Birds migrate north in autumn and south in spring, but in summer Brazilians, Argentines and even Uruguayans migrate to the east. Or better said: to Punta del Este and surrounding areas, in the Maldonado region, in Uruguay.
Since October, many seasonal projects resumed their activities. Some operate until Easter, while others only operate from December to February.
The flow of tourists increases, as do prices in general — this is the high season in the end. But at this time of year the days are beautiful and long: between December and January, the sun rises around 5:15 am and only sets at 8 pm.
Although the sea water remains cold, the wide temperature range allows you to enjoy the beach under a 30ºC sun and, at night, enjoy mild temperatures that can reach 15ºC, accompanied by a beautiful glass of wine and a pleasant dinner.
Nightlife in the region is also lively, offering different possibilities, ranging from nightlife to special dinners.
During the day, in addition to the beaches, it is possible to visit wineries, practice kitesurfing, surfing or stand-up paddleboarding, stay amidst nature or simply explore Uruguay’s 600 km of coastline. This route reveals stunning landscapes and, in some sections, practically deserted, between Punta del Este and the border with Brazil, with unmissable stops in La Paloma, Cabo Polônio and Punta del Diablo.
For those who intend to stay in the Maldonado region, between Punta del Este and José Ignacio, I leave some suggestions for places that are open especially during this period as well as a tip about special events taking place in December at the Alto de la Ballena winery.
Check out 6 places around Punta del Este with special summer programming:
Gualicho Restaurant
Completing the second season in La Barra, the Gualicho It is defined as a mestizo cuisine, with a mix of European and Latin American culture, mainly from the Pacific. The kitchen is the responsibility of the couple Marcelo Elzaurdia and Raquel Funes chef and pastry chef who has worked in Barcelona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, the Balearic Islands and Switzerland. In Zurich they worked at Barranco, a prestigious Peruvian restaurant, and Kle, a Michelin-starred vegan restaurant.
On the menu, you can try interesting options, such as octopus tempura with avocado and chorizo de Leon oil; gnocchi with huancaína and tomato pesto; or the ajillo shrimp cannelloni with smoked parmesan cream and sweet chilli.
Hospitality is the responsibility of the sommelierè Sandra Elzaurdia completing the service with good wine options from small local producers.
Gualicho – Cocina Mestiza: Duende Azul y Los Sueños, 10, 20000 La Barra, Department of Maldonado, Uruguay / Opening in high season: Tuesday to Saturday, from 7pm to 10:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 10:30pm / Reservations via Whatsapp: +598 94 906 467
Nur Restaurant
Just 10 minutes from the coast, the Light is a space in José Ignacio that defines itself as a “Culinary Wine Lodge”. In other words, it is an exquisite space, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, pine trees and vegetation, dedicated to accommodation, wine and gastronomy, as well as being the stage for private events throughout the year.
Inside it is the Nur restaurant led by the chef Juan Manuel Mayolo . The menu includes tapas, a Uruguayan meat omakase and the chef’s table, available almost all year round. Following the concept of kilometer zero the restaurant prioritizes local and seasonal ingredients.
In summer, however, the highlight is the dinner in the woods at a nine meter long table, which seats up to 26 diners. The environment encourages interaction between guests, like a big party, with shared dishes in the center of the table. Special dinners take place twice a week, with everything included, and prices vary between US$180 and 200 (around R$1,080 and 1,200) per person.
And as we don’t live on food alone, from December 2nd until the end of March, the space presents a unique proposal: the Nur Under The Stars . Every first and third Monday of the month, a film is shown outdoors, accompanied, of course, by high-quality cuisine and selected wines.
Nur – LUZ Culinary Wine Lodge: Camino Escuela 41, José Ignacio, Department of Maldonado, Uruguay / Times vary depending on each event, see website / Reservations by phone +598 99 401 210
La Huella Stop
It is impossible to talk about summer in the east without mentioning the La Huella Stop . When it opened, in the winter of 2001, the town of José Ignacio was a small and peaceful fishing village, very different from the sophisticated destination it is today. At that time, the streets were dirt, there were few houses, and the place exuded a rustic atmosphere.
More than 20 years later, La Huella stands firm on the edge of Brava beach, this year taking 55th place on the extended list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Over the years, the house has trained dozens of chefs from the region and has become one of the most emblematic gastronomic destinations in Uruguay.
Although it remains open most of the year, during the summer the restaurant is open daily and is especially popular on New Year’s Eve.
At lunch, be enchanted by the stunning view of the sea. At night, the environment right on the sand, lit by low lights and rocked by the sea breeze, gives the house a unique charm. In the kitchen, the emphasis is on sea recipes, prepared over coals, with a strong influence from the renowned chef Francis Mallmann .
Among the most requested suggestions are the grilled octopus — tender, perfectly seasoned and accompanied by rustic potatoes — and the fish of the day, always prepared with mastery. Fresh seafood and grilled vegetables are also good choices, but the restaurant also offers cuts of meat and a sushi station.
For dessert, the iconic volcán de dulce de leche is the star, a delicious combination of baked dulce de leche that has been copied by several restaurants.
La Huella Stop: Los Cisnes, 20402 Faro de José Ignacio, Department of Maldonado, Uruguay / Current opening hours: every day, from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm; Friday and Saturday also from 8pm to 11:30pm / Reservations by phone +598 093 544 898 or website.
Marismo Restaurant
Contemporary with La Huella and also located in José Ignacio, the Marismo It is run by the chef and owner Federico Desseno running from November until the last week of February.
Marismo has no walls — it is a unique experience amidst nature. Situated in a rustic setting, surrounded by sand dunes and native vegetation, the restaurant gains a special charm under the light of candles and bonfires.
In the center, clay ovens built by the chef himself make up the essence of the place. Federico Desseno is one of the main world references when it comes to fire , wood burning oven and food prepared on the grill . The Argentine chef, who arrived in Uruguay as a young man to work with Francis Mallmann, made the country his home and inspiration.
Marismo’s cuisine reflects this trajectory. The dishes are prepared on wood-fired grills and ovens, giving a smoky and authentic touch to the empanadas, pizzas, provoleta and the famous lamb, slowly roasted until it reaches perfection.
The menu is lean and seasonal, changing frequently according to the availability and quality of local ingredients, ensuring freshness and authenticity in each gastronomic experience.
Marismo: Ruta 10, Km 185, José Ignacio, Maldonado, Uruguay / Current opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, from 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, also from 12pm / Reservation: +598 44 862 273 or by phone website.
Santa Teresita dial
THE Santa Teresita dial It is located in the heart of the José Ignacio resort, and is one of those pleasant places at any time of the day. It’s a shame that good things don’t last long: the house is one of the last to open for the season and one of the first to close. In 2025, it is expected to operate until the end of February.
On the other hand, the restaurant operates almost full day . At breakfast, customers can enjoy a table full of delicacies — artisanal breads, puff pastries and pies — as well as freshly prepared options, such as sandwiches and eggs. The combination of the beach atmosphere and excellent cuisine turns breakfast at Santa Teresita into an unforgettable experience.
At lunch, the restaurant run by the Argentine chef Fernando Trocca follows a relaxed and practical concept. The customer chooses one of the proteins prepared on the grill and complements it with two or three side dishes, selected directly at a counter. Options range from fresh salads, grilled vegetables and seasonal dishes, always with fresh, local ingredients.
Dinners are occasional, but the restaurant offers, between 4:30 pm and 7 pm, a lighter service, similar to breakfast.
And for those who visit Bodega Oceánica José Ignacio, a tip: there is an operation similar to Santa Teresita there, the Bodega José Ignacio display . Also temporary, the restaurant is run by the same team and uses fresh ingredients produced on the winery’s property, adding gastronomy to the bodega’s high-quality wines and olive oils.
Santa Teresita dial: Camino Las Garzas, 20402 Faro de José Ignacio, Department of Maldonado, Uruguay / Opening hours: not yet revealed / Information by telephone: +598 4486 2861;
Bodega José Ignacio display: information via website.
Alto de La Ballena Winery
And speaking of wineries, Alto de La Ballena located 30 minutes from Punta del Este, offers a stunning view of the region and a special program at this time of year, in addition to traditional tastings.
On December 21st, the launch of Albariño from the 2024 harvest will take place, with a tasting of the winery’s premium wines during sunset, accompanied by live music. The event will also feature a tasting of Uruguayan Black River caviar, as well as other local artisanal products, such as empanadas, homemade croquetas and a seafood paella. The cost per person is 3,900 pesos, approximately R$540.
For the 24th and 31st of December, the winery prepared special lunches, priced around 130 dollars (R$ 780) with advance reservations. Menus and reservations can be requested via WhatsApp at +598 94 410 328. Even for regular visits, it is highly recommended to book in advance.
Bodega Alto de La Ballena: Route 12, Km 16.4; Sierra de la Ballena, Maldonado, Uruguay / Contact: [email protected] and WhatsApp +598 94 410 328 / Times must be confirmed with the winery.
*The texts published by Insiders and Columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of CNN Viagem & Gastronomia.
About Giuliana Nogueira
Giuliana Nogueira is Brazilian, a psychologist, photographer and communications advisor. She is neither a winemaker nor a sommelierè, but she is an oenophile, especially passionate about Uruguayan wines and Uruguay. Maintain Instagram @Instatannattalking more about Uruguayan wines than the Uruguayans themselves. Whenever he can, he travels to the land of our neighbors, who know how to welcome people very well.
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