Buenos Aires: 16-Course Argentine Tasting Dinner & Empanada Class

Summary

Argentine flavors, laughter, and hands-on moments in Buenos Aires

You’ll join fellow travelers in Buenos Aires for a 16-course Argentine tasting menu with hands-on empanada folding, wine pairings from across the country, beef tastings straight off the fire, and playful moments learning mate rituals and alfajor-making. Expect laughter, stories shared over food, and flavors that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I signed up for this 16-course tasting menu in Buenos Aires mostly out of curiosity (and maybe because I’d heard rumors about “the best steak in Argentina”). But when we walked into the dining room and were handed glasses of pet-nat by smiling hosts who actually seemed happy to see us—well, I just felt at ease. There was this gentle hum of conversation from other travelers at our table, and someone had already started joking about their Spanish accent. The night just kind of unfolded from there.

Our guide—Sofi—had this way of making you feel like you’d known her for years. She showed us how to fold empanadas with these little pinches called “repulgues.” Mine looked like a lopsided dumpling, but she just laughed and said it had character. The kitchen filled up with the smell of baking dough and grilled meat (I swear I could smell the chimichurri before I even saw it). We tasted Patagonian trout tartar that was so fresh it almost didn’t seem real, then moved on to beef cooked two different ways—one smoky, one almost buttery. The Malbec they poured with it was deep and a little wild around the edges. I’m not really a wine person but… yeah, that one made me pause.

Somewhere between the picada platter and dessert tasting, people started swapping stories—about home, about travel mishaps. It wasn’t forced; it just happened over bites and sips. The alfajor-making part got messy (my hands were sticky for ages), but nobody cared. When Sofi taught us how to prepare mate properly—passing the gourd around—I realized how much ritual is wrapped up in food here. There’s something grounding about sharing drinks this way; it’s not just about taste.

I still think about that first bite of steak—the way everyone went quiet for a second—and how by the end of dinner we were all lingering over our last glass of wine like we didn’t want to leave yet. If you’re looking for an Argentine tasting menu that feels more like a dinner party than a restaurant, this is honestly it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Interactive Argentine culinary experience

• Welcome with sparkling pet-nat drink
• Meet fellow travelers
• Enjoy 16-course Argentine tasting menu
• Learn chimichurri preparation
• Participate in empanada folding class
• Taste Patagonian trout tartar
• Sample picada appetizer
• Experience beef tasting with two cuts
• Enjoy five boutique Argentine wine pairings
• Dessert tasting session
• Make alfajores and learn mate preparation

Top questions

Is vegetarian or pescetarian food available during the Argentine tasting menu?

Yes, vegetarian and pescetarian options are available if you advise at booking.

Does the experience include unlimited wine?

Yes, unlimited wine tasting is included throughout the dinner.

Is transportation provided to the venue?

No hotel pickup is included, but public transportation options are nearby.

Are there classes or interactive parts during the dinner?

Yes, there’s an empanada making class plus hands-on mate and alfajores sessions.

Is this Argentine tasting menu wheelchair accessible?

Yes—all areas are wheelchair accessible including restrooms.

How many courses are served during this dinner?

The experience includes 16 courses featuring regional dishes from Argentina.

Can I bring my pet to this Buenos Aires tasting dinner?

No, pets are not allowed at this event.

What drinks are included besides wine?

A welcome sparkling drink (pet-nat) is served plus traditional mate later on.

What’s included

Your evening includes a sparkling welcome drink on arrival, unlimited boutique Argentine wines paired with each course, hands-on empanada folding class, beef tastings prepared over fire, Patagonian trout tartar and regional specialties plus playful alfajor making and mate rituals—all guided by locals who make you feel right at home.