Restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina
La Cabrera
Famous Palermo parrilla known for enormous portions and complimentary appetizers. Excellent quality beef at reasonable prices with lively atmosphere and no reservations.
La Cabrera is a landmark Palermo parrilla that has built its reputation on generous portions, quality beef, and the ritual of complimentary side dishes that accompany every main course. Founded by chef and restaurateur Gastón Riveira, the restaurant operates from two adjacent premises on José A. Cabrera street in Buenos Aires — the original at 5127 and a neighboring annex at 5099 — together capable of seating several hundred diners while maintaining consistent quality from the grill.
The restaurant is celebrated above all for its enormous cuts. The bife de chorizo for two is the signature order: a thick, sizzling sirloin that arrives alongside a rotating selection of eight to twelve small ceramic pots of complimentary sides — roasted peppers, caramelized onions, squash purée, seasonal salads, and other preparations that change with availability. This tradition of free accompaniments has become one of the most discussed features of any Buenos Aires restaurant. The asado de tira (short ribs) is equally popular, slow-cooked until the fat renders and the meat separates easily from the bone. The provoleta (grilled provolone with oregano and olive oil) is a dependable starter, and the in-house empanadas round out the opening courses.
La Cabrera does not accept reservations, which generates evening queues along the street, particularly from 9 PM onward. A pager or WhatsApp notification system alerts waiting guests when their table is ready, allowing time to explore the Palermo Soho neighborhood nearby. The wine list is Malbec-heavy and accessible in price. The atmosphere is lively and informal — exposed brick interiors, communal energy, and a noise level suited to groups and celebrations.
Signature dishes
- Bife de Chorizo (for two) — $45
- Asado de Tira — $22
- Provoleta — $12
Hours: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM daily
Reservations: Not accepted - expect to wait
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +54 11 4831-7002
Location
Cabrera 5127, C1414 CABA, Buenos Aires
-34.5878, -58.4267 — View on map
Highlights
- Enormous bife de chorizo for two, accompanied by up to twelve complimentary side dishes in small ceramic pots
- No-reservations policy generates a lively street queue; a pager system frees diners to explore Palermo Soho while waiting
- Asado de tira (short ribs) slow-cooked until the fat renders — one of the kitchen's most accomplished cuts
- Founded by Gastón Riveira with multiple Argentine and international locations now operating from the Palermo original
- Malbec-focused wine list at accessible prices suited to the casual, celebratory atmosphere
Tips
- Arrive at 12:30 PM for lunch or before 8 PM for dinner to avoid the longest queues, which peak around 9–10 PM
- Request a pager and use the wait to walk through Palermo Soho's boutiques half a block away
- The lunch sitting is typically 10–15% less expensive than dinner and considerably less crowded
- The complimentary side dishes rotate seasonally — inform the server of dietary restrictions as some contain dairy or gluten
- Order the asado de tira if available; it is widely regarded as the kitchen's most technically impressive preparation
FAQ
Does La Cabrera accept reservations?
No. La Cabrera operates on a walk-in basis only. A pager or WhatsApp notification system alerts waiting guests when a table is available.
What is the signature dish?
The bife de chorizo for two is the most emblematic order — a large shared sirloin arriving with a rotating selection of complimentary side dishes in small ceramic pots.
How long is the typical wait for a table?
Waits of 45 minutes to two hours are common on Friday and Saturday evenings. Midweek and lunch sittings are considerably shorter.
Are there multiple La Cabrera locations?
Yes. The Palermo original at Cabrera 5127 and an adjacent annex at 5099 operate together. Franchise locations exist in other Argentine cities and internationally.
Is La Cabrera suitable for vegetarians?
The menu is centered on grilled meat. The complimentary side dishes and salads provide limited vegetarian options, but the overall selection is narrow for non-meat eaters.
Accessibility
La Cabrera's main entrance on Cabrera street is at street level with a low step threshold. The main dining room is spacious enough to accommodate wheelchair users, though the neighboring annex has tighter seating arrangements. Contacting the restaurant in advance is advisable to confirm current access.