La Paternal: A neighborhood of passions, hidden flavors, and Buenos Aires mystique

If you think of Buenos Aires neighborhoods with a strong identity, San Telmo, Palermo, or Chacarita probably come to mind. But there’s one that, although not always on everyone’s radar, holds stories of soccer, art, and top-tier gastronomy: La Paternal. This neighborhood, where Diego Maradona took his first steps on the field, is a journey through time with touches of modernity and underground culture.

At first glance, La Paternal may seem like a discreet neighborhood, almost unnoticed amidst the fast-paced rhythm of Buenos Aires. Its quiet streets, small-scale charm, and strong residential character make it a refuge away from the city's hustle and bustle. However, just a few blocks in, and you’ll discover that this neighborhood is much more than a collection of low houses and auto repair shops.

La Paternal is pure passion

From soccer—Argentinos Juniors as its emblem and the house where Diego Maradona lived as a pilgrimage site—to its deep-rooted car culture, with the legendary Warnes Avenue packed with auto parts and repair shops.

But it is also a neighborhood of trades, where behind-closed-doors businesses and traditional shops uphold a strong sense of community and belonging. In recent years, this corner of Buenos Aires has been transforming, with artists and entrepreneurs finding its tree-lined streets the perfect setting for a rising cultural and gastronomic scene.

Museum to feel like "The 10"

You can’t talk about La Paternal without mentioning Diego. La Casa de D10s (Lascano 2257) is a must-visit for any soccer fan. The house where Maradona lived in his youth has been turned into a museum, preserving the essence of the time. Here, you can see the room where the legend slept and dreamed of glory, the kitchen where he shared mate with Doña Tota, and murals honoring his achievements.

High-end gastronomy in "secret mode"

One of the must-visit spots is El Patio de Mabel, an oasis in the middle of the neighborhood where asado is enjoyed in a relaxed setting, surrounded by nature, with a wine list boasting over 100 labels. Don’t expect to find the address on Google Maps—this place is exclusive and can only be accessed with a reservation.

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If you're looking for something different, MN Santa Inés (Avalos 360) is a lunch restaurant run by chef Jazmín Marturet, blending the best of Asian, Latin, and traditional cuisine. The menu changes every two or three weeks, making every visit a new experience. The food is often spicy, and every dish always features fruits and herbs. If you’re into vegan food, Tita la Vedette (Paz Soldán 4993) is a no-frills, 100% plant-based pasta house serving incredibly flavorful dishes.

Neigborhood pizza and best ricota cake

If there’s something that defines Buenos Aires—besides soccer and tango—it’s pizza, and here’s a guide to our favorites. La Paternal has its own classics. Torino Norte (Av. Juan B Justo 3995) is one of the most traditional pizzerias, maintaining original recipes since 1968 with top-quality ingredients.

But when it comes to dessert, there’s only one king: Gino (Av. Juan B Justo 5183) and its legendary ricotta cake. Founded in 1943, this old-school eatery evolved into a pizzeria where the real star isn’t the fugazzeta, but its sweet pastry. Its fame is such that every weekend, food lovers from all over the city and surrounding areas flock to get their slice (or an entire cake—because one slice is never enough).

Cafes, books and indie culture

For those looking to escape the noise and immerse themselves in literature, Ifigenia (Gral. César Díaz 2249) is a haven of specialty coffee and carefully curated books. This literary café is a gathering space where vinyl music accompanies reading, and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a poetry or live music event.

If alternative culture is your thing, Club Conjura (Nicasio Oroño 2476) is the go-to spot for game nights with foosball, pinball, arcade games, as well as fairs, live music, and festivals. And if you’re into art, Yeruá Taller (Yerúa 5071) is a creative space in a former shoe factory, fostering interdisciplinary projects by emerging artists.

Fashion with a neighborhood touch

The lingerie and loungewear brand Varo Varo (Tronador 297) is a sibling-run business that became a top seller on Mercado Libre. Their edge lies in the shopping experience and the quality of their products, proving that La Paternal can also be a hub for fashion innovation.

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La Paternal, a neighborhood to discover

Between Maradona murals, cafés with vinyl records, and historic eateries, La Paternal is a neighborhood that blends the best of the past with a vibrant cultural and gastronomic scene. A corner of Buenos Aires where every street has a story to tell, and every visit leaves you wanting to come back.