Facundo Kelemen_portrait photo_credit Eduardo Torres
© Eduardo Torres

Facundo Kelemen

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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One knife
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Facundo Kelemen is an Argentine chef and founder of Mengano in Buenos Aires, known for modern reimaginations of traditional bodegón cuisine blending Argentine, Italian, and Spanish influences.

Achievements

Restaurant

Mengano

Location

Cabrera 5172, Palermo, Buenos Aires, C1414BGT

Socials

Bio

Mengano is a restaurant that reinterprets classic bodegón cuisine from Buenos Aires, celebrating traditional Argentine family recipes with Italian and Spanish influences. Centred on meat, rice dishes and offal, its cuisine combines familiar flavours with contemporary techniques and refined presentation, offering a modern expression of porteño comfort food. Over the years, Mengano has earned notable critical recognition and industry accolades, establishing itself as 

one of the city’s most distinctive dining destinations. Chef Facundo Kelemen originally trained and worked as a lawyer before discovering his passion for cooking while travelling. He later studied gastronomy at IAG and refined his skills in leading kitchens in Buenos Aires and New York. He defines his cuisine as creative, both in technique and presentation, a philosophy that 

shapes Mengano’s identity. The menu blends fixed signature dishes with seasonal creations. Classics such as the milanesa, revuelto Gramajo, trout, rice dishes and empanadas evolve in form and accompaniments, while sharing plates encourage convivial dining. Set in a refined bistro in Palermo Soho, Mengano pairs its cuisine with an exceptional Argentine wine cellar, offering a complete and elegant Buenos Aires dining experience.

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