At The Waiters Restaurant, a customer once asked, “What’s so special about the Porteño Menu?” That simple question reveals the curiosity surrounding this well-known Argentinian dining experience. The Porteño is more than a list of dishes — it’s a story of tradition, flavor, and passion served with elegance. Let’s explore everything about it, from its delicious starters to its indulgent desserts.
What Is the Porteño Menu?
The Porteño Menu is a culinary reflection of Argentinian cuisine, blending bold flavors, high-quality meats, and regional influences. Porteño, which means “from Buenos Aires,” brings the vibrant energy of Argentina to every dish. Whether you visit the restaurant in New York or Sydney, you’ll find a consistent focus on grilled meats, empanadas, pastas, and fine wines.
Each dish on the Porteño celebrates Argentina’s food culture — hearty, rich, and prepared with care. The restaurant combines rustic Argentinian techniques with modern presentation, making it one of the most sought-after dining experiences outside South America.
Owners Info
The Porteño is the creation of passionate restaurateurs Elena Pantaleoni and Adolfo Suaya, who brought authentic Argentinian cuisine to the heart of the city. Their vision was to blend Argentina’s traditional asado culture with modern dining elegance. Together, they built Porteño into a destination known for its grilled meats, empanadas, and warm hospitality, making every meal feel like a celebration of Buenos Aires’ vibrant food scene.
Location
The Porteño is available at Porteño Restaurant, located in Chelsea, New York City, at 299 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10001. The restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements its Argentinian-inspired dishes. There’s also a well-known Porteño in Surry Hills, Sydney, celebrated for its traditional asado-style grilling. Both locations serve the same spirit of Argentina — rich flavors, smoky meats, and exceptional hospitality.
Dishes Available at Porteño Menu
Here is the description of dishes available at Porteño along with prices:
Empanadas
Golden pastries filled with savory meats, cheese, or vegetables baked to perfect crispness.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flaky Argentinian pastries filled with savory fillings. | Beef, chicken, ham, spinach, mozzarella. | $4 each / $10 for 3 / $18 for 6 |
Sopa del Día
Freshly made soup featuring seasonal ingredients and comforting Argentinian flavors.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh soup prepared daily with seasonal flavors. | Vegetables, herbs, broth, mild spices. | $9 |
Calamares Chamuscados
Charred calamari tossed with avocado and lemon-oregano dressing for a smoky taste.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Charred calamari with smoky and zesty taste. | Calamari, avocado, tomato, oregano. | $15 |
Ensalada de Radicheta
Crisp kale and asiago cheese blend with a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp kale and asiago salad with tangy vinaigrette. | Kale, asiago cheese, lemon-garlic dressing. | $14 |
Ensalada de Quinoa
Light quinoa salad with romaine, avocado, cucumber, and grape tomatoes.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Light quinoa salad packed with freshness. | Quinoa, avocado, cucumber, grape tomatoes. | $13 |
Ensalada de Salmón
Pan-seared salmon on fresh greens with beans and a tangy vinaigrette.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh salmon salad bursting with flavor. | Salmon, spinach, beans, vinaigrette. | $19 |
Ensalada de Camarones
Grilled shrimp paired with hearts of palm and mixed greens for freshness.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Refreshing shrimp salad with tropical accents. | Shrimp, hearts of palm, mixed greens. | $18 |
Rigate con Chorizo a la Paprika
Rigatoni pasta with Argentine sausage, paprika, and creamy ricotta salata.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy pasta rich in smoky sausage flavor. | Rigatoni, Argentine sausage, paprika, ricotta. | $20 |
Ravioles de Calabaza
Pumpkin ravioli in goat cheese sauce topped with sweet fig chutney.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy pumpkin ravioli with a sweet touch. | Pumpkin, goat cheese, fig chutney. | $19 |
Bife de Costilla
Juicy rib-eye steak grilled to perfection, served with kale and lemon vinaigrette.
| Description | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Juicy rib-eye steak grilled to perfection. | Rib-eye, kale salad, lemon vinaigrette. | $32 |
The Art of Empanadas
Empanadas are the heart of the Porteño. They represent Argentina’s street-food charm in a fine-dining setting. The dough is buttery and golden, filled with a mix of minced beef, onions, and olives or sometimes mozzarella and basil.
A popular order is the “Three Empanada Platter,” which allows diners to try different fillings. This tasting experience gives first-time visitors a delightful start to the meal. It’s the perfect way to begin your journey through Porteño’s diverse flavors.
Fresh Salads and Pastas
Healthy eaters will love Porteño’s variety of salads. The Ensalada de Quinoa combines romaine, avocado, cucumber, and grape tomatoes. It’s light yet nutritious. Another favorite, Ensalada de Radicheta, features kale, asiago, and a lemon-garlic vinaigrette that balances the richer dishes perfectly.
Pasta lovers won’t be disappointed either. The Ravioles de Calabaza, or pumpkin ravioli, comes with creamy goat cheese sauce and fig chutney. It’s slightly sweet, a little savory, and truly memorable.
Grilled Perfection in Every Bite
Argentinian dining is incomplete without its grilled meats, and the Porteño celebrates this tradition beautifully. The kitchen uses high-quality beef cuts like rib-eye, skirt steak, and short ribs. Each piece is grilled over open flames to lock in juices and smoky flavor.
The Costilla al Malbec, short ribs braised in rich Malbec wine, stands out as a must-try dish. It embodies the restaurant’s commitment to blending fine ingredients with traditional techniques. Every bite tells a story of Argentina’s love for the grill, or “asado.”
Desserts Worth Waiting For
Desserts on the Porteño are indulgent yet balanced. The Budín de Pan Tibio, or warm bread pudding, comes with dulce de leche gelato. The creamy texture and caramel sweetness create the perfect ending.
Another favorite is the Flan de Dulce de Leche, a smooth custard topped with caramel. And for fruit lovers, the Tarta de Pera con Helado de Vainilla — a pear tart served warm with vanilla ice cream — is a masterpiece. These desserts are not just treats but the grand finale to an unforgettable meal.
Opening and Delivery Timings
The Porteño is served daily with flexible dining hours to suit both lunch and dinner guests. The restaurant opens late morning and stays lively until evening, offering dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options. Delivery services are available through major platforms, ensuring you can enjoy Porteño’s Argentinian flavors right at home.
| Day | Opening Hours | Delivery Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
These timings may vary slightly by season or location, but Porteño Restaurant ensures warm service and fresh dishes throughout the day.
Why the Porteño Menu Stands Out
The Porteño stands out because it honors Argentinian roots while embracing modern culinary artistry. The chefs focus on fresh ingredients, authentic techniques, and balanced flavors. Every dish feels both homely and sophisticated, appealing to a wide range of diners.
In comparison, upscale places like Kiin Restaurant also showcase cultural heritage through food, but Porteño specializes in Argentine warmth and boldness. It captures the country’s spirit through each plate, from a crispy empanada to a tender steak.
The menu also caters to diverse preferences — offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and lighter options. That inclusivity makes Porteño suitable for everyone, from casual diners to fine-dining enthusiasts.
Dining and Atmosphere
The dining space matches the charm of the Porteño. With warm lighting, rustic décor, and attentive service, it feels both elegant and welcoming. The aroma of grilled meats fills the air, instantly transporting you to Buenos Aires.
Servers are known for their knowledge and hospitality. They often guide diners through the menu, explaining each dish’s origin and suggesting perfect wine pairings. The result is a well-rounded and memorable dining experience.
Customer Reviews
Here are some customer quotes from reviews of Porteño:
- “We have been to Porteno’s multiple times. The food is great. A lot of variety on the menu. Great desserts too.”
- “A plate of empanadas (beef, spinach, and corn varieties) must be ordered while you peruse the menu.”
- “On a barren strip of Chelsea’s west side lies this little South American gem.”
- “Porteno is a small, friendly place with comfortable homey atmosphere.”
Final Thoughts
The Porteño Menu isn’t just about food; it’s about culture, comfort, and craftsmanship. From empanadas to flan, every dish tells a story of Argentina’s culinary soul. With its mix of smoky grills, hearty pastas, and sweet endings, the menu delivers both variety and depth.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that combines authenticity, warmth, and sophistication, the Porteño should be at the top of your list. It’s a celebration of Argentina — one bite, one flavor, and one unforgettable meal at a time.
