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Recoleta & Barrio Norte › Recoleta › La Parolaccia Recoleta
La Parolaccia RecoletaB+Worth Trying
Pres. Roberto M. Ortiz 1865, C1113 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
· Italian restaurant, Bar, Brunch restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (3426 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Classic Italian in upscale Recoleta with generous perks and reliable pastas, but variable service and value perceptions; watch for cover charges.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
La Parolaccia delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with genuine strengths in food quality—particularly pastas, tiramisu, and the generous bread basket—and warm, efficient service that includes welcoming touches. However, inconsistent execution across visits, variable seafood quality, and occasional service lapses at peak times prevent it from reaching higher territory. The charming courtyard setting and value-forward lunch special make it worth visiting if in Recoleta, though it doesn't command citywide destination status.
Restaurant Summary
Set on a leafy Recoleta corner, this lively Italian spot leans polished yet relaxed, with a tradition of welcome spritzes and a generous bread basket. Servers are often warm and efficient, though some peak nights bring delays or a brusque host stand. One diner summed it up: "Lunch here felt like a small celebration." The cooking favors classic comfort pastas, tiramisú, milanesa, and grilled fish over flash. When the kitchen hits, sauces sing and portions satisfy; on off nights, seasoning can drift bland or salty and seafood may underwhelm. The courtyard is a sweet perch for long lunches, especially the value-forward set menu that includes dessert and those little extras. Families do well here thanks to familiar flavors: spaghetti al pomodoro, bolognese, lasagna, and simple chicken or milanesa. There is gluten-free pasta and risotto, plus straightforward sides. No formal kids menu is noted, but the staples are kid-friendly and the courtyard seating helps restless diners.
At a Glance
- Welcome aperitif, focaccia, and sweets add hospitality flourish
- Courtyard seating is charming for sunny lunches
- Lunch special offers strong value with multiple courses
- Cover charge (cubierto) surprises some visitors
- Service can be slow or curt at peak; occasional cold plates
What Sets It Apart
- welcome_aperitif_tradition
- leafy_courtyard_setting
- broad_gluten_free_pasta_option
What People Love
- That first complimentary spritz feels celebratory
- Reliable comfort pastas without fuss
- Tiramisú with balanced coffee bite
- Sunny courtyard and shade umbrellas
Points of Concern
- Cover charge added for bread and table service; not always explained in advance
- Quality can fluctuate between stellar and bland/salty, especially with seafood
- Peak times bring waits, crowded entry, and occasional hostess friction
- Pricing is high for Buenos Aires norms; lunch deals mitigate cost
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostARS 45,000-70,000 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Melanzane alla parmigiana (ARS 16k) then share a pasta and a fish or milanesa.
- For value: order the lunch special when offered (around ARS 25k).
- Gluten-free diners: consider Cuerdas de guitarra pomodoro e basilico or the seafood risotto.
Perfect For
- Leisurely courtyard lunch
- Pre- or post-cemetery museum stroll meal
- Casual date with classic Italian
- Family pasta night
Location Insights
Area: Upscale, tourist-friendly Recoleta with museums, cemetery, and leafy plazas; mix of locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe and well-patrolled, though petty theft can occur in busy dining squares.
Nearby: Near Recoleta Cemetery, plazas, boutique hotels, and shopping; outdoor cafe culture.
RecoletaRecoleta offers a sophisticated dining environment with a mix of traditional and contemporary restaurants, cafes, and wine bars. The neighborhood is characterized by its elegant streets, cultural institutions, and a generally upscale, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:00
Friday12:00–01:00
Saturday12:00–01:00
Sunday12:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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