La Cueva — A Gourmet Dining Adventure in Bariloche

La Cueva restaurant is one of the most exclusive and adventurous, if not exactly eco-friendly, dining experiences you can have in Bariloche.

As its name suggests, ‘The Cave,’ is set inside the belly of a mountain — Princess Peak, seven kilometers from the base of Cerro Catedral ski resort.

Getting To La Cueva is Half the Adventure

This 17-seat ‘destination dining’ spot, surrounded by Lenga Beech forest, can only be reached by snowmobile in the winter or quad bike in the summer.

The cozy alpine interior lends itself to kicking things off with a glass of champagne and cheese fondue by the fireplace.

The smells of traditional Patagonic dishes prepared in an old style wood stove permeate the whole restaurant. Some popular entrees are salmon canapés; chicken stuffed with smoked ham, apples and curried tomatoes; lamb sauteed in Malbec and forest berries; and beef tenderloin marinated in Dijon mustard and honey. On some nights there is live music and dancing.

A unique dining experience that combines adventure and gourmet cuisine, La Cueva is probably the only restaurant in Bariloche that recommends diners have travel insurance.

The cozy interior of La Cueva Restaurant in Bariloche, Argentina — photos courtesy of La Cueva

La Cueva-$$$$
Princess Peak
Cerro Catedral
Bariloche
Reservation line: (02944) 460-485
Cell: (02944)-15-411-380

• Reservations required

Cerros Nevados — All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Those traveling in Argentina for any length of time will discover tenedor libres, or ‘free fork’ restaurants (read: all-you-can-eat). They’re a great option for those with big appetites and small wallets, or groups who can’t agree on what they want to eat.

Many of Argentina’s all-you-can-eat cafeterias are run by Chinese families, and they are all pretty similar to each other. There are a few buffets tables with everything from sushi to salads and chow mein to empanadas.

Bariloche’s First Tenedor Libre

As with many tenedor libres, the decoration at Cerros Nevados is depressing — the light is too bright and the walls could use a paint job. But what’s special about Bariloche’s first tenedor libre is the experienced asador (grill chef) who cooks the meat with the kind of gaucho artistry that you’ll only find in Patagonia.

You can request as many servings of sausage, chicken and steaks from the parilla (barbecue grill) as you want.

Dieters beware — if the appetizers, main courses and parilla doesn’t cause you to burst, desserts include an assortment of cakes, custards, and fresh fruit with cream or dulce de leche (sweet milk).

As one of Bariloche’s only tenedor libres, Cerros Nevados is recommended for undiscriminating budget travelers with big post-ski or post-hike appetites.

Cerros Nevados – $$
Moreno 388
Downtown Bariloche
Tel: 436-918

• Hours:12:00 a.m-4:00p.m.;
8:00p.m. -12:00p.m. everyday

El Patacon — Patagonian Gourmet

El Patacon is considered one of Bariloche’s finest restaurants. Visited by noteworthy guests including various European royalty, Argentine actors and former U.S. president, Bill Clinton (who dined here with despised former Argentine president, Carlos Menem) it’s regularly featured in luxury travel magazines. Not just nobility, celebrities and shifty politicians get the royal treatment here though.

As soon as you walk through the door your coat is taken and you are handed a glass of champagne to sip in the ‘living room’ with its huge stone hearth while waiting for your table.

The specially designed restaurant, opened in 1996, includes an extensive wine cellar, an art gallery and various Patagonia-styled lounges.

Patagonian Gourmet Specialties at El Patacon

The menu has some nice twists off the average Argentine fare, try the herb-encrusted venison or trout marinated in orange vodka. A button on each table alerts the wait staff, meaning the service here is some of the most attentive you will receive in Argentina. Real foodies can also ask to see the kitchen. If you ask for a wine recommendation from the chef, you won’t be disappointed.

Bariloche is a chocolate lover paradise and El Patacon’s dessert, ‘Death by chocolate’ is difficult to pass up, or try the crepes filled with another locally-made specialty, dulce de leche (sweet milk paste). This is an ideal place for an adult holiday dinner, although if you’re simply looking for a good steak or have kids in tow, you’re better off heading to a more down-to-earth destination such as El Churasco.

Reservations are recommended — make sure to request a table by the window, the view over Lake Nahual Huapi is one of the highlights.

El Patacon-$$$$
Av. Bustillo km. 7
Route Llao Llao
Tel: (54 2944) 442-898