糖心传媒

Buenos Aires is a city of world flavors, late dinners and even later drinks. Owing to the potpourri of European and Latin cultures, its gastronomy is one of its best facets.

From mouthwatering cuts at sizzling steakhouses to pastries inspired by anarchist movements at notable cafes, there's plenty to discover and put on your plate in Argentina鈥檚 capital. As sightseeing can be hungry (and expensive) work, here are eight budget-friendly Buenos Aires eateries and the noteworthy places near them, proving that cheap restaurants can be cheerful.

Lo del Franc茅s

If the airfare to France is too steep, travel there by way of . This cafe-bistro in the San Telmo neighbourhood has a distinctly French accent, from the d茅cor to the Francophone staff. With its hearty portions, ornate presentation, varied menu and impeccable service, you get your money鈥檚 worth even before happy hour.

Nearby sites: Parque Lezama, Plaza Dorrego, Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires

Pizzer铆a G眉err铆n

Devour the pizza that dreams are made of at G眉err铆n on Avenida Corrientes, Buenos Aires鈥� renowned pizza street. It鈥檚 one of the stops on , an annual "marathon" that sees 400 "runners" descend onto various pizzerias for one slice. G眉err铆n is loved for its delectable muzzarella pizzas and fugazza, a cheesy Argentine take on focaccia. Single slices are cheap and cheerful. Grab one and eat by the bar, 辫辞谤迟别帽辞 (local) style. It鈥檚 cash only at this BA institution.

Nearby sites: Avenida 9 de Julio, Obelisco, Plaza Lavalle, the theater district

Related article: Eating, living and dancing like a 辫辞谤迟别帽辞 in Buenos Aires

La Conga

Arrive hungry at , a Peruvian seafood and chicken joint with lavish portions and modest prices. Feed yourself a mountain of ceviche, calamari, seafood rice or a whole chicken, one of their specialties. The kicker is that you鈥檒l probably have enough leftovers for several meals to come. Don鈥檛 let the lines keep you from these delicious low prices.

Nearby sites: Konex (for La Bomba del Tiempo), Abasto Mall, Museo Casa Carlos Gardel, Paseo del Filete

Atelier Fuerza

If you arrive at in the afternoon there鈥檒l be almost nothing left. This bakery makes honest, good bread and puts fresh eyes on Argentine staples like alfajores (dulce de leche cookies). Order 'half-moons' and 'receipts' otherwise known as medialunas and facturas. Many of Argentina鈥檚 pastry names warrant a double-take; several are anti-establishment titles given by the baker鈥檚 union after a strike for better working conditions.

Nearby sites: El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Related article: Cocktails with a view: Buenos Aires' top 7 rooftop bars

Don Niceto

Asado (barbecue) is king in Argentina. For a wallet-friendly parilla (grill), visit Don Niceto in Palermo. Drizzle chimichurri over your preferred meaty goodness: bondiola (pork shoulder), ojo de bife (ribeye) or morcilla (blood sausage). If you dare, try achuras (offal), like 谤颈帽辞苍别蝉 (kidneys) and 肠丑颈苍肠耻濒铆苍 (small intestine) for under $3USD.

Nearby sites: Plaza Serrano, Niceto Club, Plaza Armenia, Jard铆n Bot谩nico Carlos Thays, Museo Evita

Parilla lo de Freddy

Lo de Freddy is literally a hole-in-the-wall meat cave in San Telmo. A few humble bar stools stand before a large, well-worn grill where one may perch to enjoy 肠丑辞谤颈辫谩苍 (chorizo sausage sandwiches), considered to be Argentina鈥檚 version of the hot dog. Alternatively, 尘辞谤肠颈辫谩苍 (blood sausage sandwich) and even 别苍迟谤补帽补 (skirt steak) are on the menu here. There are no bells and whistles and the grill master seems to make up the opening hours as he goes along but the low prices do the talking here.

Nearby sites: Mercado San Telmo

Lo de Charly

In case of a steak emergency, head straight to , which serves succulent meat dishes at affordable prices, 24 hours a day. Their slogan is 鈥渄onde el fuego nunca se apaga鈥� (where the fire never goes out) and they mean it: the grill hasn鈥檛 been turned off since 1991.

Nearby sites:

El Hornero

Want juicy empanadas capable of stirring up a frenzy? Find them at El Hornero in Mercado San Telmo, where you can procure three perfectly overstuffed empanadas and a drink for less than $10USD. Eager foodies clamor to get their hands on them, particularly during San Telmo鈥檚 Sunday antiques market (Feria de San Telmo). Get yours for the road or nab one of the few seats. Mercado San Telmo is a large indoor market interspersed with wine bars, fruit stalls, antiques and quick bites. There are countless options for affordable eating, but don鈥檛 overlook this one.

Nearby sites: Plaza Dorrego, Museo Hist贸rico Nacional, Puerto Madero

Related article: Buenos Aires vegetarian: the best restaurants

Tips to please your palate and wallet

Look out for the menu del d铆a (daily menu) or menus ejecutivos (executive menus). These specials typically consist of three courses and a drink at prices that鈥檒l put a smile on your face. They鈥檙e publicized on chalkboards outside restaurants, often on weekdays. Choosing 产辞诲别驳贸苍蝉 (Argentine canteens) and eating off-peak will also help you save. The ever-nocturnal 辫辞谤迟别帽辞 favors dining late, so many restaurants offer discounts for those audacious enough to do so before 8pm.