Puerto La Boca is the most authentic Argentine restaurant in all of San Diego, and it is located in Little Italy. Little Italy is home to dozens of Italian restaurants boasting pasta and pizza, and nestled in between all of this Italian food you can find Puerto La Boca. Many customers ask us why there is an Argentinian restaurant in the middle of Little Italy, and their confusion is likely because they do not understand the connection between Argentina and Italy.

Italian influence can be seen all over Argentina, and this is especially obvious in Argentine cuisine. Many Argentinian dishes are strongly influenced by Italian classics, and this strong connection is why Puerto La Boca established itself in Little Italy in 2005. Below, you can learn more about the Italian dishes that influenced the Argentine cuisine at Puerto La Boca. 

Italian Influence on Argentina

Why does Italian culture have such a strong influence over Argentina? The answer lies in the mass immigration from Italy to Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century. A surge of Italian immigrants came from Italy to Argentina in the early 1900s, and as a result, approximately 60% of all current-day Argentinians can find some Italian relatives in their family tree. Italians make up the biggest ethnic group in Argentina, and this has resulted in a lot of Italian delicacies becoming mainstays in Argentine culture.

Which Argentine Dishes Have an Italian Influence?

While there are dozens of Argentine dishes that have a strong Italian influence, we are just going to focus on the two most prominent examples. While milanesa and pasta both originated in Italy, they have a very prominent place in Argentinian cuisine. 

Milanesa

Milanesa is a very common Argentinian dish that features thin slices of beef fried with bread crumbs. Milanesa can also feature bread crumb-covered chicken or even fish! Milanesa can either be enjoyed with a fork and knife alongside a serving of fries or as a sandwich. Milanesa originated in Italy, but it has become an Argentinian specialty that we are proud to serve at Puerto La Boca.

At Puerto La Boca we offer three different types of Milanesa. We have our traditional Milanesa using either chicken or beef, as well as Milanesa “a Caballo” and Milanesa Napolitana. Milanesa “a Caballo” is the name given to chicken or beef Milanesa with two fried eggs on top, while Milanesa Napolitana is covered with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and ham.

Pasta

Pasta may be the most emblematic Italian food, as it is usually the first type of dish you think of when you think of Italy. While steak is still king in Argentina, pasta has become ever-present in restaurants throughout Buenos Aires. Whether it is a decadent ravioli or an alluring spaghetti, you can find delicious pasta all over Argentina.

Italian-Influenced Argentine Cuisine at Puerto La Boca in San Diego 

At Puerto La Boca in Little Italy, we are proud to offer Italian-inspired dishes like Milanesa and pasta, as well as Argentinian classics like empanadas and steak. Our Little Italy location is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal at an affordable price. If you are interested in making a reservation at Puerto La Boca in San Diego, contact us today by calling (619) 234-4900.