Beyond the Steak and Wine: A Culinary Journey in Mendoza

• Visit parks and plazas: Plaza Independencia, Plaza Chile, Plaza Italia, Plaza España and Plaza San Martin are each unique. Parque San Martin has a large lake, rose garden, trails and monuments.

• Attend 'Vendimia' - Mendoza's grape harvest festival with events in January and February, and typically concludes the last week of February/early March with a festive event that crowns the 'Queen of Vendimia' (a local beauty pageant), and also includes parades, music and plenty of local cuisine and vino, of course!

• Private wine tours that venture beyond Maipú. Forgo the group tours or wine bus and get a private local guide who can take you to amazing vineyards that aren't crowded.

• Visit Thermas Cacheuta Spa (not the waterpark) - for a relaxing afternoon spent soaking in the natural springs. Or stay overnight.

• Walk! Mendoza city is a very walkable and easy to navigate city.

• Hike! But get a guide. Trails are not always marked.

• Water sports and activities - White water rafting is super popular.

• Horseback riding.

• Simply slow down and enjoy the old world charm found throughout downtown Mendoza, from the cobblestone streets to gorgeous buildings, especially along Av. Emilio Civit and near Parque San Martin.

Restaurants in downtown Mendoza that have options and a variety of dishes other than steak. All options shared are gluten free (sin TACC in Argentina), which is easy to come by in Mendoza.

English is readily spoken and waitstaff were friendly and helpful in navigating menus, though they appreciate any attempt at speaking Spanish. If something is not listed as sin TACC, inquire if it can be available. Often something can be omitted.

Sin TACC = Without wheats, oats, barley or rye

• Liniers Restó: Super fresh and flavorful salads and vegetables. A beautiful space and lovely outdoor dining as well.

• La Sala de Maridajes: The trucha (local trout) and hearty vegetable side were so good I went twice. The trout was tender and delicious, accompanied by a healthy portion of seasonal vegetables. Solid selection as well of wines available by the glass.

• Centauro Restaurante: Mentioned in the 2024 Michelin Guide. Offers both tasting and wine pairings and a la carte menu in a gorgeous space. Offers gluten free and vegan options. Unique dishes and combinations of ingredients and flavors. Extensive list of wines available by the glass.

• La Central Vermutería: While the focus is on vermouth and there is a tasting offered, the a la carte menu offers an abundance of vegetarian and gluten free options that were memorable. There’s also a lengthy cocktail menu if craving something different and of course, wine, including quite a few by the glass.

• Bernardino Gourmeteria, Vinos Y Espumosos: Delicious and large salad— sin TACC options on the menu as well. Gorgeous and unique space.

• Anna Bistró: One of the few options that is open all day, from 8 am - 1 am, serving food all day. Both the indoors and large outdoor space were beautiful. The food was flavorful and fresh.

• Cachè Bistro: Cute spot with tasty tapas, ensaladas and of course, beef dishes. Also, a variety of beverage options are available.

Gem outside of downtown Mendoza:

• Ruda Cocina: All around incredible experience— need reservations and typically only open a few days of the week and for lunch. In the middle of nowhere, this gem shines with unique twists on Argentinean staples. The various vegetable dishes we had were up-leveled with unique flavor combinations. And of course, there were recommended perfect pours to complement each dish.

Better for coffee and breakfast:

• Patio Lorenza: Great to go for coffee/ breakfast/lunch. You get to through a gorgeous old building with quaint local shops. The dining is primarily set in a beautiful garden with flowers and citrus trees. This spot is perfect for solo dining or with a group. Gluten free/sin TACC options readily available (also, if you do need wifi to work, this is a solid spot).

• Rama Negra Hogar de Café: Yet another beautiful space, this one serving up delicious coffee and plenty of pastries and jugos. Not a lot of gluten-free options, though nice for an afternoon merienda or light breakfast and simply to sit in a decorative space.

• Café Roverano: Awesome coffee, cute space, sin TACC/gluten free options.

• Essenza Cafe: Delicious coffee and breakfast.

• Brod Ciudad: Excellent coffee and beautiful outside space. Serves fresh baked goods and has an assortment of menu items, though very limited sin TACC.

• Ethiopia BaristaBike: Cutest coffee cart located in the gorgeous Plaza España with deliciously rich coffee to boot.

• White Shark Coffee: Several locations. Delicious juice, rich coffee and gluten free medilunas alongside a lot of bakery and other food options.