Montevideo Restaurants

Montevideo was not long ago a city that almost exclusively subsisted on steak and potatoes and pastas, but the city’s restaurant scene has experienced a slow-but-sure emergence the past decade. You still can find all the tasty steak you want, but offerings have diversified with an increasing number of international and fusion restaurants. From fine dining to quality chivito joints, you’ll have your share of memorable meals in Montevideo.

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  • 1. Expreso Pocitos

    $$ | Pocitos

    This classic and beloved diner-style establishment has been around for more than a century, and it is clear that some of the customers have been frequenting it for almost as long. Many congregate here for a coffee or beer, and the chivito, which is made with fresh, fluffy bread, is considered one of the best in town.

    Juan Benito Blanco 956 at Av. Brasil, Montevideo, Montevideo, 11300, Uruguay
    2708–0496

    Known For

    • Local institution
    • Traditional decor
    • Chivito bread
  • 2. Jacinto

    $$$ | Ciudad Vieja

    The smell of fresh-baked bread wafts through this pleasant, sunny spot off Plaza Zabala. Plates are fresh, inspired, and expertly prepared, from the soup of the day to desserts like panna cotta with red grapes and a sweet orange sauce. Jacinto is a favorite among the city's foodie crowd and stylish set.

    Sarandí 349, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2915–2731

    Known For

    • Seasonal menu
    • Efficient service
    • Trendy space

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 3. Restaurant Francis

    $$$

    This bright, upscale restaurant is a local favorite and always filled, yet the efficient, friendly staff manages to keep up. The menu is gourmet and extensive, ranging from sushi to paella to cuts of meat on the grill. Everything is high quality and innovative, but the seafood dishes in particular stand out, like the chipirones (baby cuttlefish) in a garlic and parsley sauce with grilled onions.

    Luis de la Torre 502, Punta Carretas, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2711–8603

    Known For

    • Excellent wine list
    • Chipirones (baby cuttlefish)
    • Extensive menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 4. Tandory

    $$$ | Pocitos

    With Tandory, French-Uruguayan chef and owner Gabriel Coquel has created an intimate yet convivial restaurant with top-level service. Fusion dishes harmoniously blend Asian, Latin American, and European flavors, and the eclectic decor includes heirlooms and souvenirs from his travels around the world. Diplomats, tourists, and well-traveled Uruguayans seeking cuisine more inspired than steak and potatoes fill the tables here. The menu changes daily based on what's fresh and in season.

    Libertad 2851 at Ramon Masini, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2709–6616

    Known For

    • Eclectic menu
    • Seasonal, local ingredients
    • Great wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.
  • 5. Café Bacacay

    $ | Ciudad Vieja

    This small and smartly designed restaurant facing Teatro Solís inhabits a building that dates to 1844 and attracts a young, hip crowd. The owner takes special care in preparing the excellent salads, such as the Bacacay (spinach, raisins, carrots, nuts, grilled eggplant) or the Sarandí (celery, chicken, apples, carrots).

    Bacacay 1306, Montevideo, Montevideo, 11000, Uruguay
    2916–6074

    Known For

    • Unique and historic space
    • Great wine list
    • Streetside tables

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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  • 6. Escaramuza Café and Bookshop

    $$ | Coffee

    The bookshop is classic, with floor to ceiling books, and a nifty rolling platform to browse the upper shelves. The café, though, is airy and serves innovative dishes such as beet and goat cheese pie, and grilled polenta and veggie gratin, along with fresh baked breads and sinfully delicious desserts. If the weather is unkind, dine inside, but the sunny, vine-covered outdoor patio is the place to be.

    Dr. Pablo de María 1185, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2401–3475

    Known For

    • Sinful pastries
    • Good coffee
    • Delicious vegetarian food

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 7. La Casa Violeta

    $$$ | Carrasco

    Meats are the specialty at this beautiful restaurant set in a restored 1920s house and facing the Carrasco Beach. You can opt for the meat-tasting option with sausage, sweetbreads and three cuts of beef, or try the grilled fish or seafood paella. If you'd prefer to sit outside, there are several umbrella-covered tables on the lawn with attractive views of the ocean.

    Avda. Bolivia 1271, Montevideo, Montevideo, 11300, Uruguay
    099-828–716

    Known For

    • Steak-tasting menu
    • Salad bar
    • Marina views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 8. Los Leños

    $$$ | Centro

    While the polished wood and wicker interior is attractive, it's the food that draws diners here. The meat, seafood, pasta, and risotto dishes are all carefully prepared, so everyone at your table will be happy. The busy bar has an extensive cocktail list and the wine list features both local and Argentine labels. The desserts are yummy, too, if a bit on the sweet side.

    San José 909, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2900–2285

    Known For

    • Excellent steaks
    • Perfect risottos
    • Extensive wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.
  • 9. Rara Avis

    $$$$ | Ciudad Vieja

    Located in a wing of the Teatro Solis theater building, Rara Avís is one of Montevideo's best restaurants. Both the food—such as a black oyster risotto with smoked salmon or duck magret in baby greens with a pepper sauce—and the setting are sophisticated. It's a great option for the pre- and posttheater crowds.

    Buenos Aires 652, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2915--0330

    Known For

    • Fancy fare
    • Great wine list
    • Best to book ahead

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 10. Sometimes Sunday Café

    $$ | Ciudad Vieja | Sandwiches

    The painted white brick helps make the café bigger than it is, but the food and vibe are so good that size hardly matters. Open for lunch on Thursday through Sunday, and breakfast on the weekend, Sometimes serves up super sandwiches, such as brisket, pulled pork or avocado, salads and other dishes with international influences, along with freshly baked breads and great coffee. Tasty veggie options can be made vegan.

    Calle Perez Castellano 1518, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2916–4058

    Known For

    • Great sandwiches
    • Best coffee
    • Wholesome breakfast

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed., No reservations
  • 11. Tannat

    $$$ | Centro

    There are several good seafood dishes here, and the pastas are done right, but Tannat is really the place for meat lovers; even nose-to-tail carnivores will leave satisfied. The service is courteous and quick, as the embers are always burning. The downside is there isn't much in the way of lighter dishes, so go there ready to eat.

    San Jose 1065, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2903–2120

    Known For

    • Grilled meats
    • Efficient service
    • Fresh pasta

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 12. Viejo Sancho

    $$ | Centro

    What draws the post-theater crowds to this friendly, but plain restaurant near Plaza Cagancha are gargantuan portions of smoked pork chops and fried potatoes.

    Calle San José 1229, Montevideo, Montevideo, 11100, Uruguay
    2900–4063

    Known For

    • Cheap and cheerful
    • Bustling ambience
    • Friendly staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 13. Corchos Bistro y Boutique de Vinos

    $$ | Centro
    Closed Permanently

    Uruguay's wines take center stage at this unpretentious restaurant located near Plaza Independencia. Wine is even incorporated into most dishes, including a salad with wine-soaked pears and white wine-infused chorizo. The fixed-price lunch menu is a hit with professionals who work nearby, and the prices won't hold you back from ordering another glass of wine (or flight) either. Corchos' staff also can arrange tastings and tours upon request.

    25 de Mayo 651, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2917–2051

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends. No dinner Mon.–Thurs.
  • 14. Doña Flor

    $
    Closed Permanently

    Housed in a century-old home in the suburb of Punta Carretas, this quiet, elegant restaurant has a diverse menu heavily indebted to the French (the pâté is rich as butter and twice as smooth). It's currently open only for banquets of 10 or more persons. In summer this location closes so the staff can give its full attention to a sister restaurant in Punta del Este.

    Bulevar Artigas 1034, Punta Carretas, Montevideo, Uruguay
    2708–5751

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Dec.–Apr., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

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