The Best Restaurants in Montevideo

Among the most exclusive and unique experiences Montevideo has to offer, El Tío Bistró stands out as the best choice for fine dining.  

This restaurant has earned an excellent reputation for both its cuisine and impeccable service.  

Located in the Buceo neighbourhood, El Tío Bistró is Uruguay’s first bistronomic restaurant. This establishment beautifully blends the excellence of gourmet cooking with the warmth of a home, providing a unique experience for its visitors.  

El Tío Bistró takes pride in its varied menu, featuring dishes like black risotto, premium milanesa, and free-range chicken, all crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients that showcase the best of Uruguayan gastronomy. You’ll find a wide range of dishes on their menu, from vegetarian options to delicious grilled meats. Additionally, this Montevideo restaurant is known for its cosy, homely atmosphere and the friendliness of its staff, ensuring that every visit is a memorable one. 

Just steps away from Plaza Zabala lies one of the finest dining spots in Montevideo. Housed in a historic building from 1870 in the heart of Ciudad Vieja, Primuseum combines gastronomy, culture, and tango in a charming and picturesque setting.  

This Montevideo restaurant, adorned with over 3,000 antiques, offers a personalised and unique experience for every visitor. Primuseum is ideal for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in local culture, as it provides the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.  

At Primuseum, you can enjoy a step-by-step criollo tasting menu, paired with selected Uruguayan wines. Moreover, the live tango show and unique atmosphere transform your dinner into an unforgettable experience. Given its popularity, it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance for dining here. If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience in the heart of Ciudad Vieja, Primuseum is an excellent choice to savour the best of traditional Uruguayan cuisine alongside an incredible performance.

For those seeking a more exotic experience, Restaurante Tandory is the place to be, as it offers a unique culinary journey by blending Indian and Uruguayan cuisines.  

This restaurant serves fusion dishes that combine European, Latin, and Asian flavours, always using fresh and healthy ingredients. Tandory caters to all tastes and preferences, providing diverse options for meat lovers as well as vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivities.  

Renowned for its authentic flavours and attention to detail, Tandory’s menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including chicken curry, tandoori, and delicious samosas, along with pasta, fish, and meats.  

With a warm and inviting atmosphere, accommodating up to 60 diners across its two floors, each visit feels special, perfect for those who appreciate intimacy. Decorated with ethnic elements, the restaurant reflects its diverse and creative culinary style. Moreover, the personalised service and respect for culinary traditions ensure that every dish is a true work of art.  

Tandory’s combination of classic and modern dishes makes every visit an unforgettable surprise.

Nestled in Punta Carretas, Pellegrin is another top dining destination in Montevideo, ready to impress with the diversity of Uruguayan gastronomy.  

Founded in 2002 by Eduardo Iturralde and Cecilia Pellegrin, this establishment draws inspiration from French patisseries and rotisseries. Pellegrin also boasts an additional branch, where you can purchase gourmet products showcasing a wide variety of European and rioplatense specialities. Additionally, Pellegrin Gourmet offers catering services and bespoke event planning for every occasion.  

Their menu boasts a broad selection of homemade pastas, pizzas, and international dishes crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Specialising in desserts and sweets, Pellegrin has earned a five-star rating for its dishes, with the Lemon Pie being a crowd favourite – be sure not to leave without trying it!  

Moreover, Pellegrin exudes a tranquil atmosphere and friendly service, making it a popular choice among sweet-toothed diners and international cuisine enthusiasts.

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, a visit to Fellini Pocitos is a must. This restaurant combines exquisite décor with a warm and informal atmosphere, creating the perfect setting to enjoy its specialities.  

As its name suggests, it is located in the vibrant Pocitos neighbourhood, and Fellini offers an authentic Italian gastronomic experience, making it one of the most recommended restaurants in Montevideo.  

Fellini’s kitchen presents a variety of traditional and modern recipes, with specialities such as pastas and pizzas that capture the old continent’s flavours, which are so prominent in Uruguayan gastronomy. From blue hake in white wine to mustard pork loin, every dish is an unforgettable experience.  

Their menu includes a range of classic Italian dishes, such as fresh pastas, risottos, and mouth-watering pizzas. Additionally, Fellini caters to all tastes, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options.  

Fellini Pocitos is the ideal place for a romantic dinner or a meal with friends, allowing you to savour the diverse flavours of Uruguayan cuisine.

In Punta Carretas, you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Montevideo: La Pulpería Parrillada.  

This family-run restaurant provides a unique experience to savour the finest traditional Uruguayan cuisine. With over 20 years in the business, La Pulpería is known for its warm atmosphere, spectacular food, and attentive and friendly staff.  

As its name suggests, La Pulpería Parrillada specialises in Uruguayan meats, which are known for their tenderness and the unique flavour imparted by wood-fired cooking, typical of Uruguayan barbecue.  

While La Pulpería is well-known for its grilled meats, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised by its delicious seafood dishes and Spanish tapas. Additionally, its extensive wine list allows you to perfectly pair every traditional Uruguayan dish with the ideal option.  

The restaurant features a cosy indoor space and some outdoor tables for those who enjoy al fresco dining. They also offer home delivery and takeaway services, plus an outdoor terrace perfect for family and intimate dinners. 

Estrecho is one of the best dining spots in Montevideo. Located in the picturesque Ciudad Vieja neighbourhood, this restaurant specialises in contemporary cuisine, offering creative and delicious dishes.  

Estrecho features a unique bar, allowing diners to watch the chefs prepare dishes such as salmon baguette, loin salad, and creamy crème brûlée. The modern and inviting atmosphere, complete with hanging lamps and green-toned walls, creates an unforgettable experience.  

Their menu includes a variety of innovative dishes, crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Estrecho’s offerings include contemporary and healthy options, catering to vegetarians, vegans, and those avoiding gluten. From high-quality dishes to gourmet options, every visit is a celebration of Uruguayan and French cuisine.  

Please note that this restaurant in Montevideo serves lunch only, as it is closed in the evenings.  

If you wish to enjoy a sophisticated dinner in a modern and elegant setting, Estrecho is the perfect spot for you.

If you’re on the lookout for a restaurant where you can savour the best food in Montevideo, La Fonda is the place for you.  

Its menu features traditional Uruguayan dishes like chivito, empanadas, and asado, which are favourites among both locals and tourists.  

La Fonda follows the culinary interpretation of many years of cooking by its chef, Mario Mori. Rather than adhering to a specific culinary trend, this Montevideo restaurant seeks to evoke memories of family kitchens where homemade ravioli, fish tarts, stews, and other delights are served. All these dishes share the characteristic of lengthy cooking times, crafted with love and the spirit of sharing.  

The atmosphere at La Fonda is warm and relaxed, with an open kitchen and personalised service. The ingredients they use, including vegetables and white meats, are sourced organically.  

La Fonda accommodates 30 diners. Making a reservation before you visit is a good idea!

Carbonada is a restaurant and grill that seamlessly combines tradition and modernity in every dish. Thanks to its varied gastronomic proposal, where author cuisine holds a special place alongside the delights of the grill, it has carved out a unique niche in Montevideo.  

True to its name, the menu features dishes such as carbonada, lentil stew, and delicious milanesas, all classic Uruguayan foods. However, the grilled cuts of beef, renowned for their quality, are the most popular choices.  

Notable options include the eye of ribeye in Tannat reduction with cognac-soaked raisins, served with rustic potatoes. The homemade pasta is also an excellent choice for those with a penchant for Italian cuisine.  

The rustic atmosphere, dominated by wood and outdoor tables, creates an unforgettable experience. Ideal for family gatherings or outings with friends, Carbonada stands out among other restaurants in Montevideo for its excellent service, dedication, and love for cooking.