Argentine fine dining was introduced to the global stage in 2023, when the Michelin Guide launched its first guide to the country’s restaurants. The move had a significant impact on the fine dining sector — particularly by boosting tourism and increasing national recognition. 

In its debut, the guide reviewed and recommended dozens of eateries. In Buenos Aires City, only three restaurants got stars: Trescha and Don Julio got one, while Aramburu got two. The Michelin Guide also helped counter a prior narrative that centered on the supposed decline of tasting menus and restored visibility and momentum to the segment. 

“It gave these restaurants a new level of visibility, putting them back on the map in Argentina,” Trescha chef Tomás Treschanski told the Herald. Treschanski also received the Young Chef Award that year, at age 26.

“I think this helped a lot more people in Argentina become interested in visiting these restaurants, and it brought in a lot more tourism — so it definitely helped a lot.”

Things are a bit different these days. 

The economic crisis, which has brought on a 30% drop in year-to-year consumption, together with higher operational costs and a significant drop in foreign tourism, has been a significant factor in the closure of several high-profile restaurants. 

Among them are Michelin-recommended places like Sal and Franca,........

© Buenos Aires Herald