Where to eat
in Iguazu
Fish from the Paraná River, legendary grills, regional missionary cuisine and unique gastronomic experiences in Puerto Iguazú and the area.
The gastronomy of Puerto Iguazú is one of the richest and most unique in Argentina. Being at the confluence of three countries -Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay- and on the banks of two of the most important rivers in South America gives it a gastronomic identity not found anywhere else in the country. Surubí and pacú from the Paraná River, Paraguayan chipa, Brazilian churrasco and Argentinean beef cuts are mixed in a culinary scene that surprises every traveler who arrives thinking they are only going to see waterfalls.
The cuisine of Misiones is a cuisine of confluences. The Guaraní heritage is expressed in manioc, mbeyú and reviro. The influence of European immigrants -Germans, Poles, Ukrainians- can be seen in the sausages, craft beers and doughs. Brazil brings churrasco steak and sugarcane cocktails. And the subtropical jungle provides unique ingredients: fresh palm heart, yerba mate, dulce de mamon and misionero herbal tea that you will not find in any other province.
This guide covers absolutely everything: the must-visit restaurants downtown, the gastronomic spots inside the National Park, the dining experiences with a show, the options for every budget, and what you must eat before going back home.
rivers that provide fresh fish on a daily basis
culinary traditions that merge in every dish
restaurants in downtown Puerto Iguazú
The typical gastronomy of Misiones
The flavors that define the region and that you must try
Surubí and pacú of the Paraná River
The surubí is the king of the gastronomy of Misiones. A river catfish that can reach 80 kg, with white and firm meat and very few bones. It is prepared grilled, baked with herbs, pickled or in the famous “empanadas de surubí”. The pacu is fattier, with softer meat and intense flavor, ideal for grilling. The dorado, known as “the tiger of the river”, has a redder meat and a wild flavor. All three are present in the best menus of Puerto Iguazú and are the main reason why many travelers return to the restaurant the following night. Always order it fresh -never frozen- and preferably grilled with local herbs.
Not to be missed
Chipa, mbeyú and reviro
Chipa is probably the most iconic food of Misiones and Paraguay. It is made with manioc starch, cheese, egg and fat, molded into a ring or doughnut shape and baked until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is eaten hot, at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. The mbeyú is a fried or roasted manioc starch tortilla, thicker and with a more neutral flavor, perfect to accompany stews. The reviro is the missionary version of a sautéed flour with fat that was eaten in the camps and became a typical dish. None of the three can be found in the same way outside the region.
Classic breakfast
Argentinean grill with northern cut
Puerto Iguazú has some of the best steakhouses in northeastern Argentina. The cuts are the same as in Buenos Aires -sausage steak, vacuum, ribs- but the charcoal is made of jungle wood and gives it a different aroma. What is unique to the region is the country pork, raised in the farms of Misiones with a diet based on corn and manioc. The missionary pork rib is one of the most sought after delicacies by connoisseurs. The capybara (capybara) is also added, although it is less common, with a meat reminiscent of beef but with a milder flavor.
Regional classic
Yerba mate misionera and herbal tea
Misiones is the only Argentine province that produces yerba mate industrially. The yerba plantations occupy thousands of hectares and the result is a fresh yerba, with a smoother and more aromatic flavor than the one available in Buenos Aires. The country houses offer “yerba tourism” circuits where you can see the whole process and taste the freshly processed yerba. There is also production of high quality black tea and green tea, with unique characteristics due to the subtropical climate. Do not leave without buying yerba at origin -the difference with gondola yerba is remarkable.
Star product
Missionary sweets and desserts
Dulce de mamon (green papaya) is the most typical dessert of the region. The papaya is cooked for hours with sugar and cloves until it is translucent and golden in color. It is served with cream cheese and is the perfect combination. Cassava candy, coconut syrup and yerba mate bonbons are other examples of local confectionery. In the signature restaurants there are proposals such as the yerba mate crème brûlée of the Aqva Restaurant or the caramelized cassava flan, which mix French technique with ingredients from the jungle of Misiones with surprising results.
Don't miss it
Drinks: Tereré, Caipirinha and craft beers
Tereré is the cold mate with cold water and medicinal herbs, Paraguay's national drink that crossed the border and was adopted throughout the region. It is drunk in summer as a refreshing snack. From the Brazilian side comes the caipirinha with cachaça, the most popular drink in Foz do Iguaçu. And in Puerto Iguazu there is a growing scene of craft breweries with styles inspired by the rainforest: yerba mate, manioc and tropical fruit beers from the region. The “Cataratas” craft beer is the most recognized and is available in several downtown bars.
To accompany
The best restaurants in Puerto Iguazú
Selection based on quality, authenticity and real travelers' experience
Classic since 1975
The Wheel 1975
The most legendary restaurant in Puerto Iguazú. Since 1975, La Rueda is the place where locals take their important visits and where travelers in the know look for the most authentic experience. Run by its owners, it operates with the warmth of a family restaurant that has never stopped growing. The “surubí Garganta del Diablo” -their signature dish- is a grilled surubí fillet with a jungle herb sauce that has become the most photographed dish in town. The cuts of meat are first class, the pastas are made right there and the service is one of those that make you feel that you are the only customer even if the place is full.
Signature cuisine
Aqva Restaurant
The most renowned regional haute cuisine restaurant in Puerto Iguazú. Located in the most exclusive gastronomic area of the city, Aqva has been working for years in quality programs of the Ministry of Tourism and has been distinguished with multiple gastronomic awards. The proposal is missionary cuisine of author: the surubí ravioli is an own creation that is already a patrimony of the iguazuana cuisine. The yerba mate crème brûlée closes the experience with a dessert that perfectly summarizes the identity of the restaurant. The wine list is one of the most complete in northeastern Argentina, with labels from all over the country and selections made by the sommelier working in the dining room.
River view
Bocamora Grill and Wine
Located on the waterfront of Puerto Iguazú, exactly at the point where the Iguazú River meets the Paraná River. The location already makes it special: from the front tables you can see the three countries at the same time. The proposal combines the best Argentinean meat with river fish and gourmet dishes. The wine cellar is one of the most complete in the city, nourished from entry-level labels to high-end wines from the best regions of the country. The service is refined and the ambience has that perfect blend of elegance and warmth. Ideal for a romantic dinner or a special celebration looking at the river and the lights of Brazil in the background.
Legendary grill
El Quincho del Tío Querido
If you are looking for the Argentine barbecue experience in all its splendor, this is the place. El Quincho del Tío Querido is the classic of classics in Puerto Iguazú. The offal arrives at the table in a state that few grills in the country match: the chorizos, blood sausages, kidneys and sweetbreads are locally produced and grilled with a mastery that only decades of experience can give. The meat cuts are first choice and the pastas are made in-house with signature sauces that combine local ingredients with Italian techniques. The wine list perfectly accompanies the carnivorous proposal and the ambience is exactly what one imagines when one thinks of an authentic Argentinean steakhouse.
International cuisine
De la Fonte Restaurant
A unique case in Iguazú: an international chef, Matteo Lagostena, who fell in love with the local products of Misiones and built a proposal that mixes Italian technique, Asian touches and the best ingredients of the Misiones jungle. The result is a gastronomic experience that surprises with every dish. The lasagna and bolognese are among the best you can eat outside of Italy. The sushi gives an unexpected twist to a menu that is already difficult to define. The restaurant has three areas: one for meats, pastas and fish; another for pizzas and gourmet hamburgers; and a third one exclusively for sushi. The service is as attentive as the food.
Brazilian churrasco
Búfalo Branco Churrascaria
The best Brazilian-style churrasco in the Argentinean area. This churrascaría operates in a rodízio format: gauchos bring the swords with different cuts of grilled meat directly to the table and the diner decides when to stop. The variety is enormous: heart of rump, picanha, ribs, chorizo, chicken, pork and the house's own sausages. The table of salads and side dishes includes Brazilian preparations such as vinaigrette, farofa and coconut rice. The atmosphere is festive, the music is Brazilian and the experience is the perfect complement for those who cross to Foz do Iguaçu but want authentic churrasco without paying in dollars.
Inside the Park
Fortín - Inside the National Park
The reference restaurant in the Iguazú National Park, located near the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). It works in a free fork format that is paid at the entrance and includes a very complete grill with grill assistance, fresh salads, assorted side dishes and dessert. For a tourist restaurant that serves thousands of people per day, the quality is remarkably good. The meat is fresh, the salads are constantly renewed and the open barbecue area with views of the jungle is a plus that no restaurant downtown can match. Ideal if you want to eat without leaving the park during a long day of sightseeing.
Triple Frontier
El Hito Restaurant
Located at the Hito Tres Fronteras, with direct views of the obelisks of Brazil and Paraguay. The sunset from this restaurant is one of the most spectacular you can see in the region. The cuisine is regional with emphasis on Paraná fish and Argentine beef cuts. Traveler ratings on TripAdvisor are consistently high -4.7/5 with 80 reviews- and comments agree on the quality of service and that the view makes it an experience that is hard to beat. Advance reservations recommended for tables with the best view of the river, especially at sunset.
Unique gastronomic experiences
More than a meal - experiences you will remember forever.
Dinner with tango and folklore show
Meat&Wine Experience is the most complete gastronomic tourism proposal in the area. In front of Lake Urugua-í, diners can enjoy a premium barbecue with the best Argentinean cuts guided by a sommelier who prepares the pairing with wines from different regions of the country. The dinner is accompanied by a live show of folkloric music and tango that ends with a sweet table and sparkling wine. The experience lasts between 3 and 4 hours and is designed to be the memorable dinner of the trip. Highly recommended for couples, groups and special celebrations.
👥 Groups and couples
USD 60-90 per person
Guarani gastronomy in a community village
The Guaraní communities in the region offer responsible tourism experiences that include tasting of ancestral gastronomy. The mbeyú prepared in the communal bonfire, the chipa made with techniques passed down from generation to generation, the medicinal herbal infusions of the jungle and the reviro are part of an experience that goes beyond the food. The community guides explain the cultural significance of each food and the relationship of the Guarani people with the jungle and its products. An experience that perfectly complements the visit to the falls with the human history of the place.
👥 All ages
USD 20-35 per person
Dinner with a view of the river and the three countries
Several restaurants along the waterfront and the Hito Tres Fronteras offer tables with direct views of the point where the Iguazú and Paraná rivers meet. The sunset in this area is of a beauty that few places in the world can match: the sky is tinged with orange and pink while the lights of Brazil and Paraguay are lit on the other side of the river. A dinner at the Bocamora or El Hito during sunset is a romantic experience that no couple forgets. Book in advance and ask for an outside table - in high season they fill up weeks in advance.
👥 Couples
USD 30-60 per person
10 things you absolutely must eat
The gastronomic checklist before returning home
Devil's Throat Surubí
The emblematic dish of La Rueda. Grilled surubí fillet with jungle herbs sauce. The name says it all.
Surubi ravioli
Aqva Restaurant's own creation. Fresh pasta stuffed with surubí. One of the best combinations of the missionary cuisine of author.
Hot chipa in the market
Chipas fresh from the oven in the central market of Puerto Iguazú. They are eaten with mate at 7 in the morning.
Pork rib of missionary field pork
The pork raised in missionary farms has a flavor that industrial pork cannot imitate. Ask for it grilled in any barbecue place.
Yerba mate crème brûlée
The most surprising dessert in town. The tension between French technique and the most missionary ingredient in the world works perfectly.
Brazilian churrasco steak rodizio
Cross to Foz do Iguaçu or go to Búfalo Branco. The Brazilian style picanha and heart of rump are a different experience from the Argentinean grill.
Sweet mamon with cheese
Green papaya cooked for hours with sugar and cloves. With cream cheese it is the most typical dessert of the region and the most underestimated.
Grilled Pacu
Pacu is the fattiest fish in the Paraná. When simmered, it has a texture reminiscent of salmon but with a much more intense flavor.
Craft beer “Cataratas”.”
Locally produced with styles inspired by the jungle. The yerba mate version is the most original and the one that surprises visitors the most.
Tereré with medicinal herbs
The Paraguayan cold mate that took the region by storm. With herbs such as burrito, mint and pennyroyal, it is the best refreshment for summer days.
How much does it cost to eat in Iguazú?
Price reference for planning your gastronomic budget
| Type of location | What is included | Price per person | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Markets and stalls | Chipa, empanadas, sandwiches | ARS 1,000 - 3,000 | Central Market, craft fairs |
| Grills and restaurants | Starter + main course + beverage | ARS 8,000 - 20,000 | La Rueda, Quincho del Tío Querido |
| Average restaurants | Full menu with wine | USD 20 - 40 | Bocamora, El Hito, Búfalo Branco |
| Signature restaurants | Tasting menu + wine pairing | USD 40 - 80 | Aqva, De la Fonte, La Terraza |
| Gastronomic experiences | Dinner + show + drinks | USD 60 - 100 | Meat&Wine Experience |
| Restaurant inside the Park | Complete free fork | ARS 4,000 - 6,000 | Fortín, Porto Canoas (Brazil) |
What to eat on the Brazilian side
Foz do Iguaçu has its own gastronomic scene worth exploring.
If you cross to Brazil to see the waterfalls or the Parque das Aves, take the opportunity to get to know the Brazilian gastronomy of Foz do Iguaçu. It is radically different from Argentina's and perfectly complements the culinary experience of the area.
🥩 Brazilian steak (Rodízio)
The rodízio is the Brazilian way of eating meat: the “passadores” circulate with swords of different cuts and cut directly into the plate. The picanha is the king cut, followed by the heart of rump and the rib. The garnish table includes farofa, vinaigrette, rice, feijão and salads. A different Argentinean grill experience worth living.
🐟 Iguaçu Fishes
In Foz do Iguaçu the river fish are prepared in a different way. The pintado (equivalent to the Argentinean surubí) is made “na brasa” with olive oil and herbs. The Park's lakefront restaurants are especially good for fresh fish just out of the water.
🍹 Caipirinha and açaí
Caipirinha with cachaça is the national drink of Brazil and in Foz do Iguaçu it is prepared with local tropical fruits: passion fruit, mango, cupuaçu. Açaí is eaten as a dessert or snack with granola and fruits. These are gastronomic experiences that you will not find in Argentina.
🍞 Cheese and brigadeiro bread
Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) is the equivalent of Argentinean chipa but with more cheese and without manioc starch. It is eaten hot at breakfast. The brigadeiro is Brazil's most popular sweet: a condensed chocolate truffle available in all Foz do Iguaçu's confectioneries.
Where to have breakfast before going to the Park
Breakfast is the most important meal when you are going to walk all day.
To take advantage of the National Park you should arrive early - ideally before 9:00. That means having breakfast at the hotel or going out to get something light before taking the bus. The most recommended options:
Confectioneries in the center
Downtown Puerto Iguazú has a number of coffee shops open from 7:00 with hot chips, croissants, coffee and tropical fruit juices. The local fresh fruit -papaya, pineapple, passion fruit and banana from the region - is especially good and nutritious to start the day.
Breakfast at the hotel
Hotels of 3 stars or more include buffet breakfast. The best ones have freshly made chips, local seasonal fruits, cold cuts and cheeses from the region. This is the most practical option when time is short. Confirm that the breakfast schedule is compatible with your departure time to the Park.
Coffee in the National Park
If you ran out of time, inside the Park there are kiosks and a small cafe near the train station that serves coffee, juices and snacks since the Park opens. It is not cheap but it is convenient. Porto Canoas Restaurant (inside the Park, Argentine side) also has breakfast and is in a spectacular setting.
Gastronomic tips
What we learn from talking to hundreds of travelers
Make dinner reservations in high season
In July and January the best restaurants in Puerto Iguazú fill up completely. La Rueda, Aqva and Bocamora can have waiting lists of more than an hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Make reservations 2-3 days in advance by calling directly.
Ask if the fish is fresh or frozen.
This is the question that separates good restaurants from mediocre ones in Iguazú. Fresh surubi has a completely different texture and taste than frozen. Don't be embarrassed to ask - good restaurants will proudly say so.
The Costanera area is perfect for sunset.
The restaurants on the waterfront of Puerto Iguazu have the best views during sunset. Arrive before 18:00 to ensure a table with a view of the river. It is free and the show is unique.
Carry cash for markets and stalls
Chipa stands, craft markets and small cafes in the center do not always accept cards. Always have some cash in pesos for breakfast and snacks during the day.
The cuisine of Misiones is one of the least known in Argentina.
Most travelers are surprised by how rich and particular is the gastronomy of Misiones. It is completely different from what you eat in Buenos Aires or Cordoba. Take it as a gastronomic exploration, not just as travel food.
Buy local products to take away
Mamon candy, fresh yerba mate, missionary tea, jungle fruit liqueurs and wooden handicrafts are the best gifts to take home. The Central Market has the best selection at the best prices.
Experience the gastronomy of Iguazú with a guide
Tours with tasting of missionary cuisine, experiences in Guarani villages and dinners with show. Book in advance.
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