The Top 10 Restaurants In Ciudad Vieja, Uruguay

If you can’t get enough of ethnic cuisine, Wasa was made for you. Although it might not seem to be the case judging from the outside of the restaurant, the most delicious plates are waiting for you on the inside. Here their French chef combines the best aspects of Uruguayan and French cuisine to create delicious dishes. These include an array of fish and rice specialities.

FOC

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will greet you just when you sit down at your table at FOC. With a rustic vibe and warm ambiance which will make you feel at home instantly, you’ll soon be enjoying some of the best Catalan flavors at this venue. The chef here previously owned one of the most exclusive restaurants in Spain before he moved to Uruguay. Thankfully, he brought some amazing recipes with him.

FOC, Cerrito 499 esq. Treinta y Tres | Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo; +598 2915 3006

Ciudad Vieja I © Zhu/Flickr

At Jacinto you can enjoy an amazing breakfast, brunch and lunch all in one place. You’ll have to walk almost to the end of the pedestrian street to find it, buy we can assure you, the walk will be worth it for the food you’ll encounter. Uruguayan and French cuisine combine in this charming restaurant which was built within an ancient building. This is a venue which serves simple food that stays on your mind long after you’ve left Ciudad Vieja. Lucía Soria, the establishment’s esteemed owner, was trained under Francis Mallmann, the internationally renowned Argentine chef.

Estrecho

Estrecho is where South America meets Asia, and is a venue offering top-notch fusion cuisine. It combines traditional South American fare with Thai, Chinese and Japanese delicacies. Hidden in between graffitied walls and a small sign, this venue might not seem like a big deal from the outside, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised once you step foot through the threshold. There is a seating space along the counter here from which you can watch all the magic happening in the kitchen. All plates are exquisitely presented, with nothing being served before the sous chef has tasted and approved it.

Estrecho, Sarandí 460 | Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay

Opened in 1887, Café Brasilero has been serving up tasty dishes to the Montevideo masses for more than 100 years. The venue has an elegant bar and luxurious furnishings and a super extensive menu including pasta and sandwiches. It also has different kinds of delicious meats. This spot is sure to make your order decision a tough one. Relax and sample some of the best local wines here while you soak in the glamour of the establishment.

As this is one of the most famous and sought-after restaurants in Ciudad Vieja, you’ll have to wait in line for a table if you get to La Pasionaria after 1pm. Its owner, Rosana, serves sumptuous vegetarian dishes for all those travelers seeking some fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers and potatoes. Don’t miss the charming bookstore and gift shop inside the establishment. It offers a plethora of artistic creations made by local designers. Ciudad Vieja I © Zhu/Flickr

Santa Catalina

Get a delicious idea of what Uruguayan cuisine is truly about at Santa Catalina. The food from this neighborhood cantina is best enjoyed on its outside tables. Here, you can overlook the whole rambla of Ciudad Vieja. This joint prides itself on being open 24 hours (except for Sundays), and is a firm favorite among both tourists and locals.

Santa Catalina, Ciudadela on the corner of Canelones, Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay

Dueto

Good prices, great decor and fantastic food; three things diners can excitedly expect at Dueto. Excellent-sized portions, fresh fish and lush vegetables make this renovated ex-police station a must-stop in your itinerary. Take some photos in the bathrooms downstairs – that’s where the cells used to be.

Dueto, Bartolome Mitre 1386 between Sarandi and Rincón, Ciudad VIeja, Montevideo, Uruguay; 2915 3231

Shrimp dish in Uruguay I © Chris Goldberg/Flickr

For succulent steaks in Uruguay you have to visit El Palenque. Seriously – the meat almost melts in your mouth here. Located in the Mercado del Puerto, this is a restaurant you have to visit once you’re done strolling down the harbor of Ciudad Vieja. But it’s not all about red meat here; the fresh seafood from the grill is unmissable too.

Arcadia

With an unforgettable view of Montevideo city, the harbor and the downtown area, Arcadia will keep you coming back for more. Located on the inside of the Radisson hotel, this restaurant exudes luxury and glamour. There is a diverse buffet service open during the day. At night top menu picks include the ceviche with rice as well as the chargrilled steak and steamed vegetables.

Arcadia, Hotel Radisson, Plaza Independencia, Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay; +598 2902 0111