La Tapera — Restaurant in El Chaltén

"La Tapera" is one of the high-end restaurants in El Chálten, yes, it is more expensive, always full of people and have a tinny waiting room - but it is totally worth it. In our case we waited for about 30 min, and we have seen that many tours also bring the customers here in reserved tables. The service is excellent and they have a huge selection of wines. The place has an alpine log cabin style of decoration, with an open fireplace in the middle of the main room, that have 2 floors. The prices are usually higher than what you find in other places at the town

They served a great and fresh homemade bread with pumpkin dip for free before the orders - we ordered as entrees Vegetable Soup and Roasted Lagostins rolled in Bacon with an Aioli dip and a mini-salad, two cups of wine and a water. Both dishes were very good, and the lagostins especially delicious. As for main dishes we had a Mushroom Semolina Gnocchi and a Lomo (beef tenderloin) with Malbec Sauce, with Roasted Vegetables and Potatoes. Both were just excellent! The presentation of all dishes, without exception were impeccable, and the quality and quantity of the plates were just great - we were there for a full course, but after the starters and main dishes, we just didn't have space for the desserts (that looked just amazing!).

The payment is cash only, and expect to pay something around 40-50US$ for a full course for two persons and more if you order a bottle of wine from their fabulous cart of wines (that you can take away if you wish). But even with the waiting and value, the quality, presentation, flavors and service are just worth it. Without a doubt it is one of the best restaurants...

We came to this place the first day we arrived, but it was full because of a large group. Then the waitress just ignored us, left us inside to go out and talk to someone else. Then she returned and we asked if we could reserve a table the next day. She replies that they didn't accept reservations (which was weird as they had a big reservation that day).

So then we returned the next day. Two of my friends arrived a little before me, because I had to deal with some personal issues. Same rude waitress was there, my friends were told to wait outside until the whole party was there. Then all the tables started to get filled up, so they asked to be seated anyway. At that time we got ignored again and she answered another group that had just arrived and had a reservation(!) that evening. We didn't feel welcome at all, and considered leaving.

We got a table eventually. And the food was just average, the meat was ok, but the ravioli was plain and too creamy.

And in the end we asked for the check and tried to pay with a credit card. Only to be told that unfortunately they weren't able to accept cards today. Which it seems like a lie after reading many other reviews. So if you want bad service and mediocre food, remember...

Nice ambience, friendly service, delicious starters. And this is where the positives stop.

Bife de chorizo - probably the chewiest piece of meat I’ve had globally. Truly a disgrace for Argentina. I really had to chew the bite I tried for a long time, and swallow trying not to choke on it.

Cazuela de Cordero - nice and flavorful until you taste the meat. To begin with, it was not lamb but beef. I can’t believe the owners think tourists cannot distinguish between different types of meats. Second (which helps you distinguish apart from the flavor) - the meat is incredibly dry and tough, which can only come from a very cheap cut of beef.

Dining experience that started well and went downhill from there.

Oh… maybe worth to mention that the wine offered by the restaurant can be ordered in other restaurants in El Chalten for 30% cheaper.

Miserable dining experience for about $50 per person. Probably 90% of El Chalten restaurants can do better.

I know this feedback sounds harsh, but we spend our hard earned money to come to your beautiful area and expect some...