Puertas Cerradas: Buenos Aires Secret Restaurant

The Puertas Cerradas secret restaurants concept initially started off in South America and began catching on in some European cities and the States. Puertas Cerradas has now become one of the most unique things to do in Buenos Aires - an exclusive culinary adventure that you simply cannot miss during your stay in Buenos Aires! This new dining experience is becoming increasingly popular with Puertas Cerradas popping up all over the city. It really took off after Argentina’s financial crisis in 2001, as it presented many professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts with a cost-effective way of setting up their own business. These so-called “closed-door” restaurants or supper clubs serve exclusive multiple course meals in beautifully intimate settings - in the chef’s own homes. [caption id="attachment_676" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Seafood at Cocina Sunae Puertas Cerradas / source[/caption] Its popularity with tourists and locals alike is mostly due to the fact that these restaurants offer food that can be hard to find in Buenos Aires. Many foreigners and Argentineans, who have extensive experience in the culinary world travel to Buenos Aires to open up these clandestine eateries, serving a variety of Fusion food or vegetarian and Asian dishes. Any traveler looking to experience the food culture of South America must give this alternative culinary experience a try. It offers a great Buenos Aires night outand the intimate setting means you often get chatting to the person next to you, making it a great way to meet locals or fellow travelers on your vacation in Argentina. And the food – especially if you feel like a break from the steaks - goes without saying is an extremely high quality and made by real food lovers. [caption id="attachment_673" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Unique dining experience at the 'closed door' Casa Saltshaker / source[/caption]

Here are a few things to consider when booking a Puerta Cerrada:

1. Puertas Cerradas have to be booked in advance, via their website or by phone and are often only open a couple of days a week. (mostly Thursday through to Saturday)
2. There usually are set menus that change every week. (sometimes offering a choice between two main courses)
3. When calling to make a reservation you should always clarify your dietary restrictions and preferences.
4. Most restaurants will only accept cash. (Some allow payment online by credit card in advance)
5. Full 5-course meals usually range between A$ 100 to A$400 per person (Wine at times is charged separately)

[caption id="attachment_677" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Puertas Cerradas Restaurants in Buenos Aires / source[/caption]

Want to give it a go? Here’s is a list of 5 of Buenos Aires’ most popular Puertas Cerradas:

• Casa Felix, Chacarita: Beautiful, cozy home with garden. Serving mostly seafood dishes, inspired by Latin American spices and aromas.
• Casa Mun, Palermo: One of the most popular (and slightly more pricey) clandestine restaurants in BsAs. Serving Asian inspired dishes by a top chef.
• Saltshaker, Barrio Norte: In a beautiful homely, duplex in Recoleta, serve “fancy home-made food” with Mediterranean influences.
• Cocina Sunae, Colegiales Asian American chef, serves up exclusive Asian dishes in her home in Colegiales
• Le Restaurant, Corrine et Paul French couple that cook up exclusive French cuisine from their home in San Telmo.

Going for dinner at a Puerta Cerrada is a great way to see a different side of Buenos Aires. An intimate, homely ‘dinner party’ and an enjoyable night out, even if you’re a stranger in the city! And if you are looking for more activities in Buenos Aires, have a look at our online catalog, where we offer a wide variety of tours and activities to do in this beautiful city, ensuring you get the most out of your stay in Buenos Aires.