Restaurant Spotlight: Paladar Negro

The lunch menu is distinct and stands out from other similar style cafés.

The counter at Paldar Negro. ph: Tim Fitzgerald

Paladar Negro is a modest little café on an unassuming little stretch of Calle Armenia in Palermo. A few blocks distance from the main quilombo of Palermo Soho, it is a great little spot if you are in the area for lunch. At first glance, it is one of the dozens of new school-type cafés that have been popping up in Buenos Aires. Places that now actually serve good coffee. But Paladar Negro has the bonus of having a unique and varied lunch menu that sets itself apart.

An unassuming spot on Armenia. ph: TF

Besides all the typical pastries these types of cafés have, Paladar Negro has a separate lunch menu with a sophisticated mix of sandwiches and small plates like: 

• Romesco, smoked bacon, fennel and gremolata

• egg at 62°, brazed fennel with eggplant pure & sourdough bread

• hot dog (smoked pork sausage)with homemade sauerkraut

• faina (fried chickpea) stuffed with muzzarella, purple onion & fresh aromatic herbs

• potato and broccoli omelette, pickles & lactonesa

• chickpea hummus, asparagus & spiced crushed bread

• creamy white polenta with mushroom stew

• raw ham, stracciatella & hydrated tomatoes sandwich

• brie cheese, rucula & pears sandwich

On my latest visit, I ordered yogurt with fruit and granola along with a homemade pastron sandwich, with canned cucumbers, mustard & yogurt dressing.

The homemade pastron sandwich, with canned cucumbers and mustard & yogurt dressing. ph: TF

Yogurt with fruit and granola. ph: TF

I hoped to order more of their smaller plates to take more pictures of the variety, but I was alone. 

The pastron sandwich has to be one of the best in Buenos Aires. Some other contenders are La Crespo and Café Mishiguene.

The small interior with varied decorations. ph: TF

Another nice touch is their selection of Vermut. Perfect to accompany your lunch or to enjoy a late afternoon snack and cocktail.  

Price-wise, it is the standard these days: cheap in dollars compared to worldwide. The total of two plates and water was $9 USD.

The view from across the street with some outdoor seating. ph: TF

Bottom Line: Paladar Negro is great little off-the-radar café/restaurant for a simple lunch or breakfast/merienda. The lunch menu is distinct and stands out from other similar style cafés.

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Paladar Negro

Armenia 2276, Palermo.

Open every day 9 AM–8 PM

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