Home / Destinations / Argentina / Restaurants / Elena

Restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Elena

Contemporary ArgentineFine Dining★ 4.7$$$

Four Seasons' flagship restaurant combines Argentine beef culture with refined techniques. Stunning belle époque setting with one of Buenos Aires' best wine cellars featuring 8,000+ bottles.

Elena is the flagship restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, occupying a magnificent belle époque dining room at Posadas 1086 in the Recoleta neighborhood. The restaurant stands as one of the city's premier addresses for contemporary Argentine cuisine, combining the hotel's institutional prestige with a culinary program that champions the country's exceptional beef culture and showcases regional ingredients from across Argentina's vast geography.

The kitchen focuses on wood-fire and open-flame cooking techniques that bring out the character of prime Argentine ingredients. The Wagyu Rib Eye, sourced from Argentine Wagyu herds, is the signature dish — marbled, tender, and finished over hardwood coals before being plated with seasonal accompaniments. The Lamb Rack draws on Patagonian tradition, served with chimichurri and roasted vegetables. The Argentine Beef Tasting menu offers a curated progression through different cuts and preparations, ideal for guests who want to understand the depth of the country's cattle-raising heritage.

Elena's wine cellar is one of the most celebrated in Buenos Aires, holding more than 8,000 bottles spanning Argentine Malbec, Torrontés, Cabernet Franc, and international labels from France, Spain, and Italy. Sommeliers provide in-depth guidance and can arrange vertical tastings of Argentine wines by request. The beverage program extends to a cocktail menu that incorporates local spirits including fernet, gin made from Patagonian botanicals, and premium Argentine vermouths.

The dining room is grand and warmly lit, with arched ceilings, leather banquettes, and a glass-fronted wine cellar visible from the main seating area. Service is polished and attentive without rigidity. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend evenings, when the restaurant draws both Four Seasons guests and Buenos Aires residents celebrating special occasions. Lunch service runs daily and is notably quieter than the evening sittings.

Signature dishes

  • Wagyu Rib Eye — $65
  • Lamb Rack — $48
  • Argentine Beef Tasting — $90

Hours: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM daily

Reservations: Recommended

Location

Posadas 1086, C1011 CABA, Buenos Aires

-34.5901, -58.3877 — View on map

Highlights

  • Flagship dining room of the Four Seasons Buenos Aires with a wine cellar of over 8,000 bottles
  • Prime Argentine Wagyu Rib Eye finished over hardwood coals — the restaurant's emblematic dish
  • Argentine Beef Tasting menu offering a curated progression through the country's finest cuts
  • Stunning belle époque dining room with leather banquettes and a visible glass-fronted wine cellar
  • Patagonian Lamb Rack with chimichurri celebrating Argentina's regional ranching traditions

Tips

  • Book at least a week ahead for weekend dinner; the restaurant is popular with both hotel guests and locals celebrating special occasions.
  • Lunch service at Elena is quieter than dinner and offers the same quality kitchen with easier same-week availability.
  • Ask the sommelier to recommend a Malbec from Mendoza's Luján de Cuyo appellation — the cellar has excellent depth in this area.
  • The Argentine Beef Tasting menu is the best introduction to the kitchen's range; individual cuts à la carte are equally strong for guests with a specific preference.
  • Request a table in the main dining room rather than the adjoining bar area for the full belle époque atmosphere.

FAQ

Is Elena open for lunch as well as dinner?

Yes. Elena serves lunch from 12 PM to 3:30 PM and dinner from 7 PM to 11:30 PM daily. Lunch is generally quieter and can be easier to book on short notice.

Does Elena have a dress code?

Smart casual to elegant attire is expected. The Four Seasons setting means shorts and athletic wear are out of place; business casual is the minimum, and many guests dress formally for dinner.

How extensive is Elena's wine list?

The cellar holds more than 8,000 bottles and is considered one of the finest in Buenos Aires. Argentine labels dominate, with strong representation from Mendoza, Salta, and Patagonia. International labels are also available.

Can the kitchen accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. The kitchen accommodates vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements with advance notice. Contact the restaurant when making the reservation to ensure appropriate menu adaptations are prepared.

How do reservations work at Elena?

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Four Seasons Buenos Aires directly. For weekend dinners, booking one to two weeks ahead is advisable. Hotel guests may arrange reservations through the concierge.

Accessibility

The Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires provides full wheelchair access through the main hotel entrance on Posadas. Elena's dining room is on the ground floor and is accessible without steps. Accessible restrooms are available within the hotel. Guests with specific mobility needs should notify the hotel concierge when booking.

Plan your trip

More restaurants in Argentina