"Gelato at Heladeria Famiglia Perin Argentines are much like the Italians in that they take their gelato very seriously. They consume lots of it all year round, but in the summer consumption skyrockets. Families, couples and friends need no excuse to enjoy an “helado” at the ice cream parlor. Heladeria Famiglia Perin is a traditional staple for classic artisanal gelato in downtown Mendoza with an abundance of outdoor seating. Sarmiento 799; +54 261 425 7624"

"This chic outpost on Belgrano Avenue (there’s also a sister restaurant in the Palmares shopping mall) is a great alternative when you’re craving a menu that doesn't start and end with beef. The first SushiClub opened in Buenos Aires and quickly grew into an international chain with restaurants in Spain, Mexico City, Paraguay and El Salvador. The fish is fresh and the sushi menu is innovative and exotic. (A curious side note about Argentina's sushi, they tend to put " Philadelphia Cream Cheese" in the majority of their rolls.) On a nice day enjoy the restaurant’s outdoor patio, which feels like a cross between Miami’s Nikki Beach and New York’s Sushi Samba."

"Neighborhood Tavern El Palenque is a classic where locals and tourists can both be found sipping wine from “pinguino” carafes—vessels historically used by Argentine gauchos nicknamed for their distinct penguin shape. El Palenque is fashioned after an old-time “pulperia” or tavern where neighbors would come together to drink house wine, eat bar food and catch up on the daily gossip. Order the melt in your mouth fried calamari (rabas) while you sit outside and people watch. Aristides 287; +54 261 429 1814"

"Italian Influence This Argentine chain is a popular spot for inexpensive chicken and beef milanesas. You can get a traditional Napolitano with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese or a Patagonica with mozzarella, herbs, ham, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh arugula, Cheddar cheese with bacon and onion or a Clasica a Caballo with two fried eggs. The spinach salad with mushroom, parmesan and pancetta is a lighter option. Arístides Villanueva 405; +54 261 425 9254"

"Sofia Restaurant Sofia's restaurant menu opens with a history of when the introspective owner’s father purchased a historian’s library in 1985. He spent years reading those books searching for answers to life’s philosophical questions. The library now resides in the restaurant along with a collection of Buddha statues, giving the dining room a pleasant vibe. Sofia’s a great spot for an afternoon coffee or tea. The dinner menu is varied with salads, meat entrees, milanesas and wok specialties. It’s a popular spot for locals for their mid-week deals which are posted on their Facebook page. Arístides Villanueva 650; +54 261 429 9836"

"For Vegetarians Govinda is a popular cafeteria-style vegetarian restaurant. It has a hearty buffet with over 60 recipes that are a fusion of Indian and Argentine cuisine. They preserve the holistic Bhakti-Yoga cooking method which facilitates longevity and doesn't use garlic, onions, eggs and alcohol. You'll find vegetable tartas (quiche), veggie empanadas, roasted vegetables, salads, and fresh fruit juices on the menu. They also have traditional Indian lassis. You pay by weight, and it's great value for money. Govinda also has an NGO that serves to eradicate poverty in the community, which means that you're most likely racking up good karma just by putting your pesos in the right place. Avenida San Martín 948, in front of the Hospital Español, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza ; +54 261 424 3799"

"Seafood at La Tasca Where do the locals go to enjoy delicacies from the sea? La Tasca restaurant has a menu of Spanish seafood tapas and Mediterranean. Try the seafood paella, fried calamari, clams and "Langostinos de La Tasca," shrimp wrapped in pancetta in a mustard and honey sauce. Owned by a husband and wife team, La Tasca has a fun vibe, friendly service and a great location on Mendoza 's Plaza Espana. Montevideo 117; +54 261 423 3466"