Restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Chila
Sophisticated Puerto Madero restaurant with waterfront views serving inventive tasting menus. Creative reinterpretations of Argentine classics using molecular gastronomy techniques.
Chila is a contemporary Argentine fine dining restaurant at Avenida Alicia Moreau de Justo 1160 in the Puerto Madero neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, positioned on the eastern dock waterfront with views across the Río de la Plata basin. The restaurant has been one of Buenos Aires' most consistently celebrated fine dining addresses since its founding, appearing regularly in regional and international dining rankings and widely regarded as a flagship of Argentina's modern culinary scene.
The kitchen works within a tasting menu format, presenting eight to ten courses that interpret Argentine ingredients and culinary history through contemporary techniques. The creative approach draws from molecular gastronomy and French classical training without abandoning the essentially Argentine character of the ingredients: prime Pampas beef, Patagonian seafood, northwest Andean herbs and grains, and seasonal vegetables sourced from producers with whom the kitchen maintains direct relationships. The eight-course tasting menu is the primary format; it changes seasonally and each course typically arrives with tableside narrative from the service team. A wine pairing programme runs in parallel, assembled from an Argentine-focused cellar covering the major wine regions from Mendoza to Patagonia.
The dining room is spare and elegant: large windows face the waterfront, the colour palette is neutral, and table settings are precise without excessive formality. The tone is one of considered luxury rather than intimidation — a jacket is not required but dinner attire is appropriate. Service is professional and knowledgeable, with the team able to speak to every dish's sourcing, technique, and inspiration. Noise levels are low and tables are well spaced, ensuring private conversation throughout the meal.
Reservations are essential and should be secured well in advance, particularly during high season (November through March) and around major Argentine holidays. The restaurant operates Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only, with service beginning at 8:00 PM. Walk-ins are not accommodated.
Signature dishes
- 8-Course Tasting Menu — $95
- Wine Pairing — $60
Hours: 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM Tuesday-Saturday
Reservations: Essential
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54 11 4343-6067
Location
Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1160, C1107 CABA, Buenos Aires
-34.6119, -58.3636 — View on map
Highlights
- Seasonal eight-course tasting menu interpreting Argentine ingredients through contemporary culinary techniques
- Waterfront dining room in Puerto Madero with views across the Río de la Plata
- Argentine wine pairing programme spanning Mendoza, Salta, and Patagonia in parallel with the tasting menu
- Direct relationships with regional Argentine producers supplying Pampas beef, Patagonian seafood, and Andean ingredients
- One of Buenos Aires' most consistently ranked contemporary restaurants
Tips
- Reserve two to three weeks ahead; Thursday through Saturday evenings are consistently full.
- The wine pairing is a core part of the experience — the Argentine-only cellar selection is thoughtfully assembled and worth including.
- Dinner begins at 8:00 PM; arriving in Puerto Madero thirty minutes early for a pre-dinner waterfront walk is a common approach.
- The restaurant closes Sunday and Monday; plan Buenos Aires itineraries accordingly.
- Request information about the current menu's seasonal focus at booking — the rotation can shift between seafood-led and beef-led courses.
FAQ
Is there an à la carte option at Chila, or is tasting menu only?
Chila operates primarily as a tasting menu restaurant. À la carte ordering is not available for the main dinner service; the eight-course menu is the standard format for all guests.
Is Chila suitable for vegetarians?
The kitchen accommodates vegetarian tasting menus with advance notice at the time of reservation. The standard tasting menu features significant meat and seafood components.
How formal is the dress code?
No jacket requirement, but the restaurant expects dinner-appropriate attire. Smart casual to formal dress is typical; casual or beach attire is out of place in the dining room.
Is Chila within walking distance of central Buenos Aires?
Puerto Madero is immediately adjacent to the Microcentro and accessible on foot from Plaza de Mayo, or by taxi in under ten minutes from most central Buenos Aires neighbourhoods.
Accessibility
The Puerto Madero waterfront and the building housing Chila have level access from the street. The dining room is on a single floor accessible without stairs. Guests with mobility or wheelchair requirements should notify the restaurant at time of reservation for appropriate seating arrangements.
When to visit
Spring (October–November) and early autumn (March–April) offer the most comfortable conditions for the Puerto Madero waterfront approach and align with the kitchen's seasonal menu transitions.