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SCMP Reporter

Argentina's largest city never sleeps, and even if it did, it would probably twitch to the rhythm of the tango. But eat well to keep your strength up for those long nights of dancing.
Faena Hotel + Universe
El Porteno Building, Puerto Madero Este, tel: 011 4010 9000, faenahotelanduniverse.com
The Faena Hotel + Universe, formerly a disused grain silo, is a place you need to check out, if only to have a drink and a  peek at the creations of Philippe  Starck and Alan Faena.  El Bistro (below) is bold and brash in its design, with hospital white contrasted by blood reds and unicorns' heads gazing over diners, while El Mercado follows more rustic, earthy European themes, for the best of group dining in a more traditional and warmer ambience.
La Cabana
Rodriguez Pena 1967, tel: 011 4814 0001, lacabanabuenosaires.com.ar
Argentina may be a country whipped by the sea, but when it comes to dining the cow reigns supreme. Steak is the national dish and this restaurant remains popular with visiting celebrities and country's political elite. Its guest book boasts the names of every Argentinian president since 1935, as well as de Gaulle, Kissinger, Nixon and King Juan Carlo. Look for the grand baby beef, a 10cm-wide,  1.5kg steak best served with a local Malbec.
Casa Cruz
Uriarte 1658,  tel: 011 4833 1112, casa-cruz.com
BA's flashiest eatery has to be Casa Cruz, a seductive, lounge-style restaurant decked in opulent reds and golds. Located in the ritzy suburb of Palmero Hollywood, this is the domain of head chef German Martitegui,  a local kitchen hero who loves fusion cuisine. The restaurant has an emphasis on local wines, with more than 300 labels on offer.
Casa Salt Shaker
Barrio Norte, tel: 011 6132 4146
Time for something completely different as chef (and karate expert) Dan Pearlman and host Henry Tapia welcome you to their home for dinner. In a unique touch, they open their kitchen and their dining table to culinary explorers in what is essentially an open dinner party. Sit at one of two communal tables and mingle with new-found friends while Dan, originally from Manhattan, creates memorable, eclectic cuisine. With only 12 seats the dinners fill fast so best  let them know you are coming.
Duhua Restaurant & Vinoteca,
Park Hyatt, Avenida Alvear, tel: 011 5171 1234, buenosaires.park.hyatt.com
If you still have room left you might want to try the cheese room and 'wine library' at the Park Hyatt's Duhua Restaurant. This is a beautiful, classical building and the sprawling terrace is the best place to enjoy a cheese selection by the maitre fromager, served with locally produced chutneys, dried fruit and baked breads, as well as a sneaky drop of dessert wine.



Entree: Buenos Aires