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.
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 spotsDoña Salta
Regional Norteño • Centro 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).
El Solar del Convento
Regional Gourmet • Centro 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.
La Criollita
Traditional Norteño • Centro
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.
Viejo Jack
Regional Argentine • Centro
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.
Peñas
3 spotsLa 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.
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.
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.
Wine & Gastronomy
3 spotsRestaurante del Hotel Legado Mítico
Wine Bar & Fine Dining • Centro 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.
Casimiro Bodega & Restaurante
Wine-Paired Dining • Centro
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.
Vinoteca del Centro
Wine Bar & Tapas • Centro 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.
Cafes & Breakfast
3 spotsCafé del Tiempo
Cafe & Breakfast • Plaza 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 Van Gogh
Cafe & Brunch • Centro 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.
Heladería El Chaltén
Ice Cream & Desserts • Centro
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).
International Cuisine
3 spotsMa Cuisine
French-Argentine Fusion • Centro 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.
José Ballivián
Contemporary Latin • Centro
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.
El Patio de la Empanada y Más
Modern Argentine • Centro 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.
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
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.