What to Expect at an Asado Experience in Buenos Aires
You have seen "asado experience" on every list of things to do in Buenos Aires. But what actually happens when you book one? How long does it take, what do you eat, what does it cost, and is it worth an evening of your trip?
We are Betty and Marcelo, and we host an asado experience in our Palermo Soho workshop. This is the honest, complete picture of the evening, the same one we give anyone who emails us with questions.
The Short Version
You spend about three hours at a table beside a working parrilla. Marcelo cooks the full asado progression in front of you, from chorizo to ojo de bife, while Betty pours Argentine wines and tells the stories behind each cut and tradition. You eat every course at the moment it comes off the grill, with other guests from around the world. $104 per guest, everything included.
The Evening, Step by Step
The welcome. You arrive in Palermo Soho and are greeted like family, because for the evening you are. A glass of crisp Torrontés in hand, you meet your fellow guests while the fire settles into embers.
The first wave. Fresh-baked empanadas and provoleta (provolone cheese melted right on the grill) arrive while the main cuts are still cooking. Chorizo and morcilla follow, straight from the fire into crusty bread.
The progression. This is the heart of the asado. Matambrito, then colita de cuadril, then ojo de bife, each cut served the moment it is ready. Marcelo explains what you are eating and why it is cooked that way, and you are welcome to stand at the parrilla and watch every step. Chimichurri and salsa criolla are always within reach, and the wine moves from Torrontés to Malbec as the courses deepen.
The finish. Dessert with dulce de leche, then the classic Argentine digestif: fernet con cola. Then sobremesa, the unhurried table talk that Argentines consider the best part of any asado. Evenings regularly end with guests exchanging numbers and making plans together for the rest of their trip.
The Menu
| Course | What arrives |
|---|---|
| Welcome | Torrontés white wine, picada to nibble |
| Starters | Empanadas, provoleta, chorizo, morcilla |
| First cuts | Matambrito (pork flank) with salsa criolla |
| Main cuts | Colita de cuadril and ojo de bife with chimichurri |
| Dessert | Dulce de leche dessert |
| Digestif | Fernet con cola |
| Throughout | Malbec and other Argentine wines, poured freely |
Vegetarian? Tell us when you book. We prepare a dedicated menu with grilled vegetables, provoleta, and other Argentine specialties.
What's Included in the $104
Everything above. All courses, all wines, dessert, the digestif, and the evening itself. There is no drinks menu waiting at the end, no supplement for the good cuts, no tip expected. One price, all inclusive, and about half of what many comparable experiences in Buenos Aires charge once the extras land.
Asado Experience vs Steakhouse: Which Should You Pick?
Buenos Aires has world-famous steakhouses, and you should try one. But they answer a different question:
| Asado experience | Parrilla restaurant | |
|---|---|---|
| You eat | A guided progression of cuts | The cuts you order |
| The grill | Right beside your table | In the kitchen, out of sight |
| The company | A shared table, hosts included | Your own party |
| The context | Stories, traditions, technique | A menu |
| Wine | Included, paired to courses | By the bottle, extra |
If you have one steak-focused evening in Buenos Aires, the asado is the one you will still be talking about years later. If you have two, do both.
What Guests Say
"Went solo and made great friends for the night. Betty was really kind and a great hostess, Marcelo was an excellent chef!" (Wouter, Airbnb)
"It felt like sitting with family in a place so far from home. No, we are not paid, it was just that good!" (Bruno, TripAdvisor)
"It felt very authentic and they were very knowledgeable." (Martin, Airbnb)
You will find hundreds more like these on Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and GetYourGuide.
Practical Details
- Where: Our workshop in Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires. Easy to reach, and the city's best neighbourhood to wander afterwards.
- How long: 2.5 to 3 hours, in line with Buenos Aires' famously late dining rhythm.
- Languages: Betty hosts fluently in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German.
- Group size: Small, shared tables. Solo travellers, couples, and small groups all mix naturally. For private events and teams, see our corporate asados.
- Dietary needs: Vegetarian menu available with advance notice. Just tell us when booking.
New to the tradition itself? Start with what an asado actually is, or learn the cuts you'll be eating before you come.
FAQ: The Asado Experience
How much does an asado experience cost in Buenos Aires?
Betty and Marcelo's asado experience is $104 per guest, with every course, all wines, dessert, and the digestif included. Many experiences in the city price the meal and drinks separately, so compare the all-in figure.
How long does the asado experience last?
Around 2.5 to 3 hours. Asado is deliberately slow. Courses arrive in a progression as each cut comes off the grill, and the evening ends with relaxed table conversation.
Is an asado experience good for solo travellers?
Yes. The shared table means you spend the night with guests from around the world, and many solo travellers leave with new friends and plans for the rest of their trip.
Can vegetarians join the asado experience?
Yes. With advance notice we prepare a dedicated vegetarian menu with grilled seasonal vegetables, provoleta, and other Argentine specialties, so vegetarian guests share the full evening, not a side plate.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. The experience is hosted in English, and Betty switches naturally between English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German depending on who is at the table.