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Salta la Linda — Folk, Food & Wine

Best Restaurants in
Salta

Known as "Salta la Linda" (Salta the Beautiful), this colonial gem in Argentina's northwest is home to the country's best empanadas, traditional peñas with live folk music, and the world's highest-altitude vineyards producing exceptional torrontés wine.

16
Curated Restaurants
#1
Empanadas in Argentina
3000m
Highest Vineyards
1582
Founded (Colonial)
Dining in Salta la Linda

Salta's cuisine is unlike anywhere else in Argentina. Influenced by indigenous Andean traditions, Spanish colonial heritage, and the harsh beauty of the northwest landscape, the food here is deeply regional. Empanadas salteñas are universally acknowledged as the best in the country, and the peña tradition—dining with live folk music—is an experience unique to this region. Add world-class high-altitude wines and you have one of Argentina's most distinctive food destinations.

Must-Try Regional Dishes

  • Empanadas salteñas: Spiced beef in crispy dough, baked in clay oven
  • Locro: Hearty corn, bean, and meat stew (especially May 25)
  • Tamales: Corn masa with meat, wrapped in corn husks
  • Humitas: Sweet corn paste steamed in corn husks

Wine & Drink

  • Torrontés: Argentina's signature white grape, best from Cafayate
  • Malbec de altura: High-altitude reds with intense character
  • Vino patero: Rustic homemade wine served at peñas
  • Api: Hot purple corn drink, traditional Andean beverage

Regional Norteño Cuisine

4 spots

Doña Salta

Regional NorteñoCentro Histórico

$$

One of Salta's most iconic restaurants for traditional northwestern Argentine cuisine. The empanadas salteñas here are considered among the finest in the city—hand-folded, with a juicy spiced beef filling cooked in the traditional horno de barro (clay oven).

Empanadas salteñasLocroTamales
Centro Histórico
Local tip: Order the empanadas 'de carne cortada a cuchillo' (hand-cut beef)—they're the most traditional and the filling is noticeably better than machine-ground.
D
4.5

El Solar del Convento

Regional GourmetCentro Histórico

$$$

Set in a beautifully restored colonial building near the main plaza, this restaurant elevates traditional Salta cuisine with modern techniques. The llama steak and quinoa dishes showcase the best of Andean gastronomy in an elegant setting.

Lomo de llamaQuinoa risottoHumita en chala
Centro Histórico
Local tip: The building's courtyard is stunning—request a table there. The wine list focuses on high-altitude Salta wines, especially torrontés from Cafayate.
E
4.6

La Criollita

Traditional NorteñoCentro

$

A no-frills institution that has been serving traditional norteño food for decades. Locals line up at lunch for their empanadas, locro, and tamales—all made from family recipes passed down through generations.

Empanadas de carneLocro norteñoTamales en chala
Centro
Local tip: This is a takeaway-focused spot. Buy empanadas by the dozen—they're some of the cheapest and most authentic in the city.
L
4.4

Viejo Jack

Regional ArgentineCentro

$$

A well-established Salta restaurant known for hearty regional dishes and generous portions. Their cabrito al horno (roast goat) and locro are standouts, served in a warm, rustic atmosphere with exposed brick and wooden beams.

Cabrito al hornoHumitasCarbonada
Local tip: The cabrito (roast goat) is a specialty of the Argentine northwest. If it's on the menu, don't miss it—it's a regional delicacy rarely found elsewhere.
V
4.3

Peñas

3 spots

La Casona del Molino

Peña (Folk Music & Regional Food)Barrio San Bernardo

$$

The most famous peña in Salta and arguably all of Argentina. This legendary venue combines traditional norteño food with live folk music (zambas, chacareras, bagualas) in a rustic adobe house. An absolutely essential Salta experience.

Empanadas salteñasLocroVino patero (homemade wine)
Barrio San Bernardo
Local tip: Go on a Saturday night for the full experience. Music starts around 10pm and goes until the early hours. Don't be surprised if you end up singing along.
L
4.7

La Vieja Estación

Peña (Folk Music & Regional Food)Centro

$$

Housed in a converted railway station, this popular peña offers excellent regional food alongside nightly folk music performances. The atmosphere is magical—under string lights in the old station courtyard, with the Andes as backdrop.

TamalesEmpanadasTorrontés wine
Local tip: More tourist-friendly than La Casona del Molino, with earlier show times. A good choice if you want the peña experience but at a more manageable hour.
L
4.4

Peña Balderrama

Peña (Folk Music & Regional Food)Centro Histórico

$$

Named after the famous zamba 'La Balderrama' by Cuchi Leguizamón, this intimate peña is a shrine to Argentine folk music. The food is traditional and hearty, but people come here primarily for the extraordinary live music in an intimate setting.

Picada norteñaEmpanadasVino torrontés
Centro Histórico
Local tip: This peña has deep cultural significance—the song 'La Balderrama' is one of Argentina's most beloved folk songs. Ask a local to explain the lyrics over a glass of torrontés.
P
4.5

Wine & Gastronomy

3 spots

Restaurante del Hotel Legado Mítico

Wine Bar & Fine DiningCentro Histórico

$$$

An elegant wine-focused restaurant in one of Salta's finest boutique hotels. The menu pairs refined Argentine cuisine with an exceptional selection of high-altitude wines from the Calchaquí Valley, including rare torrontés and tannat varietals.

Degustación de vinosCordero patagónicoTabla de quesos regionales
Centro Histórico
Local tip: The wine flights featuring Cafayate torrontés are a revelation—you'll taste how altitude and terroir create a completely different wine from lowland versions.
R
4.6

Casimiro Bodega & Restaurante

Wine-Paired DiningCentro

$$$

A sophisticated restaurant dedicated to showcasing the wines of Salta's Calchaquí Valley alongside contemporary Argentine cuisine. The multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings is the highlight.

Menú degustaciónTorrontés reservaLomo con reducción de malbec de altura
Centro
Local tip: Salta's wine region (Cafayate) produces some of the world's highest-altitude wines. The torrontés grape is the star—aromatic, floral, and uniquely Argentine.
C
4.5

Vinoteca del Centro

Wine Bar & TapasCentro Histórico

$$

A casual wine bar in the heart of Salta perfect for sampling the region's wines without the formality of fine dining. Pair your glass of torrontés with a tabla of regional cheeses, cured meats, and homemade breads.

Torrontés by the glassTabla de quesos y fiambresEmpanadas de queso
Centro Histórico
Local tip: A great first stop to orient your palate before visiting Cafayate. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide you through local varietals.
V
4.2

Cafes & Breakfast

3 spots

Café del Tiempo

Cafe & BreakfastPlaza 9 de Julio

$

A charming cafe in a colonial-era building on the main plaza, perfect for a leisurely Argentine breakfast or afternoon merienda. Excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and a peaceful courtyard make this a Salta morning ritual.

Café con lecheMedialunas de mantecaTostado de jamón y queso
Plaza 9 de Julio
Local tip: Grab a table in the courtyard facing the plaza. It's one of the most beautiful breakfast spots in all of northern Argentina.
C
4.3

Café Van Gogh

Cafe & BrunchCentro Histórico

$$

A popular modern cafe near the main plaza offering excellent brunch options alongside traditional Argentine coffee culture. The space is bright and welcoming, with local art on the walls and a creative menu.

Brunch completoTostadas con paltaLicuado de frutas
Centro Histórico
Local tip: One of the few places in Salta offering a proper brunch. Popular with expats and young locals on weekend mornings.
C
4.1

Heladería El Chaltén

Ice Cream & DessertsCentro

$

An artisanal ice cream shop that uses regional flavors to create unique helado. Try flavors inspired by norteño ingredients like quinoa, dulce de cayote (local squash jam), and arrope (grape syrup).

Dulce de cayoteQuinoa con dulce de lecheMalbec sorbet
Centro
Local tip: The regional flavors are what make this special—dulce de cayote is a Salta specialty you won't find anywhere else in the country.
H
4.3

International Cuisine

3 spots

Ma Cuisine

French-Argentine FusionCentro Histórico

$$$

A French-influenced restaurant that brings European technique to Argentine and norteño ingredients. Run by a French-Argentine couple, the menu changes seasonally and features creative dishes using llama, quinoa, and local produce.

Tartare de llamaRisotto de hongos andinosCrème brûlée de dulce de leche
Centro Histórico
Local tip: One of the most refined dining experiences in Salta. The chef's tasting menu is the way to go—it showcases the best of both French and norteño cuisines.
M
4.5

José Ballivián

Contemporary LatinCentro

$$

A trendy restaurant bringing contemporary Latin American flavors to Salta. The menu draws inspiration from across the continent—Peruvian ceviche, Mexican tacos, and Brazilian influences—all filtered through a norteño lens.

Ceviche de truchaTacos de corderoPisco sour
Centro
Local tip: The cocktail menu is excellent—try the regional twists on classic South American cocktails. The pisco sour with torrontés is inventive.
J
4.2

El Patio de la Empanada y Más

Modern ArgentineCentro Histórico

$$

Despite the name, this restaurant goes well beyond empanadas, offering a modern, eclectic menu in a beautiful courtyard setting. A good option for groups where some want traditional food and others want something different.

Empanadas variadasWok de vegetales andinosPizza con llama y rúcula
Centro Histórico
Local tip: The courtyard dining is lovely in the evening. A good compromise restaurant if your group can't agree on traditional vs. modern.
E
4.1
The Cafayate Wine Trail

Salta province is home to the Calchaquí Valley wine region, centered around Cafayate (3 hours south). A must-do day trip or overnight:

Quebrada de las Flechas

Stunning rock formations en route to Cafayate wine country

Bodega Colomé

One of the world's highest wineries with a James Turrell museum

Bodega El Esteco

Historic winery with excellent restaurant and torrontés tastings

Cafayate Plaza

Charming town square ringed with wine bars and restaurants

Tips for Dining in Salta

Empanada Etiquette

Eat them by hand, never with a fork. The repulgue (crimp pattern) tells you the filling. Locals eat them with a squeeze of lemon.

Peña Timing

Peñas start late (9-10pm) and go until 2-3am. Arrive by 10pm for dinner, stay for the music. Weekends are liveliest.

Festival Season

Visit in July for the Fiesta de la Empanada, or February for Carnival. Food experiences multiply during festivals.

Budget Note

Salta is one of Argentina's most affordable food cities. A dozen empanadas costs less than a single dish in Buenos Aires.

Exploring Salta la Linda?

Check out our complete Salta guide for activities, day trips to Cafayate and the Quebrada de Humahuaca, and travel tips for Argentina's stunning northwest.