Mendoza taverns for delicious and hearty meals

Gigantic milanesa, homemade pastas, traditional Mendoza empanadas, and an atmosphere where tradition is alive. Located inside the Talleres Sport Club in Godoy Cruz, this cantina is a neighborhood emblem that has bounced back after the closure of its previous restaurant. While primarily for members, it’s open to families looking for hearty dishes and affordable prices.

The spirit of Andes Talleres Cantina is felt as soon as you walk through the door: a place that smells of homemade food, where the bustle of diners and the movement of servers remind you of the bodegones of yesteryear. The milanesa is a feast—according to loyal customers, it can be shared between three or four people—but the pastas, barbecue, and tortilla de papas also shine. For lovers of traditional flavors, the daily menu surprises with options like locro, empanadas, and homemade desserts like bread pudding or flan.

The tip: their empanadas are known as the best in Mendoza. Now it’s your turn to try them and find out if that’s true.

Where: Belgrano and Castellani, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza.

Thirty years of history, an impeccable barbecue, and an owner who trusts word-of-mouth more than social media. Entretiempo, the cantina of Club Anzorena, is a well-kept secret among Mendocinos who know where to find good food without fuss or major advertisements. Alberto, the soul behind this tavern, prefers to keep his clientele loyal through hearty dishes and flavors of yesteryear, in an environment that invites you to stay a little longer.

The barbecue is the star of the menu, prepared with patience and skill so that each cut arrives at the table perfectly cooked. But the menu doesn’t stop there: hearty cuts, generous milanesa, and homemade pastas complete a menu that celebrates simple, well-made food.

The tip: the cantina is open Monday through Monday, and is run by Alberto, who personally handles the barbecue. If you order meat, you'll be served by the owner himself, who’s known as “the best grill master in Mendoza.”

Where: Suipacha 320, Mendoza.

Cantina de IMPSA has earned its place among locals who crave homemade food without frills and with the unmistakable flavor of a neighborhood bodegón. The menu isn’t extensive, but every dish that comes out of the kitchen is a symbol of flavor and abundance. Milanesa and homemade pastas are a must, but those seeking something different can try the entraña platter, pork ribs à la pizza, or the house specialty, chorizos a la pomarola. Every meal is served with generous sides: potatoes, sweet potatoes, mixed salad, and cold rice, ensuring no one leaves hungry.

The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, with the typical buzz of places where food is the star. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, making it a great spot for a meal with friends or family.

The tip: for special occasions, like national holidays, they prepare large portions of criollo dishes for sharing with family or friends, ensuring no one misses out.

Where: Alsina 2351, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza.

With more than 21 years of history, Cantina La Rambla honors its Catalan roots in Mendoza. The Collado family, leading the place, turned a small space into an authentic reference for Spanish cuisine. On the menu, the classics shine: paella and fideuá, both served with abundant seafood and a flavor that transports you straight to Barcelona. To end the experience, nothing better than a traditional dessert like crema catalana, with its unmistakable crispy caramel layer.

Also of interest: 10 new restaurants in Mendoza you must visit

The atmosphere is warm and family-oriented, with recipes passed down through generations that make every visit a trip to Spain. The cantina is also an active participant in cultural events that strengthen its identity and its connection to the community. A little corner of Catalonia in Mendoza, where great food and hospitality go hand in hand.

The tip: their paella and fideuá have been praised even by Spanish chefs who visited Mendoza. Thanks to the Collado family tradition, many customers say it's the place for the best Spanish food in the city.

Where: San Juan 1436, Ciudad, Mendoza.

At El Bodegón de Don Coco, history began with a foosball hall that, over time, incorporated the homemade cooking of Doña Lola, becoming a gathering place for neighbors and visitors. The personalized service, where the owners and cooks approach the tables to hear diners’ opinions, has been key to its success.

The menu reflects the essence of criollo cooking, with dishes that evoke the flavors of yesteryear. Specialties include milanesa with salad, puchero, oven-roasted chicken, and homemade pasta. Traditional desserts like flan with dulce de leche and vigilante (cheese and quince paste) are the perfect finish to a complete gastronomic experience.

The tip: they still maintain the tradition of serving soup as a starter every day, just like in the old days. It’s recommended to order dishes for sharing, as the portions are generous.

Where: Félix Bogado 401, Mendoza.

La Tía Rada is much more than a tavern: it’s a story of effort, family, and tradition, alive in every dish. The legacy began with Marta Manrique, who worked in a restaurant until the owners, after closing down, offered her the business. Today, at 77 years old, she still leads the kitchen as she did in the beginning.

The menu is simple and hearty, with well-known Mendoza classics: milanesa, ravioli, pasta, and meat in all forms. Each week, La Tía Rada serves 90 plates of ravioli, 50 of pasta, and more than 200 kilos of meat, with a cooking pace that never stops.

The tip: Famous for its milanesa, La Tía Rada cooks more than 200 kilos of meat, a figure that reflects the scale of its kitchen and the loyalty of its customers.

Where: 1290/1298/1352, Paso de los Andes, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza.

In the heart of La Consulta, with the imposing Andes Mountains in the background, El Porvenir combines the tradition of homemade food with the warmth of personalized service. Housed in a grand corner house, this gastronomic spot has become a meeting point for locals and visitors seeking hearty meals in a comfortable setting.

El Porvenir’s menu stands out for its variety and flavor. Specialties include juicy beef empanadas, golden and tender potato tortilla, tenderloin steak, and meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes. They also offer vegetarian options like couscous with seasonal vegetables and grilled egg, showing their commitment to inclusive dining for all tastes.

The tip: El Porvenir is the brainchild of renowned chef Nicolás Bedorrou, known for his active participation in local food events, presenting dishes that incorporate regional ingredients like olive oil and quince, highlighting the region’s native flavors.

Where: San Martín 102, San Carlos, Mendoza.

Generous portions, homemade flavors, and dishes meant to be shared. In the heart of Maipú, Al Rescoldo has become one of the best places to enjoy hearty, no-frills food just a few kilometers from Mendoza City.

Also of interest: Interview with Vanina Chimeno, the chef and wife of Francis Mallmann

The menu is designed to satisfy even the hungriest. Steaks and milanesa, with ample sides, can easily be shared between two or even three people, without anyone going home hungry. For those who prefer individual dishes, there’s a wide selection of homemade pasta and beef cuts, served in portions that are meant to be shared.

The sweet finish is another highlight. Classic flan, almond dessert, Don Pedro, rice pudding, and various ice cream flavors complete the meal with the same homemade spirit that defines this tavern.

The tip: we recommend taking the Metrotranvía to Maipú for a unique experience that saves you time and lets you enjoy a drink without worrying about driving. Plus, you can explore the area, which offers other experiences.

Where: Esquina España Asociación Española de Maipú, Ozamis 519, Maipú, Mendoza.

This tavern in the Sexta Sección has won the loyalty of those who try it once and can’t stop coming back. What stands out first are their homemade baked breads, which have a distinctive taste that sets them apart from anywhere else. Whether in pita bread for their steaks or as the base for their crispy pizzas, the bread is the essence of their gastronomic proposal.

The atmosphere is laid-back, always filled with customers who know exactly what they want: hearty, casual, and tasty food, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whether for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Coronel Rodríguez is a reference point for lovers of good food without complications.

The tip: we recommend ordering a mozzarella pizza to go and enjoying a picnic experience in the gardens of Parque Central, just three blocks from the pizzeria.

Where: Jorge A. Calle 200, Mendoza.

In the heart of Luján de Cuyo, Almagro Cantina and Mercado combines the essence of a traditional bodegón with healthy and contemporary options. Located within the Boedo Camp sports complex, this space invites diners to enjoy hearty meals without neglecting their health, offering keto, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives.

The menu includes homemade pastas like sorrentinos and egg noodles with stew, as well as milanesa in various presentations, including eggplant for those seeking vegetarian alternatives. Shareable platters and fresh salads are also featured, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.

The tip: it has a market where customers can purchase regional products, fresh pasta, cold cuts, cheeses, and specialty foods like keto and gluten-free options, letting you take a piece of the gastronomic experience home.

Where: Boedo and lateral, Acceso Sur, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.