Villa Crespo is the new Palermo, except much cooler, and has been for some time. Venture off to the VC for some restaurants that are two thumbs up fine holiday fun. Here is my rundown of the best that Palermo Queens (what a ridiculously invented name) has to offer. Take a culinary food tour through Villa Crespo and your panza will greatly thank you.
La Crespo
Thames 612 
One of my favorite places in the city, and only place I’d go for good deli food, La Crespo serves up *real* bagels, pastrami sandwiches, brownies and other Jewish delights. The actual spot might be small, with only a few tables, but remains the perfect place to grab a tasty lunch to eat in house or take to go. Great food and friendly familiar service makes it a must to visit when in the neighborhood.
Melão
Castillo 54
Get your fix of culinary delights from around the world at Melão, where talented chef Yilán Guzman takes you on a gastronomical journey, offering cuisines from over 20 different countries. Sure, the menu is a bit overwhelming with such a wide range of dishes, stick with ordering the Jamaican Curry & Callaloo or the Cuban Ropa Vieja.
Cafe Crespin
Vera 699
Breakfast, lunch and brunch: that’s what this corner café is all about. They offer huge brunch specials, solid salads and sandwiches, and an American-esque mini bakery featuring muffins, cinnamon rolls, TOLLHOUSE chocolate chip cookies. The good food and prime location is why Crespin is busy busy busy and increasing in popularity.
Malvón
Serrano 789
Massive brunches, bomb ass platos principales, affordable fresh baked breads para llevar, awesome decor, incredible space – Malvón has it all. Think eggs benedict, smoked salmon bagel, JUICY burger, popovers, salads, maracuyá cheesecakes. Hot damn.
Paladar Buenos Aires
Address given when reserva is made
Not only is Paladar one of my favorite puertas cerradas, it’s probably one of my favorite restaurants in Buenos Aires. Husband and wife power duo brings inventive dishes perfectly paired with interesting wines. Get on their mailing list to find out the ever changing menu that varies weekly.
Sarkis
Thames 1101
There’s something wrong with you if you live in Buenos Aires and haven’t visited Sarkis. It’s a must. Great flavorful food. Affordable. Old school service. Bodegón style. Popular with the old, young, families, foreigners – Sarkis appeals to everyone. What to order? Ensalada belén, hummus, babaganoush, grape leaves, feta salad, lamb kebab, meat shlong drenched in greasy yogurt sauce.
El Buen Sabor
Camargo 296
One of the ONLY African restaurants in Buenos Aires (I think there may be one more), El Buen Sabor remains popular with both foreigners and locals. The owners are from Cameroon and serve up traditional African fare like chicken in peanut sauce, fried beans, and my favorite, fried plantains. (Photo Planeta Joy).
La Mamma Rosa
Jufre 202
Simple, cheap, great food = La Mamma Rosa. Parrilla and pasta, this is the type of place you probably wouldn’t really notice as out of the ordinary just by passing by. But this ain’t no regular bodegón, Mamma Rosa is special.
Salgado Alimentos
Velasco 401
The go-to place for pastas, Salgado Alimentos has been around for 5 years bringing fluffy, pillowy homemade carb deliciousness to many happy customers. Their menu is huge, offering salads, sandwiches, parrilla, minutas, platos principales and, of course, PASTA. I would stick to what this place does best – either dry, STUFFED or freshly made pastas.
Update July 23, 2012: Check out this longer list of the best restaurants in Villa Crespo on this restaurant map here.
Update October 26, 2012: Y una guía de los mejores restaurantes de Villa Crespo en español acá.
