---
title: What time do locals eat dinner?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Food and Drinks](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/food-and-drinks/) This always surprises first-time visitors 😅 — Argentines have a [**very late dining culture**](http://advancethegospel.net/blog/living-in-argentina-a-late-dinner/) compared to most of Europe or the US. ## 🕖 Typical Dinner Times in Buenos Aires - **Weekdays:** 8:30…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/what-time-do-locals-eat-dinner/"
updated: "2025-09-07"
category: Food and Drinks
tags:
  - Local Customs
---

# What time do locals eat dinner?

[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Food and Drinks](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/food-and-drinks/)

This always surprises first-time visitors 😅 — Argentines have a [**very late dining culture**](http://advancethegospel.net/blog/living-in-argentina-a-late-dinner/) compared to most of Europe or the US.

## 🕖 Typical Dinner Times in Buenos Aires

- **Weekdays:** 8:30 PM → 11:00 PM
- **Weekends:** 9:00 PM → midnight (sometimes even later in Palermo or San Telmo nightlife areas)
- **Restaurants in tourist areas** may start serving around 7:30–8:00 PM, but locals rarely arrive before 9 PM.

### 🍴 Lunch vs. Dinner

- **Lunch:** 12:30 PM → 3:00 PM (some businesses close after lunch, especially smaller shops).
- **Dinner:** Starts late → 20:30–21:00 is normal, and restaurants can be empty before 8 PM.
- **Late-night dining:** Some parrillas, Palermo eateries, and bars stay open until 1–2 AM, especially on weekends.

### ✅ Tips for Travelers

- Don’t expect early dinner reservations like in Europe → plan for later meals.
- If you’re hungry earlier: cafés, fast food, or bars often serve snacks from **5–7 PM**.
- **Tango shows** usually include dinner starting around 9 PM, matching local habits.