New Year’s in Buenos Aires is traditionally an intimate affair — a time for friends and family to enjoy an asado, a glass of champagne or apple cider, and the cacophony of fireworks that, much to the dismay of the city’s canine population, are set off every January 1 at 12 a.m.

But this holiday is more than just an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones. It also allows tourists and natives alike to explore the capital’s burgeoning gastronomic scene and bustling nightlife. So, if you don’t yet have plans for Sunday, allow us at the Herald to help get the New Year’s ball rolling — or dropping, as the case may be. 

Check out our recommendations below in 4, 3, 2, 1…

Where to eat

La Capitana (Guardia Vieja 4446) — This charming bodegon in Almagro will be offering a special six-part meal that includes wine and charcuterie, a fried empanada, hot tapas, a main course, dessert, and a mesa dulce to go with a glass of champagne. A live band will be playing traditional Cuban music, but don’t be surprised if the patrons spontaneously break into the Peronist March over the course of the night. (The restaurant is named after former First Lady Eva Peron, after all.) The holiday meal costs AR$58,000 (approximately US$69 at the official dollar rate, US$58 at the MEP dollar rate), and reservations can be made through the restaurant’s WhatsApp account, which you can find on their IG.

Maradona (10) (Juramento 1700) — You can experience another authentically Argentine New Year’s at Maradona (10) in Belgrano. Here, you can sample local dishes like empanadas de carne cortada al cuchillo, vitel toné, a holiday special that the Herald explored in some depth here, and a choice of asado or mushroom risotto. The meal comes with two drinks per person, alcoholic or otherwise, and runs AR$90,000. You can book your reservation through the restaurant’s WhatsApp account.

La Mar (Arévalo 2024) — New Year’s Eve is a special occasion, and what better way to celebrate than with a fancy seafood dinner at La Mar? This Sunday, the Palermo Hollywood cervicheria will be serving a range of Peruvian delicacies, including ceviche Criollo (a seasonal fish served with fried shellfish and leche de tigre), muchame de pesca (a cured fish smothered in a caper-based chimichurri), and siu kaos del mar (shrimp dumplings), among others. Prices will vary, and reservations can be made over the phone or via WhatsApp.

What to do

Olympo Sky Bar (Corrientes 1464) — If you want to take in the sight of Buenos Aires on New Year’s Eve, there are few locations with a better view than Olympo Sky Bar, located on the 31st floor of a skyscraper on bustling Corrientes Avenue. Here, you can throw back the usual range of cocktails and a glass of champagne if you feel inclined to raise a toast. Seating is limited, so call in advance for reservations.

Juana Palermo (Cordoba 5210) — From 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. the next day, Juana Palermo will be hosting a joint dinner and dance party that’s sure to be a smash. The former consists of sandwiches, bruschetta, pizza, and a complimentary drink, while the latter will feature karaoke performances and more. Prices range from AR$6500 to AR$9500, which gives you access to an open bar. Reserve your spot via Instagram here.

Madero Tango (Alicia Moreau de Justo, Brasil 2150) — It’s a little on the touristy side, but Madero Tango is a terrific venue to acquaint yourself with one of Argentina’s most distinctive and seductive art forms. Beginning at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, the restaurant and dance hall will be hosting a special holiday dinner, with music and dance performances extending until 4 a.m. the following day. For more information about pricing and reservations, visit Madero Tango’s website here.