Montevideo is a cool city, and this was our highlight of it. The former railway station that served the nearby port has been converted into a series of open restaurants with parrillas (grills) in their centre. The wrought-iron structures, staff who are clearly either owners or working there for decades and the sheer bustle of the place provide an atmosphere that can’t be dwarfed even by the cruise ships that stop nearby. So grab a seat at the bar, watch the grill, order a malbec and enjoy some of the finest steaks in the world.
I might even go as far as to suggest it is one of my favourite food experiences in the world. Yes, that good.
Some tips:
- Try to get a seat by the bar overlooking the parrilla. There’s something hypnotic about watching the food sizzle, plus you get served quicker
- Try going a little later than the usual lunch crowd as quietens down nicely at around 3pm
- You’ll likely be doing this anyway, but make sure to take a walk around the Ciudad Vieja to soak up the atmosphere
- Don’t only stick with the meats. Some of the vegetable kebabs were wonderful