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Centro & Microcentro › Retiro › Basa
BasaBWorth Trying
Basavilbaso 1328, C1001AAD Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
· Bar & grill
· 4.4/5 Google (2864 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Stylish basement spot for modern Argentine cooking and strong cocktails; great vibe, creative menu, but service inconsistency, noise, and high prices divide diners.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Basa delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional setting appeal in a stylish basement venue and strong food quality featuring creative modern Argentine dishes. However, inconsistent execution across visits—ranging from juicy steaks to underseasoned or cold plates—and uneven service reliability prevent grade A territory. The lively cocktail-bar energy suits date nights and groups, though premium pricing with variable portion sizes tempers overall value.
Restaurant Summary
Down a staircase in Retiro, Basa hits you with a stylish basement bar, house music, and the hum of date-night chatter. Service swings from warmly attentive to frustratingly slow; one diner put it as, "the vibe was great but the room got too loud to chat." Expect a crowd and lively energy more than hushed fine dining. The cooking leans modern Argentine with creative flourishes: tiradito with citrus and caviar pops, saffron-laced sauces, and seafood-forward pastas. On good nights, steaks land juicy and the tagliolini sings; on others, risottos arrive small or not quite hot. It suits diners who enjoy contemporary twists and a serious cocktail alongside premium ingredients rather than classic parrilla minimalism. For families, there are kid-comfort picks like milanesa and fries, simple pastas, and desserts (lemon tart is a crowd pleaser). There is no noted kids menu, and the room can be loud, so earlier seatings work best. Vegetarian options exist but feedback is mixed—choose carefully if you need meat-free mains.
At a Glance
- Stylish basement setting with a strong cocktail bar
- Creative modern Argentine menu with premium ingredients
- Service inconsistency from host stand to bar timing
- High prices with smaller portions on some dishes
- Loud room; conversation can be difficult at peak hours
What Sets It Apart
- stylish_basement_bar
- creative_argentine_fusion
- strong_cocktail_program
What People Love
- The buzz and atmosphere
- Well-executed steaks on good nights
- Inventive seafood pastas and tiradito
- Professional bilingual service when on form
Points of Concern
- Noise levels are high; several guests struggled to converse
- Service lapses: slow courses, unhelpful host, bar inattention on some visits
- Portions can feel small relative to price; fries and risottos called out
- Menu creativity is uneven—some dishes arrive cold or undercooked on off nights
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostARS 65,000-95,000 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Seafood-forward diners should try tiradito or squid ink tagliolini for the house style
- Vegetarians: consider cavatelli boscaiola or eggplant parmigiana; salads drew mixed feedback
Perfect For
- Cocktail-first date night
- Business dinner near Retiro
- Foodies seeking modern Argentine twists
- Solo bar snack and a drink off-peak
Location Insights
Area: Central Retiro near offices and hotels; after-work cocktails and date-night crowds, trendy yet polished.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical downtown vigilance at night.
Nearby: Close to plazas, luxury hotels, and Florida Street; strong bar scene and business dining.
San NicolásSan Nicolás is a busy commercial and cultural neighborhood in Buenos Aires, characterized by its proximity to major landmarks like the Obelisk and Teatro Colón. The dining scene here is diverse, catering to professionals during the day and tourists and locals seeking varied culinary options in the evening. The atmosphere is lively and metropolitan, with a mix of casual eateries and upscale restaurants.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 19:00–01:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 19:00–01:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 19:00–01:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 19:00–01:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 19:00–01:00
Saturday20:00–01:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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