Angler holding a trophy golden dorado while dreaming of a steak from Argentina

We are excited that well-known chef Victor Albisu is opening up an Argentinian steakhouse just a few miles from our house. It’ll sit right next to an outpost of his Taco Bamba restaurant, a fast-casual outlet I visit far more than I should. Albisu’s now-closed Del Campo was once one of the shining lights of the DC restaurant scene -- a prime destination for anyone craving perfectly cooked, grass-fed beef prepared in the spirit of Argentina’s famous steak culture.

This new restaurant will be a welcome addition to our neighborhood, but it also has us dreaming about December 2026, when we’ll finally experience Argentinian beef and Malbec wine in their true home -- during our first fishing trip to Don Joaquin River Lodge. There, powerful golden dorado by day will be matched by legendary Argentine steak and asado traditions at night.

We know that our readers love to eat – and especially meat – because our article about “Hacking Fogo de Chão” is the most popular single page in this website’s history. Obviously, most of you love to fish, too, because that’s the primary focus of our writing and travel efforts. But sometimes those passions merge perfectly, and we expect Argentina’s golden dorado fishing and world-renowned steak culture to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime combinations.

Parilla at Don Joaquin River Lodge with Malbec and Empanadas

Steak & Wine at Don Joaquin River Lodge

Argentina’s beef is world-famous for good reason. Cattle here roam open pastures and feed on natural grasses, producing lean, sustainable, and flavorful meat. Most herds are later grain-finished, and unlike in the U.S., growth hormones and antibiotics are rarely used. Over generations, Argentina has developed cattle breeds that yield exceptionally tender steaks. The Corrientes region — where Don Joaquin River Lodge is located — is prime cattle country, so guests experience this tradition at its source.

A quick bit of terminology helps: a parrilla can mean both the grill and the steakhouse, while an asado is the gathering itself — family and friends around the fire, celebrating food and culture. During our stay, we’ll experience both.

On some days, your fishing guide may pull over to the riverbank and prepare a simple asado with beef, lamb, or pork sizzling over wood embers. Back at the lodge, meals take on a more formal presentation, often paired with Argentina’s signature Malbec wines. Whether riverside or at the table, the result is the same: unforgettable flavors that turn a fishing trip into a true cultural immersion.

The photos say it all (although we wish you could smell them, too). This gallery of sizzling steaks, sausages, and traditional Argentine asados from Don Joaquin River Lodge will likely make your mouth water.

The Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires You Can’t Miss

We will have at least one night (and hopefully more) in Buenos Aires, a city that’s sometimes referred to as the “Paris of South America.” Everyone we know who has been there raves about the city’s culture, wine, and legendary steak culture. Based on research and friends’ recommendations, here are some of the top parrillas (steakhouses) in Buenos Aires we’re excited to try:

We’ll have to try several if we have enough time and appetite, but the one that seems to get the most universal accolades is Don Julio

We’ll have to pace ourselves, but at least one of these legendary Buenos Aires steakhouses is a guaranteed stop before we head north to Don Joaquin River Lodge.

Cuts of meat Don Julio Carniceria Parilla Buenos Aires

Where to Taste Argentina’s Food in the U.S.

Of course, nothing compares to tasting Argentine steak and Malbec at their source. But if you can’t wait until your fishing trip to Don Joaquin River Lodge, there are excellent Argentine restaurants in the U.S. where parrilla traditions and Argentine wines take center stage:

Miami -- This award-winning Argentine restaurant opened another location in Miami
Miami -- Where to Find the Top Argentine Restaurants in Miami
Washington, DC -- A Flower Shop With a Hidden Bar and Argentinian Restaurant Are Coming to Georgetown
Los Angeles -- The Best Argentinian Restaurants In LA
New York -- Top 5 Argentine Restaurants in NYC
San Diego -- New steakhouse in Little Italy serves up a taste of Argentina
Detroit -- Puma, an Argentinian joint where fire and ice collide, is Detroit's best new restaurant

These restaurants can give you a taste of Argentina now — and help build anticipation for the real thing riverside at Don Joaquin.

Best cuts of tender flavorful grass-fed beef in Buenos Aires

Turning Your Argentina Fishing Trip into a Culinary Adventure

Don’t just dream about golden dorado and legendary Argentine steak – live it. Join us at Don Joaquin River Lodge for an unforgettable fishing adventure paired with world-class beef, lamb, and Malbec wines. Spots are limited, so email us to reserve your Argentina trip.