Last week, Don Julio became one of seven restaurants in Argentina to earn a Michelin star. On Tuesday, the Buenos Aires steakhouse was recognized as the top eatery in the country and the third-best in Latin America, according to the region’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2023.
Other Argentine establishments to crack this year’s list were El Preferido de Palermo (17), Gran Dabbang (26), Julia (30), Mishiguene (32), Alo’s (38), Crizia (41), and Niño Gordo (43). The top restaurant was the Peruvian-Japanese Maido in Lima.
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“Starting out as a humble neighborhood parrilla nestled in a 19th-century corner property, this family-operated eatery has transcended its roots, setting new standards for the Argentine barbecue,” Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants wrote in a congratulatory Instagram post. “The restaurant not only showcases Argentina’s rich wine heritage but also elevates the dining experience. Their unparalleled commitment to organic agriculture further distinguishes the establishment, making it a beacon of excellence in the country’s culinary landscape.”
Don Julio was named Best Restaurant in Latin America in 2020 and earned an Art of Hospitality award in 2018. It’s the only Michelin-starred restaurant to appear on this year’s list.
In August, the Herald spoke to Don Julio’s chef and owner, Pablo Rivero, about the future of fine dining in Argentina.
“The gastronomic culture of Buenos Aires is really alive right now,” he said at the time. “Chefs are taking older recipes and creating new inventions, while traditional dishes are better than ever before. We’re also seeing the influence of huge waves of immigration this century. The impact has been surprising and immense.”
Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants was established in 2013 and bills itself as “the premier gastronomic ranking in the continent.” The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, which is produced by the UK media company William Reed, first appeared as a feature in the British magazine Restaurant in 2002.
Don Julio is located on Guatemala 4699 in Palermo.