In the search for culinary excellence in Argentina, the legendary MICHELIN Guide landed in the country for the first time. The prestigious tire company, which created its emblematic gastronomic guide in 1900, announced 7 restaurants in Buenos Aires and Mendoza winners of Michelin stars and 71 mentions based on its historic essential criteria.
Winner Restaurants
- With two Stars:
o Aramburu – chef: Gonzalo Aramburu (Buenos Aires)
- With one Star:
o Don Julio – chef: Guido Tassi (Buenos Aires)
o Zonda Cocina de Paisaje – chef: Augusto García (Mendoza)
o Casa Vigil – chef: Ivan Azar (Mendoza)
o Brindillas – chef: Mariano Gallego (Mendoza)
o Azafrán – chef: Sebastián Weigandt (Mendoza)
o Trescha – chef: Tomás Treschanski (Buenos Aires)
- Michelin Green Star, for its commitment to sustainability:
o Casa Vigil
o Anchoita
o Crizia
o Zonda Cocina de Paisaje
o El Preferido
o Riccitelli Bistro
o Don Julio
- Special mentions:
o Michelin Award for Sommelier: Martín Bruno – Don Julio, Buenos Aires
o Michelin Young Chef Award: Tomás Treschanski – Trescha, Buenos Aires
- Bib Gourmand Awards for its quality-price ratio:
o Bis bistro
o Reliquia
o Anafe
o Mengano
o República del Fuego
o Caseros
o La Alacena Trattoria
And 57 recommended restaurants, of which 42 are from Buenos Aires and 15 from Mendoza.
The announcement was made at the Arenas Studios, located in La Boca neighbourhood in the City of Buenos Aires, in an event for more than 400 guests exclusively invited by the National Institute for Tourism Promotion and Argentina’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, including prestigious Argentinian chefs, restaurant owners, and the national and international press.
The award-winning restaurants will be included in the MICHELIN Guide 2024 and 2025 editions, representing an opportunity for Argentina to be recognized worldwide for its gastronomy.
Anonymous inspectors visited the most remote and sophisticated restaurants of Buenos Aires and Mendoza, searching for an exceptional gastronomic experience worthy of the recognition of the coveted Michelin stars. These experts, trained in the world’s best hospitality schools and with enriching experiences around the globe, immersed themselves in the Argentinian culture undercover, like any diner.
With a meticulous methodology, the specialists carefully evaluated following five essential criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of the flavours, the mastery of cooking techniques, the voice and personality of the chef reflected in the cuisine and the consistency over time and the proposal as a whole.
Now, the wait is over: the winners have already been unveiled. Restaurants become stages of a culinary dance where every detail counts, where flavours, textures, and presentations become pieces of art.
The Impact of the MICHELIN Guide in Argentina:
Historically, the MICHELIN Guide has benefitted tourism in the country where it kicks off. Argentina is the first Spanish-speaking country in South America to receive stars from this prestigious brand, representing a favourable resource both at a European and regional level. Studies showed that 84% of frequent travellers trust the guide’s recommendations and foodies have defined travel destinations based on MICHELIN-awarded restaurants.
Likewise, the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide had the support of Argentina’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the National Institute for Tourism Promotion, whose Minister Matías Lammens expressed:
“This represents a turning point for both our gastronomy and tourism. I believe that the MICHELIN guide will have an enormous impact in Argentina. It builds on the position of our country as the gastronomic capital of the region. This is something that we had already been working on due to the potential we knew we had; yet it is always important to have such recognition by a top-quality brand such as MICHELIN. Many studies show that travellers extend their stay if they are in a destination with MICHELIN-recognized restaurants, as the case of southern Italy, which had a huge economic impact when its restaurants entered the Guide. Furthermore, the Argentinian gastronomic sector is excited by the arrival of the Guide as this will imply the following: on the one hand, it will raise the bar and make all restaurants very attentive to the service, which is already exceptionally good. On the other hand, it will make many foreign investors and international chefs want to come to Argentina to open their restaurant because now our country is part of the Guide. These two points will enhance the gastronomic offer, generate a significant economic income, and offer jobs. I have no doubt that this path that we undertake together with the MICHELIN Guide will be a milestone that will last for many decades.”
In addition, Lammens uttered some words of hope for restaurants in other cities in Argentina:
“The idea is that Buenos Aires and Mendoza are a first step. Of course, this has raised the bar, making everyone want to have the star. I have spoken with all the ministers of all the provinces, and they all want MICHELIN to kick off in their sectors. A process of improvement and investment begins for each of the chefs and restaurants in order to attract the attention of the Guide.”
Buenos Aires’ Gastronomy
Argentina is a renowned gastronomic destination, with Buenos Aires as its culinary epicentre. The city has an impressive variety of restaurants, where elegance and creativity merge in each dish. The diversity of indigenous, Spanish, and Italian influences is reflected in a symphony of flavours making Buenos Aires’ cuisine unique.
High-quality local products are essential for the culinary creativity of local experts. Buenos Aires is a feast of authentic flavours intertwining passion and tradition. So much so, that the city has become a meeting point for food lovers from all over the world, offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Mendoza’s Culinary Culture
Mendoza, known as Argentina’s wine capital, is a paradise for wine lovers. Its extensive vineyards and renowned wineries attract oenologists and wine enthusiasts from all over the world. However, the province not only stands out in the world of this grape elixir: its gastronomic scene merges with wineries, creating unique culinary experiences.
In this story of delighting taste buds, winery restaurants are the main stars. The perfect harmony between the flavours and local wines unfolds in an unprecedented multisensory experience. The tasting menus, which include acclaimed Argentinian beef, goat, fresh vegetables, and fish, are a highlight of the region. In addition, the background of the Andes Mountains with snow-capped peaks provides the ideal climate to be immersed in an adventure for all senses.
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