Traveling to Montevideo? Looking for places to eat in Montevideo? Look no further. Here are my top 5 restaurants in Montevideo, as well as a bonus top restaurant in Colonia del Sacramento. While most people will inevitably stop at a parrilla at Mercado del Puerto, this list includes another, more local market for you to explore. A local tour guide told me the average Uruguayan eats 99 kgs of beef/year! With more cows and sheep than humans, asado is king. Don’t worry, there are plenty of places with other foods, including fish and vegetarian options. Bon Appetit!
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This cute coffee shop was once a pharmacy. The original shelves and details are still intact. You can order a number of coffees, fresh pastries and a limited breakfast menu of fluffy eggs, avocado toast or the like. Credit cards accepted. It’s a wonderful stop for breakfast near the Old Town.
If you are trying to save some pesos, look no further than Fresh Market! Like the U.S. brand, this one is co-labeled with Disco, so search Disco Fresh Market to see locations around the city. There is a small shop across the street from the Old Town Gate (Puerta de la Ciudadela) and Independence Plaza. They offer simple sandwiches, precooked meals, fresh fruits, and pastries for reasonable prices. I lived off the sandwiches for 140 UYU.
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Located on Avenida 18 de Julio, this traditional corner bar has all-day service with some of the best chivitos and milanesas. Stop by for a coffee or beer or enjoy lunch or dinner. They offer an English menu and credit cards are accepted.
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If you’re looking for a local alternative to Mercado del Puerto, head to Mercado Ferrando. This spot has a dozen different food stalls – local Uruguayan food, tacos, burgers, parrilla, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, etc. They have a wonderful back patio if the weather permits, along with a spice store and bookstore.
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In a country known for its tannat wines, it’s hard to find many breweries. Montevideo has 3-4 local beer halls, but check out their namesake, Montevideo Beer Company. They offer a dozen beers on draft, as well as pizzas and sandwiches if you’re hungry. They have two locations: Punta Carretas and OMBU. With their laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for a casual night out. Another local brewery is Brown Bear (Oso Pardo).
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Bonus Restaurant
If you are visiting Colonia del Sacramento, be sure to stop at Charco Bistro. On the waterfront, Charco offers delicious fish, poke bowls and desserts. It’s certainly a splurge. I shared a bottle of wine with friends and had a fish dish and spent US$36, but credit cards are accepted. The food was excellent and service impeccable. English spoken.
Pro Tips:Â When traveling in Uruguay, remember that international credit cards receive a refund on VAT (18-20%), so, if possible, use your credit cards for purchases to save. Also, at sit down restaurants, it is common to tip 10% (especially for foreigners) if the service is good. |
Hope you enjoy some amazing eats while in Montevideo. These are wonderful restaurants in Uruguay.
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