Where to eat in Rosario, Argentina: 5 must-visit restaurants

A culinary institution since 1961, Il Piccolo Navio specializes in a delightful fusion of seafood, Mediterranean, and Argentinean cuisines. This small yet vibrant spot boasts a simple maritime-themed decor, adorned with wooden elements and quirky fish on the walls. At the core of its philosophy lies the belief that dimensions are not measured in square meters but in liters of happiness, kilos of memorable nights, dozens of glances and smiles, toasts, and a lot of fun. This mantra defines the essence of the restaurant, and as numerous reviews affirm, the staff plays a pivotal role in shaping the place, making you eager to return. Here, it's more than just selling food — it's about creating an experience where you feel truly taken care of.

With an array of seafood options, Il Piccolo Navio stands as the premier destination to savor fish in Rosario. Their offerings include a 3-course menu with a beverage and à la carte selections featuring delights like provençal scallops, exquisite rice, tagliatelle, rabas, casserole, Galician-style octopus, and more. For dessert, indulge in delicious treats such as dulce de leche pancakes, flan, chocolate mousse, or carioca. With soft music and an intimate atmosphere, Il Piccolo Navio provides an ideal setting for a leisurely dinner, allowing you to fully enjoy your conversations.

Mesón is a Spanish cuisine haven, adorned with a dark, cozy interior and a captivating mural of a dancing woman. As you enter, the warm atmosphere embraces you, illuminated by the soft glow of candles and dim lights. This establishment transports diners to the vibrant streets of Spain, offering an authentic journey with a menu specializing in tapas and paellas. The impeccable service is a standout feature here — prompt, responsible, and attentive. What’s more, their reasonable prices are a pleasant surprise, especially given the abundance and quality of the dishes. 

Seafood and vegetable paella, garlic shrimp, beef-filled ravioli, and salmon with capers are among the highlights. The communal spirit is alive with many items designed for sharing. To round off your meal with a sweet touch, choose from delectable desserts like crema catalana, chocolate marquise cake, tiramisu, or even a tempting vegan cheesecake. Guests often note that while the wine list at Mesón could be more extensive, the overall experience is cordial and well worth a visit.

Recently renovated, Refinería stands as a beacon of Argentinian gastronomy. It is nestled in the eponymous district of Rosario, providing a captivating glimpse into the city's industrial heritage. The restaurant boasts an unassuming façcade that conceals the mesmerizing beauty within. Once inside, you'll discover an aesthetically pleasing dining space, enhanced by enchanting melodies of a piano. And their inviting patio provides an idyllic setting to unwind and savor the evening's tranquility. It's worth highlighting that the spot extends its warm welcome to all, ensuring accessibility for those with reduced mobility through wheelchair-friendly entrances, restrooms, and seating.

Refinería is a renowned steakhouse in Rosario celebrated for serving traditional asado that delights meat enthusiasts. Yet, transcending the conventional, it embraces culinary diversity with an appetizing vegetarian menu. It offers a refined and elevated atmosphere that transcends the city's gastronomic average. Enjoy tempting starters like empanadas, provoleta, or langoustine carpaccio. For the main course, try their rib eye steak, matambre, chorizo, ravioli, or tagliatelle. Finally, indulge your sweet tooth with desserts including pear strudel, chocolate volcano, flan with dulce de leche, or tiramisu. An extensive selection of local and international wines is available to complement your meal, from familiar Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to exclusive vintages unique to Argentina.

When your sushi cravings call in Rosario, head to Takó Sushi, the pioneer of Japanese cuisine in the city since 2007. Conveniently situated in the Centro district, this restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional quality, showcasing a menu that reflects the meticulous selection of ingredients from oriental culture. Run by Japanese-Argentinians, this spot welcomes patrons in a modern interior with rich dark tones, and expansive windows that infuse the space with natural light. Catering to those seeking an authentic Asian taste, Takó Sushi even hosts a cooking academy.

The establishment not only promises a delightful sushi escapade but also presents a variety of fish-free options, from soups and stir-fries to noodles. Their offerings include exquisite gyozas, the city's finest ramen, plancha salmon with teriyaki sauce, a tempting array of wok and rolls, as well as vegetarian choices. Here, you will be pleased by a wide range of delicious dishes along with an impressive list of wines. With its excellent price-quality ratio, it stands out as the perfect choice for a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

Ceviche, with its trendy vibe and chic elegance, promises an outstanding fusion of inventive sushi, elevated ceviche dishes, and craft cocktails. Dive into a world where chefs explore the corners of the earth for new tastes, revolutionary seasonings, and the finest raw ingredients. The modern ambiance unfolds within an industrial-style interior, adorned with elements of iron and leather seatings, all bathed in intriguing lighting that incorporates a subtle hint of neon without overwhelming the senses. Besides, guests can witness the vibrant energy of the open kitchen concept from the upper floor.

When you’re here, make sure to savor the restaurant’s specialty ceviches, featuring enticing options like lomo saltado, salmon, grilled octopus, bondiola, and succulent shrimp. There are also degustation menus designed for different group sizes. Interestingly, Peruvian influences shine through in Ceviche’s creations, bringing a fascinating dimension. As for desserts, you can go with mango and maracuja cheesecake, suspiro limeño, chocolate volcano, or tres leches cake. And of course, you should indulge in their house-special cocktails, the true stars of the show. 

Take a moment to relish the tranquility, warm embrace, and positive vibes that define Rosario. This is a place that generously shares its spirit, leaving you with a lasting sense of peace and a treasure trove of fond memories. We hope our guide has provided valuable insights into some of the best spots to make your trip here complete and satisfying. If you've had the pleasure of visiting this city, feel free to share your recommendations with fellow travelers in the comments section below.