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While the food in Mendoza isn’t the primary reason to visit the Argentinian city, it should not be missed.
Mendoza is primarily known for its numerous wineries and the famous Malbec wine region. Besides the outstanding wine production, you will also find plenty of amazing local food ready to be explored.
Regional Mendoza food part of the overall Argentinian cuisine includes parrillas, tomaticán, humitas, and more.
While the meat flavors are impressive, sweet lovers can also savor a variety of dulce de leche desserts.
Keep reading our Mendoza food guide to know what you should try on your next trip. And, find out where you can eat the tastiest regional dishes in Mendoza.
1. Parrilla – A Taste of Argentina
Parrilla is popular on restaurants’ menu in Mendoza. It is a dish with a rich history in Argentina dating back to the days of gauchos, the so-called cowboys of South America.
The word “parrilla” is the Spanish word for grill. Though in Argentina, it refers to the method of grilling a variety of meats, such as large cuts of beef, chicken, pork, sausages, and more.
The meats are typically cooked over an open fire and often served with traditional Argentine sides like chimichurri sauce, roasted potatoes, and salad.
That said, Parrilla is more than just a dish. It’s a cultural experience. A taste of Argentina.
A way of life. When you sit down to a plate of parrilla with a glass of Malbec wine, you’re not just getting a delicious meal.
You’re getting a taste of another culture. A chance to experience something new and exotic.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP:
If you are looking to visit a few wineries in Mendoza, we recommend this wine tour with a gourmet lunch. You have the opportunity to visit local wineries, sample a variety of Argentine wines, and indulge in a gourmet wine tasting lunch with five courses. The best part is you don’t have to drive, you get picked up at your hotel/accommodation and everything is organized for you.
Best Restaurants in Mendoza to Enjoy a Parrilla
To taste Parrilla and for a unique experience, we recommend 1884 Restaurante Francis Mallmann one of the most famous parrilla in the city.
If you are adventurous, you can also visit Francis Mallmann’s Siete Fuegos at the foot of the Andes in Uco Valley.
Both restaurants serve authentic Argentinian parrilla with the open flamed technique made famous by Francis Mallmann.
Be ready to spend a little more when eating parrilla at these places, as they are more on the luxury side. In the end, the food will be worth every cent.
1884 Restaurante Francis Mallmann
Address: Calle Gral Manuel Belgrano 1188, M5501 Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Price: The main dish at about 3,500 pesos (approx. $30).
Francis Mallmann’s Siete Fuegos
Address: The Vines Resort & Spa, Ruta Provincial 94, km 11, Tunuyán, Uco Valley, Argentina
Hours: Open daily from 12:30 – 4:00 pm and 8:30 – 11:00 pm
Price: Fixed for price for lunch at about 8,600 pesos ($75)
RELATED: The Best Guide to The Seven Fires with Francis Mallmann
2. Ojo De Bife – Delicious Argentine Steak
If you are looking to order a cut of steak in Mendoza, try the tasty ojo de bife also known as rib-eye steak.
It is a thick, well-marbled steak that is cooked over high heat. Ojo de Bife is typically finished with a tangy chimichurri sauce.
The full potential of this steak can be obtained only by cooking it on the parrilla. The unique flavor of this dish comes from the lines of fat between the muscles of the meat that become buttery when cooked.
It is an incredibly delicious Argentinian steak. The meat is infinitely tender, and the flavor is out of this world. If you’re looking for an amazing steak dinner, look no further than Ojo De Bife.
Best Places in Mendoza to Eat Argentinian Steak
If you’re looking for a delicious steak dinner, look no further than Mariá Antonieta or Magnolia Restó. Both restaurants serve Ojo de Bife, and it’s sure to satisfy your hunger.
Address: Av. Arístides Villanueva 165, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Open daily except Monday from 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Price: Main dish at about 2,000 pesos (approx. $17)
Address: Av. Belgrano 1069, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am – 12:00 am, Saturdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 am
Price: Main dish starts at about 1,000 pesos (approx. $8)
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: To go with your Argentine steak, learn to make an Authentic Argentine Chimichurri Recipe.
3. Empanadas Mendocinas – Delightful Mendoza Stuffed Pies
Empanadas are small doughy pies typically filled with either meat or cheese. They can be baked or fried, and are said to have originated in Spain or Portugal. Empanadas are a popular dish in Argentina, and each region has its own variations.
Empanadas Mendocinas are traditional Argentinian baked empanadas, originating from the Mendoza province. These empanadas are filled with spiced meat, olives, onion, and egg, and are traditionally baked in a wood oven.
Empanadas Mendocinas are delicious thanks to the flavorful tender meat that melts into your mouth when biting. The spices and fresh olives also give these doughy snacks an incredible taste you won’t forget soon.
If you are visiting this city, we suggest adding empanadas mendocinas on your list of the most delicious foods in the area. Enjoying them with a drink like a local beer or a glass of Malbec will take the whole experience to the next level.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: To learn more about Argentinian food and culture, check out this cooking class in Mendoza. Learn to make empanadas, alfajores, prepare a typical Argentine BBQ and more in this gastronomic experience. The best part is that you get to enjoy a wonderful dinner of the Mendoza food you prepared.
Best Restaurants in Mendoza to Have Empanadas Mendocinas
There are several places where you can taste some of the best empanadas in town. Here are a few we recommend for their freshness and authenticity. Empanadas typically cost about 80 pesos to 160 pesos (approx. 70 cents to $1.4). If you buy a dozen, you will get a discounted price.
Address: 25 de Mayo 871, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Address: Alzaga 4650, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Check at the store directly for the hours
Address: Fray M. Esquiú 35, Esq. San Martin, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 pm – 12:00 pm
RELATED: How To Make Delicious Argentinian Empanadas Mendocino Style
4. Tomatican – Mendoza Food Home-Cooked
The tomato is one of the most celebrated vegetables in Mendoza. The high altitudes, freshwater from the Andes, and temperatures disparity results in a unique concentration of flavors.
It gives the tomatoes and all vegetables a really rich color and intense taste. In addition to fresh ripe tomatoes, dried tomatoes are really popular and just as delicious.
Tomatican is a tomato soup made of just a few simple ingredients: tomatoes, eggs, onions, oregano, breadcrumbs, and salt. It is a traditional meal and each family has its own unique variation of this dish.
As Tomatican is a home-cooked dish, it is not easy to find it at restaurants. We had the chance to take it at Nutri Verde Vegetariano where the chef graciously made it for us.
We found it a little sweet from the tomatoes, a little mushy, not quite a soup, but not consistent enough to chew it. Flavorful and delicious, it is a must-try.
Maria Antonieta also offers Tomatican depending on the season but makes it more like a soup, adding green beans and other ingredients.
Enjoy the wonderful and flavorful tomatoes from Mendoza. Enjoy them raw, dried, or in the amazing Tomatican dish. Either way, you will not be disappointed.
Best Restaurant in Mendoza to Eat Tomatican Local Food
Address: Av. Bartolomé Mitre 1657, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Price: About 1,100 pesos per plate (approx. $10)
5. Humitas – Indigenous Creamy Corn Dish
An indigenous dish from the Andean countries of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, the Humita is a creamy corn-based chowder.
The word “humita” comes from “jumint’a”, the name given by the Quechua people to a sweet corn bun wrapped in cornhusks and cooked in water.
Although Humitas are found throughout Argentina, each region has its own different version. In Mendoza, you will find Humita made with sweet corn, onions, milk, butter, and chili flakes.
We found the Humitas to be very creamy, mushy, and with a sweet corn taste. The layer of milk gave it a very mild flavor. As far as the taste goes, neither one of us enjoyed the consistency or flavor of these humitas.
However, as a specialty of Mendoza, they are worth trying out and they are something you will enjoy if you are a corn lover.
READ MORE: Guide To Mendoza Wine Regions: 12 of The Best Wineries To Visit
Best Restaurant in Mendoza to Eat Humitas
For home-cooked and very local dishes, we enjoyed eating at Nutri Verde Vegetariano. This vegetarian restaurant has a nice selection of local dishes you can enjoy buffet-style.
Address: Av. Bartolomé Mitre 1657, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Price: About 1,100 pesos per plate (approx. $10)
READ MORE: 10 of the Best Authentic Food in Patagonia You Don’t Want to Miss
6. Tortitas – Traditional Mendocinas Pastries
Tortitas are small little pastries that are traditional in Mendoza. They are often made at home and eaten for breakfast. You can also find them throughout the day eaten as a snack or with maté, the traditional Argentine drink.
Tortitas are very simply made with water, flour, butter, yeast, and salt. They are not expensive to make and are sold at panaderias (bakeries) for about 3 to 4 pesos or approximately 3 to 4 cents per piece.
There are three main kinds of Tortitas distinct by their shapes. The one thing they have in common is copious amounts of butter.
As delicious as they are, be careful about eating too many of them. These small bites are versatile and easy to eat at any time of the day. They go well with coffee and you can also add honey, marmalade, or dulce de leche.
We found them to be a perfect snack between winery visits. Rich and delicious, this little pastry is worth trying. You will be surprised how many ways you will be able to enjoy them.
Best Places in Mendoza to Eat Tortitas
You will mainly find tortitas in local bakeries in Mendoza. The best is to get them in the morning when they are the freshest.
Address: Agustín Alvarez 299, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am – 9:00 pm; Sunday from 8:00 am–1:30 pm
Address: San Juan 503, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Open Daily from 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
7. Dulce de Leche – The Defining Sweet Of Argentina
Dulce de leche is one of the most popular sweet treats in Argentina. It is a caramel-like spread made from sweetened milk.
It is said that it was discovered by accident in Argentina after a cook forgetfully left milk and sugar on the stove. Upon her return, the preparation had turned into a thick brown sweet paste that we all know as the dulce de leche nowadays.
Although some people have it on bread, pancakes, or waffles for breakfast, the creamy and rich spread is often used in Argentinian desserts. It can also be used as the main ingredient in the preparation of cakes, pies, and sweet pastries.
The alfajores cookies are a famous treat made from dulce de leche in Argentina. They consist of two soft biscuits that sandwich a layer of dulce de leche in between them. You can also find ice cream made with this delicious spread.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: Learn to make your own dulce de leche with our authentic Argentinian recipe.
Best Place in Mendoza to Eat Dulce de Leche
Let yourself tempted in Mendoza and indulged in this heaven sweets at one of these popular locations. At La Dulce Lecheria, you will find many types of dulce de leche, alfajores and other desserts made with dulce de leche. La Alfajoreria specializes in all kinds of alfajores sold by the dozen.
Address: Isabel la Católica, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Open Daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Address: Santiago de Liniers 448, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 am – 01:00 pm , 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm
Price: For 3 Alfajores count about 300 pesos (approx. $2.60)
In Summary
Mendoza has a lot to offer in terms of unique dishes and meals. What we have highlighted here are seven popular and unique Mendoza food specialties.
This list is not exhaustive and captures what was readily available at the time of the visit. Each season brings unique produce and flavors and as a result, new dishes or twists to familiar favorites.
Whatever time of the year you choose to visit Mendoza, try out these local specialties and be open to the surprises based on the seasonal ingredients.
Have you had any of these Mendoza foods before? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
Thanks Matt and Mayowa! We greatly appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately, Colombia is not on our plan for this time around. Too many countries and places to visit! We don’t have specific tips for Colombia. However, if you check our free e-book on “The 5 best ways to find authentic food while traveling” you are sure to find tips that apply to any places. I would start with the farmers markets. Here in Argentina any cities or villages have a “mercado central” which is similar to a farmers market but permanent. There you find grocery and meat stands as well as little food stands where they sell typical food to eat in or to take away. Please let us know if Colombia has the same options. When are you planning your trip to Colombia?
Thanks Matt and Mayowa for your comments on our interview. The more we travel throughout Argentina we come to the same conclusion that authentic experiences and higher costs are not mutually exclusive. We have had some of our most memorable experiences in off the beaten places. Indeed travel and cultural experiences is more accessible than we think.
Thanks Matt and Mayowa for your comments on our interview. The more we travel throughout Argentina we come to the same conclusion that authentic experiences and higher costs are not mutually exclusive. We have had some of our most memorable experiences in off the beaten places. Indeed travel and cultural experiences is more accessible than we think.
I forgot to add congratulations on the interview with Day Tours for u. The link was easily accessed through this link: https://daytours4u.com/blog/en/daytours4u/blogger-interview-authentic-food-quest/
I love what you said here the best “Actually, we don’t think it is necessary to splurge on luxurious restaurants if one wants to experience authentic food. It is best experienced in small or traditional restaurants that don’t require one to break the bank. ”
It really shows that traveling and experiencing the cultures of places as most may think does not have to be an expensive endeavor like most of us think.
Thanks Matt and Mayowa for your comments on our interview. The more we travel throughout Argentina we come to the same conclusion that authentic experiences and higher costs are not mutually exclusive. We have had some of our most memorable experiences in off the beaten places. Indeed travel and cultural experiences is more accessible than we think.
Dear Claire/Rosemary – I have been looking forward to receiving your September newsletter in my inbox. Thank you so much for highlighting this unique local delicacies. I wonder if you have any plans to visit Colombia during your travels. My partner and I have a trip planned for colombia and we would really look forward to any tips you have from there as well.
Thanks
Matt and Mayowa
Thanks Matt and Mayowa! We greatly appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately, Colombia is not on our plan for this time around. Too many countries and places to visit! We don’t have specific tips for Colombia. However, if you check our free e-book on “The 5 best ways to find authentic food while traveling” you are sure to find tips that apply to any places. I would start with the farmers markets. Here in Argentina any cities or villages have a “mercado central” which is similar to a farmers market but permanent. There you find grocery and meat stands as well as little food stands where they sell typical food to eat in or to take away. Please let us know if Colombia has the same options. When are you planning your trip to Colombia?