Best Restaurants in
Rosario
Argentina's third-largest city sits on the banks of the Paraná river and is legendary for its parrillas, river fish, and vibrant cafe culture. Home to Messi and some of the country's best asado.
Rosario is a city built along the banks of the mighty Paraná river, and its dining culture reflects this. The city is famous across Argentina for its parrillas—many argue the best asado in the country comes from Rosario, not Buenos Aires. The Costanera (riverside promenade) offers spectacular dining with river views, and the local river fish like surubí and dorado are must-tries.
Key Neighborhoods
- • Costanera Norte/Central: Riverside restaurants with Paraná views
- • Centro: Historic cafes, traditional restaurants, pizza joints
- • Barrio Pichincha: Trendy gastro scene, craft beer, galleries
- • Puerto Norte: Upscale dining in the renovated port district
Rosario Specialties
- • Asado rosarino: Locals claim the best parrilla in Argentina
- • Surubí: Prized Paraná river catfish, grilled or pan-fried
- • Dorado: The "golden" river fish, a local delicacy
- • Milanesa napolitana: Rosario-style, often enormous
Parrillas
3 spotsEl Viejo Balcón
Parrilla • Costanera Norte
A Rosario institution for decades. This classic parrilla on the Costanera serves perfectly grilled meats with panoramic river views. The bife de chorizo is legendary among locals and visitors alike.
Lo de Roque
Parrilla • Barrio Echesortu
A neighborhood parrilla beloved by rosarinos for its generous portions and honest cooking. The meat is always top quality, cooked slowly over wood fire. No frills, just excellent asado.
Parrilla Escauriza
Parrilla • Centro
Another long-standing Rosario parrilla that draws crowds for its consistently excellent grilled meats. Known for keeping traditional Argentine grilling methods alive with quality cuts.
Riverside Dining
3 spotsDavis Restaurant
Contemporary Argentine • Costanera Norte
Upscale riverside dining on the Costanera with a modern take on Argentine cuisine. The menu blends river fish with premium meats, all served with views of the Paraná and the islands beyond.
Restaurant del Puerto
River Fish & Seafood • Puerto Norte
Located near the old port area, this restaurant specializes in freshwater fish from the Paraná river. The surubí and pacú are caught locally and prepared in traditional river-style recipes.
La Fluvial
Contemporary & River Fish • Costanera Central
Set in the beautifully renovated Estación Fluvial building on the waterfront, this restaurant combines stunning architecture with a menu that celebrates Rosario's river heritage and modern gastronomy.
Traditional
3 spotsBar El Cairo
Cafe & Bar • Centro
A legendary Rosario cafe that was a favorite haunt of Roberto Fontanarrosa, the beloved Argentine cartoonist and writer. The walls are decorated with his artwork, and the cafe preserves its old-school porteño bar atmosphere.
La Sede
Argentine Traditional • Barrio Pichincha
A classic Rosario restaurant serving hearty traditional Argentine dishes in a warm, family-style atmosphere. Known for their milanesas and pastas, both hallmarks of the city's Italian immigrant heritage.
Café de la Flor
Cafe & Bistro • Centro
An elegant traditional cafe in the center of Rosario with a refined menu of classic Argentine dishes. Popular for business lunches and leisurely weekend brunches, with excellent pastries and coffee.
International
4 spotsBerlina
Craft Beer & Gastropub • Barrio Pichincha
Rosario's craft beer scene is thriving, and Berlina is at the forefront. A modern brewpub serving house-brewed beers alongside refined pub food including gourmet burgers and creative sharing plates.
Comité Sushi
Japanese-Peruvian Fusion • Barrio Pichincha
A stylish Nikkei-inspired restaurant offering creative sushi rolls and ceviches that blend Japanese precision with South American flair. One of the best sushi spots outside Buenos Aires.
Fratello Pasta Bar
Italian • Centro
Fresh handmade pasta in a cozy, intimate setting. Rosario has deep Italian roots—many residents descend from Italian immigrants—and Fratello honors that heritage with exceptional pasta dishes.
Green Eat
Vegetarian & Health Food • Centro
A refreshing option in a meat-dominated city, Green Eat offers creative vegetarian and vegan dishes using locally sourced produce. Their bowls, wraps, and fresh juices are popular with health-conscious rosarinos.
Budget-Friendly
3 spotsEl Buen Sabor
Rotisería • Centro
A classic Rosario rotisería offering takeaway and eat-in options for home-style Argentine cooking at unbeatable prices. Their empanadas, milanesas, and tartas are made fresh daily and perfect for a quick, affordable meal.
Pizzería Imperio
Pizza • Centro
A beloved neighborhood pizza place serving classic Argentine-style pizza—thick, doughy, and loaded with mozzarella. The fugazzeta (onion pizza with cheese) is a standout, and whole pizzas are incredibly affordable.
Kentucky Pizza & Pasta
Pizza & Pasta • Multiple locations
A Rosario chain that has been serving affordable pizza and pasta for decades. Popular with students and families, it offers generous portions of classic Argentine comfort food at wallet-friendly prices.
The Costanera is the heart of Rosario's social and dining life. Stretching along the Paraná, it offers:
Costanera Norte
Premium restaurants and parrillas with the best river views
Parque España
Green spaces with food vendors and weekend markets
Isla de los Inventos
Cultural center near the riverfront with casual dining nearby
Weekend Island Trips
Take a boat to the river islands for asado on the beach—a quintessential Rosario experience
Parrilla Etiquette
Rosarinos take their asado seriously. Don't ask for your steak well-done unless you want disapproving looks.
River Fish Season
Surubí and dorado are best from spring through autumn (September to April). Ask what's fresh.
Lunch Is King
Many of the best restaurants serve their finest menus at lunch. Dinner starts late—9:30pm or later.
Budget Tip
Rosario is significantly cheaper than Buenos Aires. A parrilla meal for two with wine runs 30-50% less than the capital.
Exploring Rosario?
Check out our complete Rosario guide for activities, neighborhoods, and travel tips for Argentina's vibrant riverside city.