Argentinian Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Find Authentic Flavors in the City

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is known for its diversity, and Argentinian food is a small but growing part of it. If you’re craving grilled meats, chimichurri, empanadas, and Malbec and you’re in or near Atlanta, you do have options—though you’ll need to know where to look and what to expect.

This guide walks you through where to find Argentinian-style restaurants in Atlanta, what dishes to try, how Argentinian food fits into the local dining scene, and how to choose the right spot for your plans.

What “Argentinian Restaurant Atlanta” Really Means

In Atlanta, when people search for “Argentinian restaurant Atlanta”, they’re usually looking for at least one of these:

• A steakhouse with Argentinian-style grilled meats
• A place that serves empanadas, choripán, and milanesa
• A Latin American restaurant with strong Argentinian influences
• A wine-focused spot with Malbecs and South American reds

Because Atlanta doesn’t have a huge concentration of fully traditional Argentinian restaurants, many options are:

• Argentinian-inspired steakhouses
• Pan–Latin American restaurants that feature some Argentinian dishes
• Empanada shops or bakeries with Argentinian-style fillings and techniques

If you’re used to the depth of Argentinian dining in places like Buenos Aires or New York, expect a smaller but still worthwhile selection in Atlanta, with a focus on grilled meats and empanadas.

Classic Argentinian Dishes to Look for in Atlanta

No matter which Atlanta neighborhood you’re in, you’ll spot Argentinian influence if you know the core dishes. When checking menus, keep an eye out for:

Grilled Meats (Parrilla-Style)

Argentinian cuisine is famous for the asado (barbecue) and parrilla (grill). In Atlanta, this often appears as:

• Bife de chorizo – A thick, juicy sirloin or strip steak
• Vacio – Flank steak, often grilled and sliced
• Entraña – Skirt steak with strong beef flavor
• Chorizo and morcilla – Sausage and blood sausage

Look for menus featuring wood-fired or charcoal-grilled steaks; this is typically where Argentinian-style cooking appears.

Empanadas

You’ll see empanadas under Argentinian, Latin, or South American sections of local menus. Argentinian-style empanadas usually include:

• Beef empanadas – Often with egg, olives, and spices
• Ham and cheese
• Chicken (pollo)
• Spinach or humita (corn and cheese)

They’re typically baked or fried, half-moon shaped, and served with chimichurri or salsa criolla.

Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a must-try Argentinian sauce, often served with steak or bread. Look for:

• Green chimichurri – Parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, and herbs
• Sometimes red chimichurri with peppers or paprika

If a restaurant in Atlanta lists “Argentinian chimichurri”, it usually signals they’re paying attention to traditional flavor.

Other Argentinian Favorites

If you find a restaurant leaning more heavily Argentinian, you may also see:

• Milanesa – Breaded, fried cutlet (similar to schnitzel), sometimes served as a sandwich
• Choripán – Grilled chorizo sausage in crusty bread with chimichurri
• Provoleta – Grilled provolone cheese with herbs
• Dulce de leche desserts – Flan, alfajores, cakes filled with caramel-like dulce de leche

Where to Look for Argentinian Food in and Around Atlanta

While specific lineups can change, there are consistent patterns in how Argentinian and Argentinian-inspired food shows up in Atlanta:

1. Intown Neighborhoods (Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown)

These areas often host:

• Upscale steakhouses with South American touches, where you may find:
  • Chimichurri on the steak menu
  • Malbec-heavy wine lists
  • Empanadas as a starter or bar snack

What to expect:

• Higher prices
• A focus on steak, wine, and ambiance rather than a broad Argentinian menu

2. Latin American Corridors (Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, and Surroundings)

Around Buford Highway and nearby suburbs, you’re more likely to find:

• Latin American restaurants that include Argentinian dishes alongside Peruvian, Colombian, or Brazilian items
• Bakeries or small eateries selling empanadas that lean Argentinian in style

What to expect:

• Casual atmospheres
• Mixed menus (not exclusively Argentinian)
• Variety of Spanish-speaking staff and customers

3. Food Trucks and Pop-Ups

Atlanta’s food truck and pop-up scene sometimes features:

• Empanada-focused vendors
• South American grill concepts
• Occasional Argentinian “asado” events at markets or breweries

To find these:

• Check Atlanta-focused event calendars
• Look at social media feeds for local food markets, breweries, and night markets

How Argentinian Food Fits into Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta is well-known for Southern, Korean, Mexican, and Ethiopian cuisines; Argentinian is more niche but steadily present. That affects how you approach dining:

You’ll commonly find:

• Argentinian-style dishes on non-Argentinian menus (for example, a steakhouse with chimichurri)
• Hybrid or pan–Latin concepts: a single place may serve empanadas, arepas, ceviche, and tacos
• Wine bars with South American selections, including Argentinian Malbecs

If you’re specifically hunting for authentic Argentinian asado, you may have better luck in:

• Suburban steakhouses that advertise South American grilling
• Special events (like Argentine wine dinners or asado nights) promoted by restaurants

Typical Price Ranges for Argentinian-Style Dining in Atlanta

These are general Atlanta patterns, not fixed guarantees. Taxes, tips, and drinks—especially wine—will increase the total.

Tips for Choosing an Argentinian Restaurant in Atlanta

When you search “Argentinian restaurant Atlanta,” use these filters and questions to narrow down the best choice for your plans.

1. Decide What “Argentinian” Means for You

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a full steak dinner with Malbec and a sit-down experience?
• Just a quick empanada stop near where you’re staying or working?
• A casual group spot for grilled meats and shared plates?

This will help you decide between:

• Steakhouses (for asado-style meats and wine)
• Latin restaurants (for variety and value)
• Bakery/empanada shops (for a quick bite or takeout)

2. Read the Menu Before You Go

Most Atlanta restaurants post menus online. Look specifically for:

• Chimichurri – a good sign of Argentinian influence
• Cut names like bife de chorizo, vacio, entraña
• Empanadas listed with fillings typical of Argentina

If the menu doesn’t show any of these, the place may be more “general steakhouse” than “Argentinian.”

3. Check Location and Parking

Atlanta traffic can be a factor. Consider:

• Midtown/Buckhead: Great for date nights, but plan for parking garages or valet.
• Buford Highway / Doraville: Good for more casual, budget-friendly Latin spots; often easier parking.
• Downtown: Convenient if you’re near hotels or attractions, but confirm where to park before you go.

4. Look for Wine and Drinks

Argentinian dining often pairs with:

• Malbec and other Mendoza reds
• Occasionally Fernet-based cocktails or South American beers

If you want a more complete Argentinian experience, check:

• Does the wine list call out Argentina?
• Are staff familiar with suggesting Argentine wines with steak or empanadas?

Ordering Like a Local (Argentinian Style) in Atlanta

Even if you’re in a mixed Latin restaurant in Atlanta, you can build a very Argentinian-style meal with smart choices.

Suggested Meal Structure

1. Start with:

   • Beef or ham-and-cheese empanadas
   • Maybe a small order of provoleta or another cheese dish, if available

2. Main Course:

   • A grilled steak (look for sirloin, flank, or skirt steak)
   • Ask for chimichurri on the side if it’s not automatically included
   • Sides like salad, potatoes, or grilled vegetables

3. Dessert:

   • Anything with dulce de leche, flan, or an alfajor-style cookie or cake

4. Drinks:

   • Malbec or another Argentinian red wine
   • Sparkling water or a soft drink if you’re skipping alcohol

Simple Phrases That Help

• “Do you have chimichurri for the steak?”
• “Which dishes are the most Argentinian-style on your menu?”
• “Do you have any Argentinian wines, like Malbec from Mendoza?”

Many Atlanta servers in Latin restaurants are used to these questions and can guide you toward the more authentic-feeling options.

Dietary Considerations at Argentinian-Inspired Spots in Atlanta

If you’re dining with a group or have dietary needs, keep these patterns in mind:

• Beef-heavy menus: Traditional Argentinian cuisine centers on beef, but:

  • You can often find chicken, fish, or pork options.
  • Some places offer salads or vegetarian empanadas.

• Vegetarian or vegan:
  Options may be limited, but you can sometimes piece together:

  • Cheese or veggie empanadas
  • Grilled vegetables, salads, and sides
  • Some pan–Latin spots are more flexible with substitutions.

• Gluten considerations:
  Empanadas typically use wheat flour. If gluten is an issue:

  • Ask if they offer corn-based items or naturally gluten-free sides.
  • Stick to grilled meats and vegetables, prepared simply.

Always confirm preparation details with staff if you have strict dietary needs.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Diners

A few Atlanta-specific pointers if you’re planning an Argentinian-style meal:

• Reservations:

  • For steakhouses and date-night spots in Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown, reservations are often wise, especially on weekends or before events.
  • Casual empanada or Latin spots in the suburbs are usually more flexible, but peak weekend times can still be busy.

• Timing:

  • Typical Argentinian dinners start later in the evening, but Atlanta restaurants usually follow standard U.S. dinner hours.
  • If you want a quieter experience, aim for early evening on weekdays.

• Takeout and Delivery:

  • Empanadas and some grilled dishes travel fairly well.
  • Many Atlanta restaurants partner with the major delivery apps; check menus and fees in advance.

If You Can’t Find a Strictly Argentinian Restaurant

Because Atlanta’s Argentinian restaurant scene is smaller than some larger coastal cities, you might not always find a purely Argentinian spot near you. In that case, you can still get very close by:

• Choosing a Latin American restaurant and focusing on:

  • Empanadas
  • Grilled beef dishes
  • Chimichurri sauce

• Opting for a steakhouse that:

  • Offers Malbec
  • Serves chimichurri with steak
  • Has cuts similar to Argentinian favorites (sirloin, flank, skirt)

With a bit of menu reading and a few questions to the staff, it’s possible to enjoy a very Argentinian-style meal right here in Atlanta, whether you live in the city, are visiting, or are planning a special night out centered on South American flavors.