Sabores Del Plata: Exploring Argentine Flavors in Atlanta’s International Dining Scene

Atlanta’s food scene has become a destination in its own right, and Sabores Del Plata fits neatly into what many locals look for: bold international flavors, relaxed spaces, and a chance to try something different without leaving the metro area. If you’re curious about Argentine and Southern Cone cuisine in Atlanta, this guide walks through what “Sabores Del Plata” represents, what to expect from this style of restaurant, and how it fits into Atlanta’s broader restaurant landscape.

What “Sabores Del Plata” Means

In Spanish, “Sabores Del Plata” loosely translates to “Flavors of the Río de la Plata” – the region surrounding the river between Argentina and Uruguay.

When you see a restaurant or concept with this name in Atlanta, it usually signals:

• Argentine or Uruguayan-style dishes
• A focus on grilled meats (parrilla)
• Classic items like empanadas, chimichurri, and milanesa
• A blend of European and Latin American influences

For Atlanta diners, that means you’re likely looking at a spot that focuses on South American comfort food with an emphasis on beef, pasta, pastries, and bold but familiar flavors.

What to Expect at an Argentine-Style Restaurant in Atlanta

Even if you’ve never tried Argentine food before, much of the menu will feel approachable. Restaurants drawing on Sabores Del Plata–style cuisine in Atlanta typically offer a mix of grilled meats, pastas, and baked dishes.

Core Dishes You’ll Usually Find

Grilled Meats (Parrilla)
These are central to the cuisine and often the main attraction:

• Asado – Mixed grilled meats, often including short ribs, sausages, and steak
• Chorizo and morcilla – Traditional sausages (sometimes served as appetizers or in sandwiches)
• Bife de chorizo – A thick-cut sirloin steak, usually grilled to order

Empanadas
Small, hand-held savory pastries with fillings such as:

• Beef with onions and spices
• Chicken with vegetables
• Ham and cheese
• Sometimes spinach or corn for a vegetarian option

Milanesa
Thin, breaded, and fried cutlets:

• Often beef or chicken
• Served plain with lemon or topped “a la napolitana” with cheese and tomato sauce

Pastas and Italian-Influenced Dishes
Due to heavy Italian immigration to Argentina and Uruguay, you often see:

• Ravioli or sorrentinos filled with cheese, spinach, or ham
• Ñoquis (gnocchi) with tomato or cream sauces

Typical Sides and Sauces

• Chimichurri – A tangy, herby sauce with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil
• Provoleta – Grilled provolone cheese, sometimes with herbs or a bit of chili
• Papas fritas (fries) or puré de papas (mashed potatoes)
• Simple salads with tomato, lettuce, and onion

For an Atlanta eater used to barbecue and meat-and-three plates, this mix will feel somewhat familiar, just with different seasonings and preparations.

How Sabores Del Plata–Style Dining Fits Into Atlanta’s Neighborhoods

Atlanta’s international restaurants tend to cluster in a few key areas. If you’re searching for an Argentine or Río de la Plata–style spot, it helps to think in terms of neighborhood patterns rather than just one address.

Midtown, Buckhead, and In-Town Areas

In these areas, Sabores Del Plata–type restaurants or Argentine-inspired menus often appear as:

• Full-service, sit-down restaurants with wine lists and a focus on steaks and grilled dishes
• Date-night or special-occasion options with slightly more formal atmospheres
• Menus that blend Argentine techniques with more general Latin American or global dishes

These neighborhoods appeal to:

• Office workers staying in the area after work
• Visitors staying in hotels near Peachtree Street, 14th Street, or Piedmont Road
• Locals looking for a central location and access to MARTA or rideshares

Suburbs and North Atlanta

In areas like Doraville, Chamblee, Norcross, and Sandy Springs, you’re more likely to find:

• Smaller family-run restaurants or bakeries with empanadas, milanesas, and desserts
• Latin American grocery stores with an Argentine or Uruguayan section
• More casual spots where takeout and quick lunches are common

If you live outside the Perimeter, this is often where you’ll find South American options without heading into the core of the city.

Typical Dining Experience: What Atlanta Diners Can Expect

Argentine-style restaurants inspired by “Sabores Del Plata” usually lean toward relaxed but not rushed.

Atmosphere

You might notice:

• Warm, low-key interiors, often with wood accents or futbol (soccer) memorabilia
• Background tango or soft Latin music
• A mix of Spanish and English spoken by staff and guests

Service Style

For Atlanta diners used to quick-turn, high-volume service, the pacing can feel a bit slower. That’s common in South American dining culture, where meals are more leisurely.

Expect:

• Time to look over the menu and ask questions
• Courses that may be more spaced out rather than delivered all at once
• Servers familiar with guiding first-timers through unfamiliar dishes

Price Range and Budgeting in Atlanta

Pricing varies by neighborhood and style, but many Sabores Del Plata–type options in Atlanta fall into a moderate category.

Here’s a simple reference-style overview:

*These are typical Atlanta ranges and can vary by restaurant and time.

💡 Tip: Portions at parrilla-focused places can be large. Sharing a mixed grill and ordering a few sides is common and can be more budget-friendly.

Reservations, Parking, and Getting There

How you plan your visit will depend on where in Atlanta the restaurant is located.

Reservations

For intown locations (Midtown, Inman Park, Buckhead):

• Evenings and weekends often benefit from a reservation, especially if the restaurant is known for steaks or date-night dinners.
• Call ahead if you have a larger group (six or more) or special requests.

For more casual or suburban restaurants:

• Walk-ins are frequently fine on weekdays.
• Busy weekend evenings can still see wait times, especially in strip centers with several popular spots.

Parking and Transit Considerations

• Midtown/Buckhead: Expect paid decks or valet; factor this into your budget. Many restaurants validate parking if you park in the attached deck.
• Decatur and in-town neighborhoods: Street parking may be limited; pay attention to time limits and residential permit zones.
• Perimeter and suburban areas: More likely to offer free parking lots, though they can fill up at peak times.

If you’re relying on MARTA:

• Many central Atlanta Argentine/international restaurants are within rideshare distance of Midtown Station, Arts Center Station, or Buckhead Station.
• For spots in areas like Doraville, the Doraville MARTA Station is a common jumping-off point; from there, short rideshares are often the most practical option.

Dietary Needs and Menu Flexibility

Sabores Del Plata–style restaurants in Atlanta generally lean heavily toward meat and dairy, but there are usually a few ways to customize.

If You Eat Meat but Prefer Lighter Options

Look for:

• Grilled chicken instead of beef
• Salads with steak or chicken on top
• Half portions or shared plates

Vegetarian-Friendly Choices

Options may include:

• Cheese or vegetable empanadas
• Salads and grilled vegetables
• Cheese-based dishes like provoleta
• Simple pastas with tomato or cream sauces

If you’re strictly vegetarian or vegan, it’s wise to:

• Call ahead and ask about ingredients, especially in broths, sauces, and fillings
• Ask if the kitchen can prepare a custom plate of sides and vegetables

Gluten Sensitivity or Allergies

Common menus include:

• Naturally gluten-free grilled meats and salads (ask about marinades and cross-contact)
• Empanadas and milanesas that are typically made with wheat flour

Servers at Atlanta international restaurants are increasingly familiar with dietary questions, but it still helps to:

• Mention allergies early
• Ask whether fries share oil with breaded items

Desserts and Coffee: Don’t Skip This Part

For many Atlantans, dessert is when an international restaurant really stands out.

Common Argentine-style desserts:

• Flan – A smooth caramel custard, sometimes topped with dulce de leche or cream
• Dulce de leche–based desserts – Found in cakes, cookies, or simply served as a topping
• Alfajores – Soft sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and often coated in chocolate or powdered sugar

Coffee is typically strong and can be a good finish after a rich meal. You might see:

• Café con leche – Coffee with steamed milk
• Espresso-based drinks, especially in more upscale or café-style spots

How to Choose the Right Sabores Del Plata–Style Spot in Atlanta

When you’re deciding where to go, consider what matters most for your visit.

1. Occasion

• Casual weeknight or lunch: A smaller, more relaxed spot in Doraville, Chamblee, or other suburbs can be easier and more affordable.
• Date night or celebration: Opt for an intown location with steak-focused menus and a wine list.

2. Group Size

• For large groups, look for places that clearly advertise group seating or banquet-style options and call ahead.
• Mixed groups (some adventurous eaters, some not) will do better at places that also offer simple grilled chicken, fries, or salads.

3. Level of Adventure

• If you’re new to Argentine food, start with empanadas, grilled steak, fries, and flan.
• If you’re more adventurous, ask your server about house specialties, lesser-known cuts of meat, or traditional sausages.

Tips for a Smooth First Visit

• Scan the menu online first (if available): Helps you recognize names like asado, milanesa, and chimichurri.
• Call if unsure about hours: Some international restaurants in Atlanta keep slightly different hours, especially between lunch and dinner.
• Ask for guidance: Atlanta servers at international spots are often used to explaining dishes to first-time guests.
• Plan your transportation: Especially if you expect to enjoy wine or beer; rideshare is widely used citywide.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, a restaurant built around “Sabores Del Plata”–style cuisine offers a way to experience the flavors of Argentina and the Río de la Plata region without leaving the metro area. With a bit of planning around neighborhood, budget, and dietary needs, it can easily become a regular part of your Atlanta dining rotation.