Restaurant in R8401 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Butterfly
Creative Bariloche restaurant blending Argentine, Asian, and Mediterranean influences. Known for excellent sushi, wok dishes, and lake views.
Butterfly is a fusion restaurant located on Avenida Ezequiel Bustillo Km 7, roughly seven kilometres east of central San Carlos de Bariloche in the Río Negro province of Argentine Patagonia. Set near the southern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi, the venue combines an extraordinary setting — panoramic lake and Andean mountain views from its main dining room — with a kitchen that blends Argentine, Japanese, and Mediterranean culinary traditions into a cohesive and distinctive menu.
The restaurant's reputation rests substantially on its sushi programme. The Patagonian Sushi Roll incorporates smoked Patagonian trout and locally produced cream cheese in a format adapted from Japanese maki technique; it has become an emblematic item that appears in most visitor accounts of dining in Bariloche. The wok-fried trout is a more overtly Asian-influenced preparation: fresh lake trout cooked at high heat with sesame, ginger, and seasonal vegetables, drawing on the abundant cold-water fish stock of Nahuel Huapi. The beef tataki demonstrates Japanese slicing and curing technique applied to Argentine grass-fed beef from Patagonian ranches, served rare with a soy-citrus dressing and microgreens.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 pm, Butterfly operates as a dinner-only destination. The dining room is compact and fills quickly on summer evenings (December to March) and during the Bariloche ski season (July to August), when the city experiences its highest visitor volumes. Reservations are strongly recommended at least two to three days in advance during these periods, with window tables proving the most requested. As daylight fades over Nahuel Huapi and the Andean silhouette deepens, the combination of quality food and atmospheric backdrop sets Butterfly apart from restaurants in the town centre.
The wine list covers Mendoza Malbec and Patagonian varietals from Río Negro, including aromatic whites from the Upper Río Negro Valley that pair well with the Asian-influenced preparations. A small craft beer selection from local Bariloche producers is also available. Service is attentive and informed, with staff prepared to discuss both the menu's culinary origins and the local sourcing of the fish.
Signature dishes
- Patagonian Sushi Roll — $24
- Wok-Fried Trout — $26
- Beef Tataki — $22
Hours: 7:00 PM - midnight Tuesday-Sunday
Reservations: Recommended
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54 294 446-1441
Location
Av. Ezequiel Bustillo Km 7, R8401 San Carlos de Bariloche
-41.0972, -71.3889 — View on map
Highlights
- Patagonian Sushi Roll featuring smoked Nahuel Huapi trout — an emblematic crossover dish that has defined Butterfly's reputation in Bariloche
- Panoramic lake and Andean mountain views from the main dining room at Km 7 along Bustillo Avenue
- Wok-fried lake trout with sesame and ginger showcasing the fusion between Patagonian ingredients and Japanese technique
- Argentine beef tataki with soy-citrus dressing — Japanese slicing and curing technique applied to Patagonian grass-fed cattle
Tips
- Request a window table specifically when booking by phone — lake-view positions are limited and allocated in order of advance request
- Reserve at least 3 days ahead for Friday and Saturday dinners during summer (December–March) or ski season (July–August)
- The wok-fried trout pairs best with a Río Negro white wine; the beef tataki works well with a Patagonian Pinot Noir
- Km 7 is accessible by taxi or the Km 1–25 bus line running along Bustillo Avenue — allow 20 minutes from the Bariloche civic centre
FAQ
Does Butterfly serve lunch?
No. The restaurant operates dinner service only, opening Tuesday through Sunday from 7 pm. Visitors seeking lunch in the Km 7 area will need to find other options along Bustillo Avenue.
Is the fish served at Butterfly sourced from Nahuel Huapi?
Trout and other cold-water fish on the menu are sourced from the Nahuel Huapi basin or licensed Patagonian aquaculture operations. The kitchen prioritises local supply chains over imported fish.
How difficult are reservations to obtain?
Booking 2–3 days ahead is sufficient for midweek visits. Weekend evenings during high season (December–March and July–August) may require booking 5–7 days in advance, particularly for window tables with lake views.
How does Butterfly blend Argentine and Asian cuisines?
The kitchen applies Japanese slicing, curing, and wok techniques to Patagonian ingredients — principally Nahuel Huapi trout and grass-fed Argentine beef. The result is a distinctly local interpretation rather than a replication of any single Asian cuisine.
Accessibility
Butterfly is located at Km 7 on Bustillo Avenue, set back from the roadside with a short path to the entrance. The dining room is on a single level. Visitors with mobility needs should confirm parking and entrance accessibility by phone before visiting, as the hillside terrain around the venue may present challenges for wheelchair users.