Miami's Best Argentine Restaurants: For Pope Francis's Installation

Wikimedia Commons

In the more than 2,000-year history of Catholicism, the religion has stretched its tentacles all over the world. Today there are about as many Catholics in Central and South America as in the rest of the world combined. With the installation of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the first pope from the Americas, there's a focus on all things argentino.

"We've actually had longtime costumers call to congratulate us [on the Argentine pope's election]," says Graziano manager Armando Mon, a native Mexican who has adopted the Argentine culture in 14 years of working at the family-owned original location in Coral Gables. "It's really something to be proud of."

"It was time for a big change," adds Las Vacas Gordas owner Luis Gajer.

You too can be a proud Argentine for a day, or at least eat like one, at one of these five best Argentine restaurants in Miami.

5. Patagonia
This is what Argentine food is all about, tons of different types of butchered meats and a bunch of cuts. Patagonia doesn't stop with beef, though; it also offers an extensive chicken and fish menu that rivals some of the best seafood places in Miami. With locations in Key Biscayne and Doral, Patagonia has been showered with awards by Trip Advisor and received a mention in New Times' Best of Miami issue. The skirt steak, the most popular item on the menu, is cooked to perfection and served with generous portions.

4. Doma Polo Bistro
The Buenos Aires-style bistro-lounge borrows spices, flavors, and styles from the Spanish Mediterranean and blends them with a Latin American influence, specifically the Argentine obsession with meat. The restaurant, which opened in August of 2012, also celebrates the unique Argentine interest in the majestic sport of polo. They even recently held a Doma Polo polo competition and did a pretty decent job of engaging the local Miami community.

​Want access to our Best Of picks from your smartphone? Download our free Best Of app for the iPhone or Android phone from the App Store or Google Play. Don't forget to check out the full Best of Miami® online at bestof.voiceplaces.com.