Where to Eat and Drink in Palermo Hollywood
Think parrillas, Asian fusion, hidden speakeasies, and swanky lounges, each designed to keep you eating, drinking, and coming back for more.
Palermo Hollywood, part of Palermo Viejo, like neighboring Soho, buzzes with energy once the sun sets. It occupies the western corner of the barrio, between Juan B. Justo, Córdoba, Dorrego, and Santa Fe/Cabilda. This is Buenos Aires’ culinary playground: bars, restaurants, rooftops, and live music spots packed into about 20 blocks. Think parrillas, Asian fusion, hidden speakeasies, and swanky lounges, each designed to keep you eating, drinking, and coming back for more.
The “Hollywood” name originates from the numerous radio and TV studios that were established here decades ago, lending the area a distinct showbiz flair. By day, it’s laidback; by night, sharply dressed porteños take over, and you might even spot a celebrity mid-brunch or stumbling out of a club. Just don’t expect it to be gentle on your wallet, because temptation lurks around every corner.
Palermo Hollywood Restaurants
Starting with the king of Argentine restaurants: the sacred parrilla. In the heart of the barrio, Tomahawk (El Salvador 6002) is part butcher, boutique wine shop, and pared-back parrilla. Known for its dry-aged beef, the fridge brims with T-bones, rib-eyes, and prime ribs to take home. The streetside grill has recently expanded its service hours, now offering evening openings from Wednesday to Sunday. The star? A rib-eye sandwich is reason enough to stop in while exploring the neighborhood. Born from a Mercado de San Telmo pop-up, Hierro (Costa Rica 5602) has evolved into a trendy casa de fuegos, conceived by four Patagonian friends. Nearly everything is cooked on the wood-fired grill, infusing smoky depth into meats and vegetables alike. Dishes run from lamb chorizo with beans to sweetbreads with charred cauliflower. Grab a bar seat or a table by the flames and watch the action unfold.
Outside of Barrio Chino, Hollywood might have the highest density of Asian restaurants in the city. Great news if you’re after handrolls, omakase, or pho. Tucked against the railway tracks, Cang Tin (Dorrego 2415) is the barrio go-to for interpretations of SE Asian street food. Here, the decor is bright, the food is vibrant, and the clientele is cool. Book a seat at the bar and dig into Pad Thais, Khao Sois, Udon bowls, dumplings and other Asian staples. Blending flavors from the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, Asian Cantina (Humboldt 1626) channels the spirit of an upscale Southeast Asian. Opened in 2009 as a closed-door restaurant in Villa Ortúzar, it now serves vibrant plates of fresh seafood, meats, and herbs in a lively, lantern-lit space. Expect balanced hits of umami, spice, and smokiness from the open kitchen.
There’s a burgeoning omakase trend, too, which is taking sushi lovers on an epicurean journey far from the historical cream cheese-filled rolls of the city. Most are intimate, sought-after spots, so you’ll need to book ahead. Named after Emperor Meiji, Mutsuhito Omakase (Honduras 5908) delivers a 17-course dining experience steeped in Japanese tradition. In a warm, minimalist setting, the itamae prepares each step in front of guests, from pristine nigiri to melt-in-your-mouth wagyu. The menu shifts with seasonal ingredients, ensuring every visit is a refined, once-in-the-moment culinary performance. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Buri Omakase (Guatemala 5781) channels Kyoto traditions into a 15-step tasting menu that builds anticipation before unveiling its signature nigiri. Local seafood stars, such as Mar del Plata’s lemon fish, and Argentine wagyu showcase a marriage of Japanese precision and regional flavors. It all creates an elegant omakase that roots global techniques in homegrown ingredients.