Best Restaurants in Uruguay 2026

Chivito

Uruguay's national sandwich is a towering creation of thin beef steak, ham, mozzarella, egg, olives, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Each restaurant has its own version and heated debates about who makes the best are a national sport.

Where to try: Bar El Palacio (Ciudad Vieja), Chivitería Marcos (Pocitos)

Price: $8-15

Asado (Parrilla)

Uruguayan grilled meat cooked over wood embers is arguably the world's finest beef experience. Cuts include asado de tira (short ribs), vacío (flank), and mollejas (sweetbreads). The asador's skill with fire management is central to the result.

Where to try: Mercado del Puerto, La Pulpería, El Palenque

Price: $18-35

Tortas Fritas

Simple fried dough discs popular in cold or rainy weather, sold from street carts throughout Montevideo. A beloved Uruguayan comfort food eaten with dulce de leche or cheese, handed down from indigenous Charrúa culinary tradition.

Where to try: Street vendors in Montevideo on rainy days, Tristán Narvaja market

Price: $1-2

Medio y Medio

Half white wine and half sparkling wine mixed in a glass — Uruguay's unique and beloved aperitif invented at Bar Roldós in 1886 where it has been served ever since. Light, festive, and perfectly Uruguayan.

Where to try: Bar Roldós (Ciudad Vieja)

Price: $5-8

Dulce de Leche

Uruguay's slow-cooked caramel spread made from milk and sugar is of exceptional quality and used in everything from medialunas to ice cream. Conaprole is the standard commercial brand but artisan versions at markets are extraordinary.

Where to try: Supermarkets, Mercado Ferrando, bakeries

Price: $4-12

Tannat Wine

Uruguay's signature grape variety produces a full-bodied tannic red with dark fruit and earthy character. Boutique estates in Canelones, Maldonado, and Montevideo produce world-class Tannat. Also produced as rosé and blended with Merlot and Syrah.

Where to try: Bodega Bouza, Pisano winery, DISCO supermarkets, wine bars throughout Montevideo

Price: $12-40/bottle

Parador La Huella

José Ignacio's most famous restaurant sits right on the beach serving fresh seafood and grilled meats with Mediterranean influences. The laid-back elegance, excellent wine list, and spectacular location make it a must-visit. Reservations essential during peak season.

Playa Brava, José Ignacio, Maldonado, Uruguay

La Pulpería

Beloved local parrilla serving top-quality meats in a casual, authentic atmosphere. The simple menu focuses on perfectly grilled cuts with traditional sides. Always packed with locals which speaks to the quality and value.

San Salvador 1674, Montevideo, Uruguay

Chivitería Marcos

The best chivito in Montevideo according to locals, served in generous portions with perfect meat-to-topping ratio. This casual spot in Pocitos has been perfecting Uruguay's national sandwich for decades. Always busy but worth the wait.

Dr. Francisco Soca 1317, Montevideo, Uruguay

Mercado del Puerto Parrillas

Multiple parrilla stalls in the iconic market building serve sizzling chorizo, morcilla, and beef cuts right off the grill. Stand at the bar with a medio y medio (sparkling wine) and order from the display. Authentic Montevideo experience.

Mercado del Puerto, Pérez Castellano 1579, Montevideo, Uruguay

Café Brasilero

Montevideo's oldest café (opened 1877) maintains its Belle Époque charm with original wood furnishings and marble tables. Perfect for cortado and medialunas while soaking in literary history. Writers and artists still frequent this institution.

Ituzaingó 1447, Montevideo, Uruguay

Francis

Chef Francis Mallmann's flagship restaurant in Punta del Este showcases his fire-cooking techniques with dramatic presentations. The menu features premium meats, local seafood, and seasonal vegetables prepared over open flames. Wine cellar holds 10,000 bottles.

Rambla Artigas 772, Punta del Este, Uruguay

El Fogón

Authentic parrilla in Montevideo's old town with open kitchen where you can watch meat sizzling on the grill. Hearty portions, reasonable prices, and vibrant atmosphere make it popular with tourists and locals alike.

San José 1080, Montevideo, Uruguay

El Tinkal

No-frills neighborhood parrilla serving honest, delicious food at budget prices. The daily specials and generous portions make it popular with locals. Don't expect fancy decor, just great meat and friendly service.

Arenal Grande 2929, Montevideo, Uruguay

Choripán

Grilled chorizo sausage in a crusty bread roll with chimichurri sauce, sold from street grills especially around markets, football stadiums, and parks. Cheap, satisfying, and deeply Uruguayan.

Find it at: Market areas, Estadio Centenario on match days, Tristán Narvaja

Medialunas

Butter croissant-style pastries sold at every panadería (bakery) in Uruguay. Slightly sweet and buttery, they are the standard Uruguayan breakfast eaten with café con leche. Available glazed or plain.

Find it at: Every bakery in Montevideo and beyond, all day

Empanadas

Baked or fried pastry parcels filled with minced beef, chicken, cheese, or corn (choclo). Uruguayan empanadas are slightly larger than Argentine equivalents and widely available from bakeries and street vendors.

Find it at: Panaderías, Mercado Ferrando, street vendors throughout Montevideo

Panchos

Uruguayan hot dogs in a soft roll with mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A beloved late-night street food and sports event staple, cheaper and more basic than the chivito but satisfying.

Find it at: Street vendors, football stadiums, bus terminals

Copetín de mar

Fresh seafood cocktails — prawn, octopus, or mixed — served in a glass with lemon, tomato sauce, and crackers from coastal vendors in Montevideo's port area and beach towns.

Find it at: Mercado del Puerto area, Punta del Este beachfront

Mercado del Puerto

Montevideo's most famous market is home to multiple parrilla restaurants in a magnificent 19th-century iron structure. Smoke from the open wood grills fills the air as expert asadores cook prime cuts. Essential for the full Uruguayan meat experience.

Hours: Mon-Sat 12PM-4PM, Sun 12PM-5PM

Mercado Ferrando

A large indoor market with premium Uruguayan food products including artisan cheeses, charcuterie, wines, dulce de leche, and organic produce. More gourmet than everyday, it's excellent for food gifts and high-quality provisions.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM

Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo (MAM)

Renovated historic market building with artisan food producers, organic stalls, wine bars, craft beer, and restaurants. One of Montevideo's most lively food destinations combining shopping with eating and drinking.

Hours: Tue-Sun 9AM-8PM