La Biela — Restaurant in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

We were made aware of this restaurant while on private tour in Buenos Aires via an introduction by our guide. We ended up back here to grab a quick snack after walking around the city.

ATMOSPHERE: They're located near the Recoleta Cemetery. As you enter, you're greeted by a table occupied by life-like statues of two men who used to frequent the place, Argentine writer Adolfo Bioy Casares and his writer friend Jorge Luis Borges, both of whom wrote a book together and whose photos adorn the restaurant's walls. The inside decor is dated, a bit like an old European eatery crammed with dark-stained wood low tops but still classy at the same time. A fairly large outdoor terrace sports an equal amount of seats as well, with partial protection from a big tree. But according to the menu, food costs a bit more to eat out rather than in. Odd!

MENU: Tons of different selections but we were looking for something sweet or coffee-based.

DESSERT: Café Vienés This is their version of an affogato which came in a tall glass and consumed like a milkshake. The creamy coffee flavors totally hit the spot!

Lemon Meringue Pie (slice) The crust was moist and buttery, the filling creamy and lemony.

SERVICE: Our male server was great. Very professional and attentive.

OVERALL: A bit pricey but...

La Biela in Recoleta is a must when you visit Buenos Aires. This cafe has a rich history and it is a well known landmark in the city.

"Recoleta was once an area of farmland and on the site today occupied by the café was a general store. When it opened as a small pavement cafe in 1850 it was baptized "La Viridita" by its Spanish owner but its name later changed to the Aero Bar because of its popularity with members of the nearby Argentine Civil Pilots Association.

For many years popular with politicians, writers, artists, actors and media celebrities, La Biela acquired its present name in the 1950s when it became a popular meeting place for racing car champions, including the five times Formula One world champion Juan Manuel Fangio, and for fans of the sport"

La Biela is a place to sit outside with friends or just people watch, and it is in close proximity to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, and The Recoleta Cultural Center where there are always free activities and art exhibits. Very often you will enjoy strolling musicians, tango dancers and a blind opera singer while you sip your wine or enjoy a coffee and a snack. On the weekends there is an art fair as well with many local artisans where you can buy gifts for friends or treat yourself to something...

We did not do any research before arriving in BA so just chanced on this famous old restaurant in Recolata and happy we did. We started on the covered outside terrace, mainly to watch the Tango guy offering dances with photos to passing tourists. Suddenly the heavens opened and we dashed inside, only to be transported back in time in this BA icon (as we found out!!). The decor is polished panelled wood with lots of old photos of racing icons. The waiters looked like characters from The Godfather - all rather elderly males kitted out in black waistcoats and white shirts and looking quite fierce. Some reviews of this place have been rather off-putting but you can only speak as you find and our guy was great. We had steak and chips and it was very good. We had wine and beer, also good. We were passing time till our flight and spent a good couple of hours or so, lingering over drinks, watching the world and enjoying the ambience. Just enjoy it for what it is and don't expect...