chef, originally from the Kandahar restaurant, is widely trained in the art of cuisine. They have an extensive wine list with some of Argentine's most famous bodegas.

Virtuoso y Tarquino5 stars ambiance, 4 stars food, 4 stars wine list.Location: 24 de Septiembre and Saavedra, Bariloche Center Telephone: 434 774www.virtuosoytarquino.com.arHours: 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. until 12 p.m.This is another Patagonian restaurant that is highly recommended, both for its fabulous architecture and food. All dishes are freshly prepared in-house. They even offer a decently stocked salad bar to their dinner menu, something not so easy to find in Argentina. The log cabin, hobbit-style entrance makes you feel as if you are walking into a

wonderland; the trees growing through the building only add to the affect. Reservations are recommended during high season.

Monet3.5 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 3 stars wine listLocation: within the Design Suites Hotel at Bustillo KM 2.5 Telephone: 457 000www.designsuites.comHours: 8 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.Monet, a restaurant with pastas, salads and other common Argentine food, is located in one of the higher-end hotels in Bariloche. The restaurant’s ambiance is a modern-classy feel that is open and airy. The menu choices are well-portioned, though the food can be bland at times.

Rupu Pehuen3.5 stars ambiance, 4.5 stars food, 3.5 stars wine listLocation: within the Rupu Pehuen Apart Hotel at Pioneros KM 4.5Telephone: 441 456www.rupupehuen.comHours: 8 p.m. until 12 p.m.Rupa Pehuen is one of Bariloche's tastiest choices for trout in the region. This homey, cute restaurant is located within an apart hotel and is an example of a hidden gem. The spinach soup is fabulous and is definitely recommended, as is the desserts. The wine list is not very broad, but they do offer the full line of Final Del Mundo, an exceptional Argentine wine. The service is especially friendly.

El Patacon4.5 stars ambiance, 4 stars food, 4.5 stars wine list.Location: Bustillo KM 7Telephone: 442 898www.elpatacon.comHours: 8 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.Housed in one of the log and stone architecture showpieces of Bariloche, El Patacon is a high-society, classy, Argentine-fare dining experience. President Clinton enjoyed a meal at El Patacon, a part of the restaurant's history they are happy to share. Upon arriving, guests are greeted with a drink to warm the palate and time to leisurely tour the lobby area and shop. The dishes are well-portioned and the ambiance is warm and inviting. The house offers pictures of guests taken on the premises as well as photos of the area that are combined on a CD for future enjoyment. Dishes are fairly pricey.

El Refugio5 star ambiance, 4 star food, 5 star wine list

Location: Arelauquen Golf and Country Club Telephone: 467 391Hours: 8 p.m. until 11 p.m., Friday, Saturday and SundayThis exclusive restaurant is for the elite of Bariloche, hosting up to 16 people for dinner. It is located 1300 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level, only accessed by Arelauquen 4 X 4 Land Rover or snow mobile in winter. The views are tremendous. The menu is limited to 3 choices per evening. The expensive, fixed price includes unlimited alcohol and wine. Reservations are required.

El Casco4.5 stars food, 4.5 stars ambiance, 5 stars wine list. Location: within El Casco Art Hotel, Bustillo KM 11.5 Telephone: 463 131www.hotelelcasco.comHours: 8 until 11 p.m.El Casco is an artistic, modern hotel/restaurant that offers classic Argentine meals dressed up with flare. Its waterside location, attentive staff and extensive wine list take the restaurant to the next level. The ambiance is modern and elegant. Offering live piano music some evenings and an art gallery showcasing one of Argentina’s finest artists and local resident, Juan Lascano. Prices are a bit steep, but in keeping with the quality of food and high level of ambiance.

La Bonita Fondue3.5 ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 3 stars wine list. Location: Bustillo KM 11.690Telephone: 462 253Hours: 3:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.La Bonita Fondue is a cozy, nicely decorated restaurant that serves great fondue and local Patagonian dishes. It also opens up as a teahouse in the afternoons, offering smaller appetizers and snacks. Their fondue comes in a large variety of choices; offering different cheeses, dipping sauces and fondue desserts.

Bahia Serena 3 stars ambiance, 4 stars food, 2 stars wine list. Location: Bustillo KM 12.275Telephone: 524 614Hours: 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.This is a cute, little restaurant situated on the shores of Nahuel Huapi. The menu includes tasty Patagonian and international dishes (especially good is a flavorful curry chicken crepe dish and the trout dishes). There is a nice patio with outside dining, perfect for the impressive Patagonian sunsets.

Hueli4.0 stars ambiance, 4.5 stars food, 3.5 stars wine list Location: Located inside Penon del Lago, Bustillo KM 13.9 Telephone: 463 000www.penondellago.com.arHours: 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.Another great Bariloche gourmet dining experience, Hueli is a small, cozy restaurant set back behind the private gates of the Penon del Lago hotel. They offer the standard Patagonian fare, but mix the menu choices up a bit by also offering some original fusion-style dishes. They continually change up the menu, creating masterpieces to follow the seasons. The prices are a good value in consideration of the stylish atmosphere and luxurious grounds. Reservations are recommended.

Rincon Patagonico (one of our faves!)4 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 5 stars wine list. Location: Bustillo KM 14Telephone: 463 063 www.rinconpatagonico.comHours: 8 p.m. until 12 p.m.This is a true Patagonian experience, from the log and stone architecture to the tablas of smoked meats and cheeses. Rincon is the higher-end of Patagonia dining. The building itself is truly remarkable but the food is very tasty as well. The menu is huge and has an option to everyone’s liking. The sopa de calabaza (squash soup) is a flavorful, creamy soup, slightly flavored with ginger that is perfect on those chilly days. Rincon also has an impressive wine cellar. They also offer chocolate fondue. Making reservations in high season is strongly recommended. Check the website for a printable coupon.

Cafe Restaurant Patagonia4.5 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 4 stars wine list Location: Within Hotel Llao Llao, Bustillo KM 25.5 Telephone: 448 530www.llaollao.com.arHours: 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m.,7 p.m. until 12 p.m.If you want to check out the Llao Llao Hotel and have a bite to eat, but don’t need the white-gloved service, check out Cafe Restaurant Patagonia. The Patagonian edition is a lunch, tea and dinner house that serves different local specialties, salads and other light dishes. Although the prices are cheaper than Los Cesares, the ambiance is not as glamorous and the menu is not as diverse. But the views are still spectacular and the total package is well worth the trip.

El Fundo5 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 3 stars wine list / 4 stars beer

Location: Colonia Suiza, Circuito ChicoTelephone: 448 705 / 619www.fundocoloniasuiza.com.arHours: varies, all day in summers, sometimes closed in slow season, best to call ahead if in doubtFundo Colonia Suiza is Colonia Suiza’s largest restaurant. Their specialties are the Patagonian tabla, the fondue lunch special and their homemade desserts. The architecture is amazing. Large logs too big to wrap your arms around are carved, fitted and made into one of Bariloche’s favorite structures. The summers bring live music to the small interior stage. There is great outdoor seating to enjoy the natural surroundings on warm weather days.

SpecialtyThere are many unique, multi-course, gourmet-dining options around Bariloche. With the exception of Los Timo, all of these are fairly expensive, by Argentine standards (although well-worth the price in most instances!). Here are the best that Bariloche has to offer:

Naan4 stars ambiance, 5 stars food, 4.5 stars wine listLocation: (needs to be updated)Telephone: 421 785Hours: 8 p.m. until 11 p.m, closed SundaysBased on the "open door" restaurant concept (like Los Timo), the proprietors of Naan have transformed their living room into a romantic dining experience with delicious, worldly cuisine. Naan is a bit more of a true restaurant-style dining experience than Los Timo and concentrates more on Middle Eastern dishes. The flavors are fresh and robust; it is obvious by the quality of the meals that the food is made with care. It is important to call ahead and make a reservation due to the small number of tables. The restaurant is camouflaged as a house and hides within its neighborhood so feel free to ask Anna for accurate directions.

Cassis (one of our favorites!!)5 stars ambiance, 5 stars food, 5 stars wine list

Location: above the Arelauquen Lago Gutierrez beach access, Lago Gutierrez, Ruta 82Telephone: 476 167www.cassis.com.arHours: 8 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.Cassis is considered to be one of the top three gourmet dining experiences in Bariloche. It encompasses the ambiance of romance, the flavors of delectable cuisine and the wine choices of a five-star dining extravaganza. A local couple owns and runs the restaurant. The wife is the chef and was trained in Europe. She uses fresh herbs from her own garden, creating her dishes to be delicious and flavorful. The multi-course menu is designed on a daily basis to make the most of what is fresh and available in the garden. The husband offers a warm greeting and entertaining conversation if so desired. Although Cassis is more expensive than most in the city, it offers an atmosphere and cuisine that rivals top restaurants throughout the world. It is imperative to make reservations during high season.

Butterfly (our #1 favorite!)5 stars ambiance, 5 stars food, 5 stars wine list Location: Hua Huan 7831, just off Bustillo at KM 7.8 Telephone: 461 441www.butterflypatagonia.com.arHours: 8pm until.., closed WednesdaysReservations RequiredOwned by a German, an Argentine and an Irish chef, Butterfly is one of the most amazing dining experiences of Bariloche. The menu usually consists of a rainbow of a seven to nine course meal, optionally each course can be paired with wines perfectly selected by sommelier, Sebastian. Upon subsequent visits the chef will work with guests on creating a fusion of flavors to match their favorite tastes. If you are yearning for something that is hard to come by in Argentina, say Thai food, Butterfly will create a designer meal for your party with prior reservations. There is also an after dinner selection of cigars available.

Los Timo5 stars ambiance, 5 stars food, 4 stars wine list Location: Calle Monet 81, just off Bustillo KM 23.6 Telephone: 448 771www.lostimo.com.arHours: Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30pm until you leaveInes and Julio Timo have taken gourmet dining to another level. They have created a cozy, warm international-cuisine restaurant within their modern, classy home. Based on the European concept of an "open door restaurant", Ines has used her culinary mastery and schooling to

create unique coursed meals Friday and Saturday evenings. Julio is the maitre d’ and joyfully entertains guest. The views from the dining and lounge area look out over Lago Nahuel Huapi and towards the Andean crest and neighboring Chile. The dishes are a variety of tastes, ranging from all locations of the globe. The majority of the ingredients are from the property’s garden. Seating is limited, making it important to call ahead for a reservation. Check out their website to find out the menu choices for the week.

Los Cesares5 stars ambiance, 5 stars food, 5 stars wine list Location: within the Llao Llao Hotel, Bustillo KM 25.5 Telephone: 448 530www.llaollao.com.arHours: 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.Due to its prized location, the level of service and the sheer over-the-top experience, Los Cesares is considered one of the top dining options south of the equator. The restaurant experience is quite elegant; complete with waiters in white gloves, plates served on fine silver and old-wealth decorations on the walls. The wait staff is impeccably trained and Los Cesares is an example of elegance at its finest. However, in our humble opinion, unfortunately the food quality at Los Cesares does not live up to their reputation and there are so many better options available at this price point in Bariloche. That being said, the afternoon tea service is quite good and will allow you the experience of visiting Hotel Llao Llao at a more reasonable price point. Note: to be allowed on the Llao Llao property, you must make a reservation first.

Everything ElseFrom pubs to teahouses, this is where you will find everything that doesn't fit into a specific category.

Jauja1 star ambiance, 5 stars ice cream, n/a wine or beer list Locations: (1) Moreno 18 and (2) Shopping Patagonia, Bariloche Center Telephone: 437 888 http://www.heladosjauja.com/helados.htmlHours: 12 p.m. until 12 a.m.Jauja is one of Patagonia’s best choice for ice cream. All of the flavors are freshly made from local ingredients and you can taste the difference. Be sure not to leave the area before trying Jauja. It is that good.

Covita2 stars ambiance, 2.5 stars food, 1.5 stars wine listLocation: O Connor 511, across from the Bariloche Cathedral, Bariloche CtrTelephone: 421 708www.covitacocinanatural.com.arHours: 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.Covita is an organic, vegetarian restaurant with a nice atmosphere. The dining space is clean and airy. It is centrally located, across from the Bariloche Catedral Church. The wait staff can be harder to get service from in comparison to other Argentine restaurants, so dine with patience. And don’t be afraid to flag down the waiter. The food can be a bit bland at times.

Pilgrim2 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 5 star beer listLocation: Palacios 167, just off Mitre, Bariloche Center Telephone: 421 686www.pilgrim.com.arHours: 12 p.m. until 1 or 2 a.m.Pilgrim, a regular Argentine-fare restaurant with some good salads, is centrally located, right off the main tourist drag of Calle Mitre. Stocked with every beer possible, Pilgrim is the place to go if you are missing your home lager. The bar section can get crowded in high season. They offer live music on some nights. Wi-Fi is available with a purchase off the menu.

La Alpina2.5 stars ambiance, 2.5 stars food, 1 star wine list Location: Moreno 98, Bariloche Center Telephone: 425 693Hours: 10 a.m. until 3 a.m.La Alpina is great for those times when you want a quick bite during off-dining hours. The restaurant serves the main Argentina menu of pasta, hamburgers and basic salads, but it also has some fun German dishes, fondue and a few international surprises. They have fresh baked pastries that are worthy of a visit.

Trentis Lake Bar3 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 2 stars wineLocation: J.M. de Rosas 435, on the costanera, Bariloche centerTelephone: 422 350www.trentislakebar.com.arHours: 10 a.m. until 4 a.m.Trentis is a small, international eatery with the best location in central Bariloche. It is, amazingly so, one of the few restaurants that is

located on the shores of Nahuel Huapi within the bustling city center. The menu is basic, with the normal Argentine fare of hamburgers, pasta and a few styles of salads. Trentis is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy a cocktail in el centro.

The Map Room2.5 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 1.5 stars wine list Location: Urquiza 248, just off Mitre, Bariloche Center Telephone: 456 856www.themaproom.com.arHours: 11 a.m. until 12 a.m., closed MondaysAre you yearning for an American style breakfast? Then come on down to The Map Room. The bar/restaurant is owned by an American who has taken the things he missed most about his native country and brought them to Bariloche. The Map Room tends to attract visitors to the area and is usually filled with voices of a thousand cultures.

Wilkenny Irish Pub and Restaurant2 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, 3 stars beer list Location: San Martin 435, Bariloche Center Telephone: 424 444 www.wilkennybariloche.com.arHours: 11 a.m. until 4 a.m.Wilkinney is a regular burger and beer type joint (they have one of the largest and best tasting burgers in the city). The place gets crowded with visiting foreigners most nights of the week. Wilkinney is one of the better places to watch a soccer match or other sports game on TV. The bar has televisions set up in all corners of the place, great for big futbol tournaments. Party-goers also tend to gather here before going out to the discos later in the night.

Cafe Patagonia2.5 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, n/a wine list / 3 stars beer list Location: Bustillo KM 6Telephone: 443 009www.plazapatagonia.com.ar/ellugar.htmlHours: 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., closed MondaysThis small cafe has some unique and flavorful salads and sandwiches. They also offer some of the great microbrew beers from the area. The ambiance is airy, bright and welcoming. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They have live music on special holiday and weekend evenings. There is Wi-Fi for patrons. The restaurant is connected to an artisan gift shop that has a great collection of coffee table picture books of Patagonia.

Choripan Stand

1.5 stars ambiance, 3 stars food, n/a wine or beer listLocation: Pioneros and road to Catedral / Lago Gutierrez, Ruta 82 Telephone: n/aHours: usually in the afternoons, most days of the weekThe choripan man above El Cruce, going towards Catedral, is a true Argentine experience. From his irregular hours to the large group that stands around chatting, drinking mates and waiting for a choripan, this is a true Bariloche hidden gem. The menu is basic: choripan, hamburgers, soda, water, and, of course, chimichurri, but the Argentine style hotdog is one of the best in the Lakes District. The lunch special includes a cup of soda and choripan for a few pesos. Ask for tomatoes, onions and extra chimichurri for the best bang for your peso. Hits the spot after a day on the slopes.

Casa Caracol3.5 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 2.0 stars wine list Location: Bustillo KM 12.228Telephone: 524 029Hours: From 6pm until late.This chic, vogue bar/restaurant has the common Bariloche menu of fondue, pizza, and pasta, although each item has its own unique twist. They have interesting salads as well. The bar is host to a fun party atmosphere on weekends, holidays and when the owner feels the urge. They are also one of the last bars open at night for entertainment out in "the kilometers" (the later kilometers of Bustillo). Happy hour is from 6 - 8 p.m. and they have jazz or other music on some Thursdays.

Bread4 stars ambiance, 4 stars foodLocation: Bustillo KM ________Telephone: 448 152Hours: 12:30 until 8:30A tea house, lunch restaurant and breakfast spot, Bread is located in a little shopping center on Bustillo. This is a fairly casual spot but the food is good and inexpensive. The interior is a little small and can get a bit cramped.

Cafe Tronador2 stars ambiance, 3.5 stars food, 2 stars wine listLocation: Bustillo KM 25.0Phone: 448 205Hours 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., open for dinner in summer, call ahead to confirmCafe Tronador is a bright, happy, local’s eatery that serves some of the best desserts in town. The menu is the basic Argentine fare of pizza, pastas and milanesa, though they do have a few tasty Patagonian

dishes. The staff is extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the surroundings. They also offer food-to-go.

10 Tips for Great Argentine Dining• Many restaurants don’t accept credit cards. Be sure to ask prior to ordering. Also, it’s best not to depend on the Visa, MasterCard or American Express stickers in the windows.• Many restaurants accept US Dollars - be sure to ask at the beginning of the meal if you prefer to pay in greenbacks.• Tips are not included on the restaurant bill, unless in a large group and often times may not be paid with a credit card. Ask your server if they can add the tip when presenting your card.• It is not considered rude in the least to flag down a waiter; in fact they usually won’t help you until you do.• It is common practice in Argentina to take your time when out to dinner. Enjoy the experience!• The tap water is potable in Bariloche, although it is very uncommon to see it being served in restaurants. It is common practice to order bottled water (always available either “con gas” or “sin gas”).• In general, restaurants are open from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. due to siesta.• Due to Argentine's dislike for big bills and lack of moneda (change), it is recommended to pull an uneven amount from ATMs. For example, ending your withdrawal in 90 provides smaller bills that are imperative for everything from taxi rides to groceries.• Breakfast usually consists of a medialuna (crescent-style/croissant pastry) and a cortada (small cup of coffee). Bakeries and small cafes are the preferred morning fueling stations for majority of locals.