Colegiales Neighborhood Guide: The Best Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés
Colegiales has become one of the city’s most desirable locations, striking an attractive balance between neighborhood calm and creative energy.
Covering just over two square kilometers, Colegiales is one of the smaller barrios in Buenos Aires, known for its residential character and laid-back vibe. Sprinkled with green spaces, it sits between Belgrano, Chacarita, and Palermo. The barrio’s origins are tied to Chacarita. Both were home to Jesuit-owned estates used as student accommodations and known as Chacarita de los Colegiales. Fast-forward to the 19th century, and an influx of European immigrants led to the creation of distinct neighborhoods.
For a long time, Colegiales was talked about as a nirvana of low-rise buildings and cobblestone streets, where locals lived a village-like way of life and kids rode their bikes freely. The laidback charm hasn’t disappeared, but it has evolved. In recent years, it’s quietly become one of the city’s most desirable locations, striking an attractive balance between neighborhood calm and creative energy. This is notably visible in the food scene. Think artistic omakase, industrial-chic cafés, celebrity chefs, and one of the best beer brewers. Here are some of our current favorite spots for you to explore.
Colegiales Restaurant Picks
Currently, the coolest Colegiales kid is Bordó (Conesa 1483). It’s the latest venture of Facundo Keleman, of Palermo Soho hotspot Mengano fame. Here, Keleman pairs minimalist, ingredient-focused dishes with a stellar wine list. Every plate highlights one, single ingredient prepared in multiple ways; think sweet potato confit, grilled and topped with crispy shavings. The space is elegant, complementing the expert service and curated wine pairings. Also making waves is Marta Restaurante (Virrey Avilés 3488), by Polish artist and designer-cum-chef Marta Wajda. Offering both à la carte and tasting menus, her meticulously created and picture-perfect plates take inspiration from personal travels, blending Asian, French, and Middle Eastern flavors. Highlights include an entraña (skirt steak) kebab and duck pierogi dumplings.
