perfect asado as well as making empanadas, choripan, homemade bread and chimichurri sauce. Five courses of traditional cuisine are paired with boutique Argentine wines and you finish off making fresh herb cocktails from the patio garden and can try rolling Argentine tobacco. A fun, cultural and culinary experience to enrich your understanding of Argentina and its cuisine. The restaurant is also open every evening (except Sundays) and serve classic Argentine dishes like a variety of empanadas and roasted meats along with signature dishes from Mauricio and boast a fantastic wine list and warm environment. Ceibo, 25 de Mayo 871 (in front of Plaza Italia), (261) 420 2992. Avg. meal price $130, cooking class from $100US.
CEIBO
LA MARCHIGIANA
SIETE FUEGOS AT THE VINES
As the first Italian restaurant in Mendoza, La Marchigiana has plenty of history and traditional recipes to whet any nonna`s appetite. Maria Teresa Corradini de Barbera`s family restaurant started off with only six hearty Italian dishes but has grown into a popular local fixture which is always busy despite its curious lack of ambience. The pasta is the best thing here, maintaining original recipes from over 60 years ago; we recommend the huge stuffed ravioli. Check out the Brad Pitt photo for celebrity credentials. La Marchigiana, Patricias Mendocinas 1550. (261) 4230751. Avg. meal price: $ 120
outside city center Terruño-Club TAPIZ
Tucked away among the sprawling Maipu vineyards lies Club Tapiz Resort and its lovely restaurant Terruño. This handsome eatery boasts an elegant interior, excellent service and a wine list that is sure to please even the most finicky of wine snobs. Their chef compiles a tantalising menu that includes top notch lomo steaks, a rotating range of salads and a savory ginger/honey chicken dish that is second to none. If you like what you see and taste, book a room in one of their seven Renaissance-style villas. Don’t forget to call ahead for dinner reservations! Ruta 60 s/n 5517 Maipú. AR$ 190. Tel: (261) 496 0131. tapiz.com. Lunch, everyday, 12pm - 3pm. Dinner, Sun - Thurs, 8pm-11pm, Fri & Sat until 12am. Avg. meal cost: $180 pesos.
Siete Fuegos at The Vines of Mendoza
First there was Francis Mallman’s 1884 restaurant, now the celebrity chef has a new restaurant in town. Or rather, out of town. Set in the stunning vineyards of The Vines of Mendoza, Siete Fuegos is sure to be one of the hottest tickets in Mendoza for years to come. A leisurely lunch with not one, but seven asados. Cooking with seven different fire techniques (including burying an entire goat in the sand) this whirlwind of Argentine cuisine includes salt crusted cod, roasted lamb and ginormous dulce de leche pancakes, all accompanied by fantastic Uco Valley wines. The ultimate outdoor Argentina lunch experience. $500AR per person. www.sietefuegosasado.com
Breakfast in Focus: Brillat Savarin Sometimes all you want is a seriously indulgent breakfast, and this French patisserie is the place to go. With kitsch design and macaroons of every different color and flavor under the rainbow (including cassis and malbec), this is going to delight your sweet tooth. If you want to linger over their handmade delicacies then buy what you want from Brillat and stroll over to Anna Bistro next door where they will deliver your breakfast so you can enjoy it with fresh orange juice, coffee or even a glass of bubbles! Brillat Savarin Juan B Justo 135. Open everyday, all day.
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