Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Carlos de Bariloche is around $9 (AR$9026) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $17. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in San Carlos de Bariloche are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $3
- Lunch: $1 to $3
- Dinner: $3 to $6
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Regional Bariloche specialties feature Patagonian lamb, wild boar, deer, and trout, but Bariloche cuisine also has strong Swiss and German influence, so don't be surprised if you find goulash or fondue on the menu. Familia Weiss Restaurant offers all of the above at reasonable prices, but be warned that the service is not known to be quick, so don't dine here in a hurry.
The moderately-priced La Salamandra Pulperia is an intimate steakhouse owned by a husband and wife team, which often gets rave reviews for its ribeye, fry bread and mushroom bruschetta. For lighter fare, the quaint Bellevue Salon de Ta & Queso Pan y Vino serves tea, sandwiches, salads, and lovely views of the lake. Be sure to make a reservation, as the cafe is small and fills up quickly, especially during high season.
Bariloche also has plenty of breweries to enjoy craft beers, which are usually served with a charcuterie plate of smoked meats and cheeses. Cerveceria Manush is popular for its beer tasting flights as well as its cazuela, or beef stew, and trout dishes. Antares is an even more affordable option known for burgers, imperial stouts and happy hour for 2-for-1 beers. La Cerveceria Kunstman offers typical pub food and is frequented for its burgers, sandwiches, and desserts along with a beer museum upstairs. Diners rave about its excellent service, beers and beautiful location near the lake.
Bariloche is also known as Argentina's famous capital of chocolate, as the European immigrants who moved there after World War II brought their recipes with them.
Calle Mitre, located near the civic center, is a chocoholic's dream, where many of the chocolatiers are situated. Mamuschka is the perfect place for those with a sweet tooth, boasting extensive varieties of chocolates and pastries at middle-of-the-line prices. Chocolates Rapanui, famous since 1939, is well-known for its chocolate-covered raspberries and ice cream.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.