Aramburu is easily the best restaurant in Buenos Aires. In fact, it’s more than a restaurant. It is a culinary experience that will take you on a journey through the unique flavors of South America.
In my review of Aramburu Buenos Aires, I’ll share a bit of the experience and photo diary of each course! I won’t ruin all the surprises, but hope to inspire you to try this incredible dining experience worthy of a Michelin star. In fact to update this post: Michelin did come to Argentina this year and Aramburu was award not one, but 2 stars ✌️⭐️
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Atmosphere at Aramburu Buenos Aires
Tucked behind a trendy alleyway filled with restaurants and wine bars, you will find Aramburu casually hidden at the end.
At Aramburu, the tables face toward the open kitchen, the main stage of the restaurant, so you have a true live experience watching the team led by Chef Gonzalo Aramburu. The atmosphere is dark and cozy with each table featuring a spotlight overhead. It feels like you are the only table there.
Service at Aramburu Buenos Aires
The service at Aramburu is exactly what you would expect from a fine dining restaurant. They were highly knowledgable about the cuisine, friendly, and professional.
Once you are seated, the servers will ask about any food preferences or allergies. For example, we were pescatarian and it was not a problem. Next, you will determine if you’d like the beverage pairing which I HIGHLY recommend. It will include everything from kombucha to wine to cocktails! Of course, if you prefer a certain wine that is an option as well. Then, sit back and relax as this 17 course meal is served to you completely blind.
17 Course Tasting Menu at Aramburu Restaurant
Aramburu restaurants features a 17 course tasting menu with an optional beverage pairing. Allow me to walk you step by step…..
1. Bouquet of Seasonal Flowers
First up, this was definitely the prettiest dish served with a bouquet of flowers! These little wraps were filled with zucchini and fresh leaves.
Courses 2, 3, 4: Merengue, Remolacha (beet), Sesamo Negro (black sesame)
Next, we were served three different courses together featuring a chickpea meringue, black sesame eggplant, and beets.
5. Sandia (watermelon)
We loved this one extra! It’s frozen watermelon (try some at home if you are curious) with tiny scallops on top! The unexpected coldness of the watermelon made this dish incredible.
6. Ostra (oyster)
This course was the winner for most unique presentation. I can’t say I have ever had an oyster served like this with lime and quinoa. It was absolutely amazing.
Courses 7,8, 9: Molleja, Codorniz, Terrina de Cerdo y ave
This course is usually a meat dish with quail and poultry, but we had the pescatarian menu.
This cocktail pairing was amazing with scotch, honey, and spiced black tea. Definitely my favorite pairing of the evening.
10. Carrots
This course was FULL of flavor. Absolutely loved this carrot salad.
11. Tomatoes
Local heirloom tomatoes stuffed with cheese.
12. Chipirones (squid)
Baby squid with miso and onion broth.
13. Sashimi
This was like a ceviche with fish, coconut, and apple flavors. It was one of my favorites.
14. Octopus
One of my favorites at Aramburu restaurant and I am not big on octopus! The smoky flavors were incredible along with the slight crisp to the fish.
15. Frutillas (strawberries)
Moving onto dessert with this strawberry feature. The perfect refreshing course to kick off our dessert features.
16. Jengibre (ginger)
Next, a palate cleansing sorbet with ginger and coconut.
17. Palta (avocado)
Lastly, for dessert we had this faux avocado with a chocolate shell holding in mango and avocado sorbet!
Aramburu 17 Course Tasting Menu
After we completed all 17 courses at Aramburu, we were given the menu during checkout. I loved that we didn’t get to see it beforehand so were completely surprised by each dish.
Aramburu Restaurant FAQ
Aramburu is absolutely not cheap, but everything else WAS when we travelled to Argentina due to the 50% inflation at the time, so it was easier to justify. Consider it your birthday AND anniversary dinner like we did! Actually, don’t even consider it a dinner – it’s a culinary experience. Think of it like any other activity you would purchase on vacation like booking a sailing tour or a fishing trip.
We are mostly plant based, but eat seafood sometimes. We told them we were pescatarian for this meal and it worked out great. I am sure they can accommodate vegetarian diets, but would double check prior to making a reservation.
They do not have a Michelin Star, but absolutely are deserving of the prestigious distinction! When Michelin makes their way to Argentina, I am certain that Aramburu will make the cut first!
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was an incredible experience through 17 unique courses. What I loved about the experience at Aramburu was watching the chefs cook through the glass windows. It was like watching a scientist in a lab – very serious work! If you noticed, each course was served on different “plates” and with different silverware. It is a production! The cuisine was truly exceptional and I can’t recommend enough trying out Aramburu for your next trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina!
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