9 restaurants in Mendoza with dishes for sharing

A favorite among many, La Central Vermutería is an ideal spot to visit with friends, have a vermouth, and enjoy the variety of dishes inspired by Mendoza's cuisine. Known for its shareable tapas, this place also combines food with art. Every detail, from the presentation of the small plates to the ambiance, is designed to offer a visually appealing experience.

The menu, influenced by Spanish and Italian flavors, changes with the seasons. Dishes range from fainá with red onion and paprika to ham croquettes with romesco and Sardinian cheese.

La Central is also famous for its selection of over 18 local and international vermouth labels, making it the bar with the largest vermouth offering in the province. This element pairs perfectly with the flavors on the menu, adding extra enjoyment to the meal. Desserts like the apple mille-feuille with coconut ice cream, the creamy black and white chocolate, or the rice pudding complete a memorable dining experience.

Tip: Follow their social media for updates, as they occasionally host outdoor events like Vermouth Day, with pre-sold tickets.

Location: Av. Bartolomé Mitre 794, Mendoza City.

Located 30 minutes from downtown Mendoza and across from the Santa Julia Winery, Pan & Oliva is nestled among vineyards and ancient olive groves. Here, olive oil is the star ingredient in every dish. This gastronomic experience offers shareable dishes, the best way to taste all the delicious recipes that blend local ingredients with traditional Italian recipes, highlighting the influence of the Zuccardi family.

Pan & Oliva's menu is carefully crafted with fresh products, many sourced from their own garden. Antipasti options like stracciatella with anchovies and tomato pesto or rabbit mortadella with pistachios and fennel stand out. Main dishes include spinach and potato ravioli, sausage lasagna, or ricotta gnudi, among others. To end the meal, desserts like chocolate nemesis with vanilla ice cream and dulce de leche flan provide a sweet conclusion. The relaxed atmosphere contrasts with the more ceremonial experiences typical of wineries.

Tip: Order all the antipasti to share at the table — they’re a must! Olive oil desserts are also worth trying.

Location: Ruta Provincial 33 km 7, Maipú, Mendoza.

Far from the city's hustle, in Tupungato, near the mountains, lies Ruda Cocina, offering a direct connection to Mendoza's agricultural diversity through seasonal cuisine. Led by sommelier Camila Cerezo and chef Gastón Trama, the restaurant's menu changes with the seasons, featuring ingredients from its own garden.

Ruda’s dishes creatively use preserves and ferments, allowing diners to explore evolving flavors. The roasted vegetable salad highlights the simplicity of fresh ingredients, while the fermented vegetable stew showcases the team's ability to blend traditional techniques with modern flavors, like kimchi and pickles, that add depth to the dishes.

Tip: The stuffed chipá is one of the most popular dishes. Let us know if it becomes your favorite too!

Location: Ruda Cocina at Tupungato Winelands (Calle La Costa S/N, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco).

Ramos Generales by Francis Mallmann offers an outdoor fire-cooking experience surrounded by vineyards. As you sip wine, you can watch the chefs at work and even chat with them about the tradition of wood-fired cooking. Inspired by old neighborhood general stores, the restaurant has Mallmann's signature style, with tables under pergolas, a few beneath a weeping willow, and more scattered among the vines — a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of Mendoza wine with friends.

The Ramos Generales menu highlights the seasonality and freshness of local ingredients. Dishes include traditional Mallmann-style empanadas with Llajua sauce and rib-eye steak with chimichurri, accompanied by mountain potatoes and eggplant puree with hazelnuts. Main dishes feature Patagonian trout with ratatouille and aioli, braised lamb with mashed potatoes, and crispy potato gnocchi that are out of this world. Desserts, like dulce de leche cake with red fruits and mascarpone or grilled pineapple with chocolate ganache, round off the experience.

Tip: The restaurant is outdoors, and the sunny tables are the best. They also provide blankets for extra warmth and comfort.

Location: Roque Saenz Peña 5516, Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

Feed your soul by combining a visit to buy plants for your home with a trip to Mononito at Luna Vivero. This place is perfect for a relaxed outing with family or friends. The atmosphere at Mononito is simple and comfortable, and its green surroundings make it even more special. Here, you can enjoy an outdoor brunch while exploring the variety of plants offered at Luna Vivero.

Mononito’s menu features a wide selection of shareable dishes. You'll find toast options ranging from classic butter, cheese, and jam to more elaborate versions like pea and ricotta toast with fava beans and green beans. Seasonal sandwiches include a vegan option with asparagus and potato pie, as well as a juicy chicken sandwich. You can also enjoy bowls of yogurt or fruit, and a variety of baked goods like croissants, cheese bread, tortitas with olive oil, or cakes.

Tip: Mononito serves some of the best cheese bread in Mendoza, and they are generously sized.

Location: RP60 3180, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

Cocina Gardenia offers an urban and casual atmosphere. With walls adorned with gardenia flowers, wooden accents, a small indoor space, a few tables on the sidewalk, and an outdoor area across the street for picnics with blankets and beach chairs, this spot combines flavors from around the world. The menu has no fixed style or definition.

The menu changes every six weeks, offering around nine dishes and two desserts. There’s also a good wine selection to pair with the food. The concept is simple: no fuss, just delicious, well-prepared food. It’s the perfect place to share several small plates with friends, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, and have a laid-back time.

Tip: The best plan at Gardenia is to order the picnic basket with a blanket, glasses, cutlery, and a few delicious dishes, then lounge on the green grass across the street. If you're with kids, they’ll have fun watching the metro pass by.

Location: Martín Palero 20, Mendoza City.

One of the trendiest bars in Mendoza is Charco in Chacras de Coria. It’s not just a place to eat; Charco offers a variety of cocktails, both classics and signature creations, with a DJ playing on the days it’s open. The eclectic décor is designed to captivate visitors.

As for the food, the portions are medium-sized and perfect for sharing. The menu changes seasonally. Cocktails, both classic and signature, are crafted with a creative touch. During colder months, the drinks evoke Andean spirits, while in spring and summer, the menu bursts with colors and flavors that make you want to dance. Charco also offers the option to create personalized cocktails on the spot if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the menu.

Tip: The shrimp burger is a must-try.

Location: Panamericana s/n in front of Los Caracoles de Chacras, Chacras de Coria, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

Muchachito Vicente, run by Vicente Rucci, has captured the hearts of vegans, vegetarians, and those looking for a meat-free dining experience in Mendoza. This closed-door restaurant, located in the Sixth Section, stands out by offering a fresh alternative in the local culinary scene. The menu features a wide range of options, from vegan burgers, salads, and bowls that blend surprising flavors and textures, to other veggie choices. The ingredients are carefully selected to ensure freshness and flavor, reflecting a commitment to health and sustainability. Every dish is designed to offer a complete gastronomic experience, proving that meat-free food can be just as satisfying and delicious as any other.

You might also be interested in: Gastronomic tour on the Mendoza Metrotranvía

The atmosphere at Muchachito Vicente is cozy and welcoming, encouraging you to share plates at the table with friends or family. The restaurant's décor and design contribute to a relaxed vibe where sharing is the main focus. It’s open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Tip: If you haven’t been yet but are eager to try it, check out their Instagram account, where they share some vegan recipes to tide you over.

As part of a series of events and a pop-up culinary initiative, Bodega Lagarde offers a unique and different dining experience at Planta Uno, a food market in Godoy Cruz. Just 10 minutes from Mendoza City, this newly opened space, located across from Criolla Parri (also part of the Lagarde family), operates under a pop-up format, allowing local chefs and restaurants to rent the venue and showcase their dishes. This accessible option provides a wide range of flavors with plates meant to be shared among diners.

Mendocina Cocina is designed to facilitate interaction between chefs and diners, offering a unique culinary experience in an informal setting. Chefs such as Lucas Olcese and Sebastián Ingallina from Fogón, Juan Barcos from Madre Rojas, and Michelin-starred chefs from Azafrán, Brindillas, Vigil, and Zonda, have all participated. Additionally, international chefs are occasionally invited for special events, further enriching the experience.

Tip: The menu is short, so it’s best to go with a group to order all the small plates and not miss out on any flavors.

Location: Planta Uno, Ceretti 244, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza.