"Experience Mendoza's Culinary Heights at María Antonieta Chef Vanina Chimeno recently debuted María Antonieta in downtown Mendoza . You’ll find grilled meat aplenty but also house-made pastas such as broccoli orecchiette Belgrano 1069, Ciudad, 54/(0) 261-420-4322. This appeared in the May 2013 issue."

"Leafy Greens El Mercadito, whose value proposition of “friendly & fresh”, lives up to its promise with an international menu of gourmet salads, sandwiches and burgers (including veggie). The food is consistently wholesome and delicious, down to the fresh vegetable and fruit juices blended on the spot. Most restaurants in Mendoza offer a menu of meat, milanesas, empanadas, pizza and pastas; so Mercadito’s leafy greens are quite a novelty in this beef capital. The salmon entrée on the dinner menu is cooked to perfection. The restaurant’s antique-garage decor and spacious outdoor terrace are all part of its charm. Arístides 521; +54 261 463 8847"

"Francis Mallmann's 1884 1884, arguably the most famous restaurant in Mendoza , is owned by celebrated chef Francis Mallmann. Tucked into the Romanesque Bodega Escorihuela in Godoy Cruz, 1884 is an elegant endeavor for those with a hearty appetite. A master griller with rustic Patagonian roots masterfully refined in the kitchens of France, Mallmann has a talent for transforming simple cuisine into a sophisticated dining experience. The in-house sommelier will recommend the perfect wine from a 60-page wine list to accompany your meal. Chef recommendations include the Bife de Lomo Aplastado, Cordero Siete Horas y Medio, or Chivito de Malargüe. You definitely need a reservation, and finagling a table in the courtyard is highly recommended."

"Brunch at Maria Antonieta Vanina Chimeno is the chef behind Maria Antonieta, a restaurant where she cooks what she likes to eat. She’s the partner of Argentina's famous chef Francis Mallmann and worked for many years in his renowned restaurant 1884. She aims for simplicity and quality, and although her restaurant is a fantastic choice for any meal of the day, make sure you stop in for brunch. Unlike many other restaurants in South America, Maria Antonieta understands the “American Breakfast”. When you’re yearning for scrambled eggs with crunchy bacon, a cheese omelet or Eggs Benedict, this is the place to find them. Another plus, you can order coffee-to-go. Brunch ends at 12:30 PM. Belgrano 1069; + 54 261 420-4322"

"Azafran Once a modest deli hawking local meats, Azafran has become a Mendoza staple with its extensive 300 bottle wine list. It’s still known for its cured meat and cheese plates, but also don’t miss the ahi tuna tartare appetizer. The restaurant has a casual vibe but it is on the pricier side. For a unique experience, reserve the large table in Azafran’s wine room, where the sommelier will help you discern the most palatable wine to go with your entrée or tasting menu. Av. Sarmiento 765; +54 261 429 4200"

"Florentino Bistro Florentino is a sweet little Italian bistro overlooking Plaza Italia. A converted colonial house, the restaurant still has elements of a traditional Mendocenean home with its patterned tiled floors and stained glass windows. There’s a charming backyard patio wonderful for dining alfresco. Owned by the young Argentine chef Sebastian Flores, the décor is eclectic with colorful local art and has an unpretentious menu. You’re going to devour the freshly baked bread, but leave room to try the watercress salad, trout pappardelle pasta or a local delicacy, baby goat. On select Saturdays the restaurant hosts Tardecitos Florentinos, a wine tasting event with a special menu, live acoustic music and an art exhibit. Sundays the restaurant is closed. Montevideo 675; +54 261 464 9077 https://www.facebook.com/florentino.cafebistro"

"Argentina's Regional Cuisine Chef Pablo del Rio blends traditional recipes and ingredients from Argentina's seven regions under one roof at Siete Cocinas restaurant. The seven regions represented include: Noa and Litoral in northern Argentina; Cuyo, which includes the Mendoza province; Metroplitana is Buenos Aires ; Mar Argentino, the country's East Coast; Patagonia Andina and La Pampa. The elegant restaurant is a refurbished colonial home in downtown Mendoza. It has a minimalist design with an open kitchen that seats 70 guests. The menu features Patagonian lamb, rabbit, pork, trout and traditional Mendocenean empanadas. Work your way around the country with Siete Cocina’s seven region tasting menu: a pacu (fish) filet salad (Litoral); watermelon salad (Cuyo/Pampa); fried Atlantic pollock cheeks (Mar Argentino); veal tail with tortellini (Metropolitana); succulent goat roasted in a clay oven (Cuyo); red berry sorbet (Patagonia Andina); and sugarcane ice cream with almonds crisps and toffee (Noa). The wine list is extensive. For a memorable dining experience, book the private dining table in the wine cellar. If you're leaning towards a non-alcoholic beverage, try the infused Tealosophy teas from the in-house tea sommelier's personal brand. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Mitre 794 at the corner of San Lorenzo; restaurante@sietecocinas.com.ar; +54 261 423 8823"

"Patio Dining Argentine cuisine infused with French flavors and flair, Anna Bistro is a lush oasis in downtown Mendoza . Dine in the leafy garden with carved wood tables, flowering plants and candlelight. The restaurant cooks steak to Argentina's high standards, but vegetarians and pescatarians will love Anna Bistro's large healthy salads, ceviche, fresh salmon and trout dishes. The cocktails are a house specialty, try the delicious mojitos and margaritas. The friendly service, creative recipes and relaxing ambiance make Anna Bistro an attractive option for lunch and dinner. Juan B. Justo 161; +54 261 425 1818"

"Bistro M at Park Hyatt Mendoza When you've hit your limit of beef consumption, you can turn to Bistro M for the best "merluza negra" in town, which is a freshly grilled black hake dish topped with an Italian vinaigrette sauce of diced tomatoes, capers and black olives, over roasted asparagus with a side of quinoa and pumpkin risotto. It’s delicious. Bistro M is Park Hyatt Mendoza’s main dining room specializing in Italian cuisine and has a wood burning oven. Dominating the restaurant is an impressive two-story wine library with a Wine Spectator stamp of approval as having one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world. Chile 1124; +54 261 441 1234"