Restaurants in Uruguay
-
A
Mercado del Puerto
Mercado del Puerto, on the Ciudad Vieja waterfront, is the classic place to eat in Montevideo. The densely packed parrillas here cater to every budget, competing like rutting elk to show off their obscenely large racks – of roasted meat and veggies, that is!
reviewed
-
La Penultima
La Penultima has views of the wild ocean from the front balcony and a Mexican cantina feel. It serves up pizzas and seafood and sometimes has live music. Other little bars open up along the seafront during the summer, but the best parties happen on the beach where locals and visitors gather around beachfires to play guitars, sing songs and just generally hang out.
reviewed
-
El Viejo y El Mar
At the dunes’ edge, south of the town center, ‘old man’ Ernesto has just re-opened this delightfully ramshackle restaurant, suffused with a rustic-hip atmosphere. The candlelit walls are adorned with fishing nets, wine bottles, lanterns and guitars, and you’re offered whatever he’s serving that night; the fixed-price menu usually includes fish, wine and dessert.
reviewed
-
La Estancia
A simple chivitería on weekdays, and a fully fledged parrilla nights and weekends, this cozy local hangout serves good food at affordable prices. Don't miss the torta estanciera, a tall three-layer cake loaded with strawberries and cream.
reviewed
-
Los Tres Pinos
Carnivores will swoon over the excellent parrilla at this place five blocks east of Plaza Constitución, while budget travelers will appreciate the UR$90 plato del día.
reviewed
-
B
La Corte
OK, so maybe you'd rather not eat in a place once patronized by George W Bush, but the food is excellent at this elegant twin-level restaurant on Plaza Constitución. The lunchtime menu ejecutivo (business lunch) is a bargain.
reviewed
-
C
Kazbah
The restaurant scene in Montevideo is just starting to get interesting, and this Middle Eastern inspired place is one of the forerunners. Come here for all your faves, like falafel, schwarma (doner kebabs), couscous and tagines.
reviewed
-
D
Panini's
For fine dining, Italian style, try this place in the pedestrian zone just off Plaza Independencia. Pasta lovers will appreciate the degustación de pastas - a veritable smorgasbord of noodley delights.
reviewed
-
E
Confitería La Pasiva
This perfectly placed branch of Uruguay's famous chain confitería has outdoor seating on Ciudad Vieja's main square, with excellent, reasonably priced minutas (short orders) and good breakfast specials.
reviewed
-
F
Sacramento
Sacramento earns its reputation as one of Colonia’s best restaurants, with tasty creations such as risotto in champagne with sesame-marinated spider crabs, or ricotta, leek, and bacon ravioli.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Drugstore
Reasonable set meals for two, eclectic decor (try dining in the vintage car on the street) and live music on weekends. If you're hungry, go for the picada a la mar (seafood assortment).
reviewed
-
G
Che Montevideo
The menu here features seafood with an international twist, but the biggest attraction is the open-air deck, providing spectacular views of the Río de la Plata and its sailboats at sunset.
reviewed
-
H
Pulpería de los Faroles
Specializing in seafood and pasta, this eatery has a rainbow of colorful tablecloths in the artsy interior dining room, plus a sea of informal outdoor seating on Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo. Half portions (UR$190) of several mains are available for light eaters and solo travelers.
reviewed
-
I
Lobizón 7
Popular with young montevideanos, with inexpensive lunch specials including gramajo (a calorie-packed house special of eggs, ham and French fries). Live music some nights.
reviewed
-
J
Starmia
A small restaurant serving fine seafood and sushi dishes. For a romantic night, or just a breath of fresh sea air, grab a table on the deck area across the road, overlooking Playa Mansa.
reviewed
-
La Luna
This laid-back pub-restaurant with a great rooftop terrace is the perfect place to grab a beer as the sun goes down and watch the ferries taking those poor fools back to Buenos Aires.
reviewed
-
La Churrasquera
You can't miss this place - the parrilla and its firewood are proudly displayed in the front window. Large portions are served, and the atmosphere is delightfully old-timey.
reviewed
-
K
Cantina Vasca
Eat among the card-players at this cozy 2nd-floor Basque social club overlooking a leafy street. Daily seafood specials, pasta and paellas are complemented by glasses of house wine.
reviewed
-
L
Euskal Erria
An excellent selection of Basque and Spanish dishes are on offer here, as is the best paella in town. Cheap jarras (jugs) of red wine are bound to keep you hanging around.
reviewed
-
El Torreón
By far the best place to eat in terms of views, this place is set in an old tower overlooking the water. The back deck makes for a cozy, intimate spot for a romantic dinner.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Mediterráneo
This trendy, dimly lit pizzeria in Palermo, with brick walls and high beamed ceilings, is on the expensive side, but the lunchtime menu ejecutivo is a great deal.
reviewed
-
M
La Bodeguita
Nab a table out back on the sunny two-level deck and soak up the sweeping river views while drinking sangría (UR$195 per liter) or munching on La Bodeguita’s mini pizzas, served on a cutting board.
reviewed
-
La Gaviotas Coiner
La Gaviotas Coiner is one of the best restaurants in town. Locally caught seafood is a specialty. Try the excellent corvina a la Provencal (Croaker Provencal).
reviewed
-
N
El Rincón
Parrillada (mixed grill) is king at El Rincón. It’s best enjoyed on a sunny weekend afternoon, lounging out back under a big tree between stone and red-stucco walls, listening to Brazilian music or tango, and watching the riverfront scene as the outdoor grill exudes intoxicating smoky smells.
reviewed
-
Azabache
The ample outdoor seating and privileged corner location make Azabache a popular choice for morning coffee, evening drinks and good-value fixed-price meals.
reviewed