Beginning life as one of Buenos Aires’s infamous closed-door restaurants, low-key iLatina is hidden behind wrought iron gates on a quiet residential street.
Featuring wooden floors, and high ceilings, iLatina is understated and homely. Funky wallpaper adorns the walls, while cookbooks inspired by chef Santiago Macías’s travels climb the exposed brickwork. Small tables are dotted around an open dining space. Attention is immediately drawn to the colourful cocktail bar.
The brainchild of Santiago Macías, the chef moved from Colombia with his siblings to open iLatina in 2011. Macías now travels the length and breadth of the continent, sourcing unusual ingredients for their tasting menu.
We recommend the paired option to sample a selection of punchy aperitifs and premium Argentine wines. Service is informative and friendly. The sommelier is particularly knowledgable and happy to chat about selections in greater detail.
Mexican aguachile combined with pineapple, salted beetroot and fermented parsnip is a knockout dish. Paired with a Mendoza produced red vermouth, the combination packs a punch.
Sweetbreads combined with a spicy Colombian ají panka sauce, transform the Argentine grill classic into something delicate.
Tender beef cheek served in a Colombian coffee and sugar cane reduction is another standout dish.
Tequila infused merengues with mango sorbet and Mexican chamoy sauce make for a light and refined desert, ideal for those nearing defeat.
Ending on a high note, Colombian coffee is prepared at the table and served ceremoniously.
Guests are a healthy mixture of locals and visitors. By reservation only, sittings start from around 8 PM. Set aside around three hours for the experience.
Buenos Aires – Murillo 725 | Tuesday – Saturday 8pm – 11 pm | (0054) 11-48579095 | reservas@ilatinabuenosaires.com
