Punta del Este is Uruguay’s most famous coastal resort and receives a multitude of visitors from all over the world. In 2017, over half a million tourists traveled to the coveted holiday destination. Its continuous rise in popularity has led to the rapid development of amazing restaurants to keep up with the demand for great food. Feast your eyes on the top 10 restaurants in the city.
I’marangatú
Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Seafood, Sushi, Mediterranean, South American, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free
Located right next to Mansa Beach, it will be love at first sight with I’marangatú’s incredible ocean views and sea breeze. It has an expansive wooden deck, which alongside the simple and tasteful interior design emphasizes the restaurant’s essence and close contact with the sea. Here you can enjoy gourmet pizza, seafood, and meat, with mouth-watering cocktails and desserts.
Boasting the reputation as the best Peruvian restaurant in Punta del Este, Sipan will not disappoint. With an exquisite fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, you are spoilt for choice, so it’s best to share as many dishes as you can so that you get to taste them all!
This restaurant is located just a couple of blocks from the beach in the trendy region of Manantiales, renowned for its high-quality restaurants. The decoration in Cactus y Pescados is beautiful and you can enjoy a view of the Atlantic from the outdoor seating area. As its name, “cactus and fish” suggests, they do outstanding seafood, although they are yet to include cactus on their menu.
In Lo De Tere you can find hearty comfort food with a twist. The menu features a list of “hits” with its most acclaimed dishes such as crab ravioli, lamb rack, steak, seafood risotto, and outstanding grilled fish. The restaurant is known for its excellent service and a classic décor, with elegant, white tablecloths and beautiful silverware.
La Huella is Jose Ignacio’s most famous restaurant, so make sure you have a reservation before you go. Every single one of their dishes is superb and you’ll want to try a little bit of everything. Sitting out on their wooden deck by the beach feels like paradise, the place is always full but the tables are spaced far enough apart to avoid any disturbance.
People come for the vibrant and fun ambiance and stay for the delicious food and cocktails. No Me Olvides is renowned as the best pizzeria in Manantiales because of its thin-crust pizza with amazing sauce and overflowing toppings. This is no regular pizza, it’s rectangular so you can buy it by the meter. Whether you ask for a classic like tomato, basil, and mozzarella, or a specialty like goat’s cheese and caramelized onions, you’re in for a treat!
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, [object Object], $$$
In addition to its delicious food, Medio y Medio is famous for its live music shows during the summer. It was originally a jazz bar and became so popular that it expanded to include a great kitchen. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy some quality music with your meal.
Leonardo Etxea is home to the most authentic Basque cuisine in Punta del Este. This cuisine is based on seafood and cooked perfectly in the restaurant. The ambiance is very cosy, with mood lighting and an intimate atmosphere. One meal simply isn’t enough, as many people return to try every dish on the menu!
This upscale restaurant is ideal for special celebrations you don’t want to forget. They serve authentic French cuisine, fantastic rich desserts, and incredible platters that will remain branded in your memory and palate. The elegant décor fits perfectly with the overall atmosphere.
Restaurant, Seafood, South American, European, Dessert, $$$
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Club de los Balleneros is a beautiful nautical club in Punta del Este with incredible facilities and an amazing restaurant. The restaurant’s outdoor seating area enjoys a panoramic view of the gardens and coast. There is a great variety of dishes, all of which are perfectly executed.
