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Palermo & North › Palermo › La Alacena Pastificio & Salumeria
La Alacena Pastificio & SalumeriaB+Worth Trying
José A. Cabrera 4002, C1186 AAZ, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
· Italian restaurant, Cold cut store, Takeout Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1409 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Excellent handmade Italian pastas and salumi in a lively Palermo deli setting, with standout starters and an upstairs terrace, but service pace and table-rushing complaints can dent the experience during busy hours.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
La Alacena Pastificio & Salumeria delivers exceptional handmade pasta and antipasti that justify its local reputation as a destination for pasta lovers, supported by a pleasant terrace setting in Palermo's vibrant grid. However, inconsistent execution—with reports of overcooked pasta and variable sauces alongside excellent meals— and polarized service experiences, from charming to rushed, prevent a higher grade. The restaurant excels at what it does best but lacks the reliability expected of grade A establishments.
Restaurant Summary
In Palermo’s lively grid, La Alacena Pastificio & Salumeria feels like a neighborhood deli that grew into a destination. Servers weave between salumi boards and fresh pasta plates as the upstairs terrace hums. One guest summed it up: "pasta was the best of our trip and the room felt cozy." Expect lively energy and a deli-restaurant vibe; at peak times some diners felt rushed between courses. The cooking leans classic Italian with artisan touches rather than theatrics: carbonara with guanciale, silky vitello tonnato, saffron-stained cappelletti, and lasagna with depth. Portions skew Italian-sized, so starters like arancini or stracciatella help round out a meal. This is elevated traditional rather than fusion, best for those who value handmade pasta and quality ingredients over heavy sauces. For families, the menu offers kid-friendly comforts: tomato pastas, lasagna, simple breads, and focaccia sandwiches. Portions are not oversized, so consider sharing antipasti and a pasta each. There is no explicit kids’ menu, but choices are approachable; request terrace shade if sensitive to sun. Overall, a good choice for pasta-loving families who are fine with a busier setting.
At a Glance
- Handmade pasta and antipasti deliver standout Italian flavors
- Pleasant upstairs terrace and cozy deli ambiance
- Service can feel rushed or delayed during peak times
- Portions are Italian-sized, smaller than local norms
- Large parties and birthday celebrations report coordination issues
What Sets It Apart
- handmade_pasta_counter
- salumi_and_cheese_program
- upstairs_terrace
What People Love
- Emotional high from silky carbonara and lasagna
- Old-world deli feel with quality salumi and cheeses
- Cozy terrace that feels tucked away
- Bread service and arancini that start the meal right
Points of Concern
- Service pacing varies: some tables rushed, others wait 40-60 minutes, most common at peak
- Reservations occasionally mishandled or delayed seating
- Take-home pasta quality inconsistent (reports of stuck ravioli sheets)
- Review patterns are consistent with organic variance during busy hours; no strong coordination signals
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostARS 55,000-85,000 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with arancini or stracciatella, then share two pastas like carbonara and lasagna; finish with tiramisú. Budget ARS 80k-120k per person with wine.
Perfect For
- Casual date night with shared antipasti and pasta
- Weekday lunch or brunch on the terrace
- Solo travelers seeking comforting Italian
- Take-home fresh pasta for DIY dinner
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Palermo corner with cafes and boutiques; draws locals and visitors for casual yet quality dining.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked area with good lighting and steady footfall; generally safe by Buenos Aires urban standards.
Nearby: Near Palermo Viejo shops, bars, and plazas; strong weekend brunch and evening crowds.
PalermoPalermo is a dynamic neighborhood with a lively social scene and a strong emphasis on gastronomy, featuring many Italian and international restaurants, cafes, and boutique food shops. The area is popular for brunch spots, artisanal food markets, and a mix of traditional and modern dining experiences.
Palermo HollywoodPalermo Hollywood is known for its concentration of media companies and a hip dining scene, with many innovative restaurants, bars, and cafes attracting a fashionable crowd looking for quality and creativity in food and ambiance.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–23:00
Tuesday
Wednesday10:00–23:00
Thursday10:00–23:00
Friday10:00–23:00
Saturday10:00–23:00
Sunday10:00–16:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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