The famous Punta del Este It is located in a coastal region of Uruguay that also includes Punta Ballena, La Barra, Manantiales, La Juanita, Jose Ignacio, among other small towns.
For most of its history, it was known as a holiday destination. So much so, that in the low season, between July and September, most commercial establishments closed and only casinos, deserted and very cold beaches remained.
But this scenario changed with the Covid-19 pandemic. About 20,000 new residents moved to the region, especially Argentines, Europeans and Brazilians, all in search of a better quality of life. With these new residents, attractions were appearing and establishments that used to open three or four months a year, now operate for about 11 months.
The Punta del Este region has therefore become a good destination option for July holidays as well. Below is a selection of restaurants, wineries and lodgings for those who want to visit Punta in winter, considered the most economical season of the year.
Leonardo Etxea Restaurant
The Basque tavern owned by the friendly Leonardo Etxea is located in Punta del Este and it is one of those places frequented by locals who seek a cuisine with fresh fish from the region, such as delicious brotola and black croaker, seafood and also paella.
Some options from the extensive menu are not to be missed, such as the octopus, the crab-stuffed piquillo peppers or the tender squid. The wine list is another spectacle on its own. Leo is an aficionado of the subject, with labels from virtually every winery in Uruguay. Be sure to consult him and ask for a good tip to accompany your meal.
Cafeteria & Restaurante El Tesoro
This cozy and bright house in La Barra bets on a kitchen with seasonal ingredients, so it is possible to eat almost anything there, but with the advantage that everything is very well done. Well-kept coffee, cakes and breads, sandwiches and dishes such as the local fishing tiradito with yellow ají and passion fruit, crabcake from Laguna de Rocha with salad and, for the colder days, the langaitu pork bondiola braised in oyster salsa. , mashed potatoes with wasabi and kimchi.
Estero Vineria
For those who want to focus on wines, but have already visited all the local wineries, one option is the winebar. Estero Vineria in La Barra, open all year – closed on Tuesdays only. The wine list can be accompanied by cheese boards, cold cuts, empanadas and snacks. Now in winter they also offer a broth option.
Borneo Coffee
the impeccable Borneo would be crowded and busy if it were in São Paulo – not that in La Barra don’t have your days with a line at the door. The cafeteria, which for years operated on a seasonal basis, is now open all year, from Wednesday to Monday, from 9 am to 7 pm. Perfect for on cold days to warm up with a hot chocolate, cakes, pies or a delicious peanut alfajor, all made in-house. For the hungriest, well-served sandwiches also appear on the menu.
El Popu
Vegans and vegetarians also have their place in this guide. In this collaborative space in La Barra, in addition to dishes that vary weekly, it also functions as a cafeteria, bar and space for yoga classes. Open daily from 9am, it seems like there’s always something going on there. The large and bright house is also attractive for those who need a comfortable place to work.
El Abrazo Restaurant and Accommodation in Mananciales
The restaurant El Abrazo will be closed in July of this year for a small renovation in the kitchen, but returns at the end of August deserving a place in the itinerary. Opening onto a beautiful garden, it is the perfect place for both dinner and a sunny Sunday lunch. of the chefs Federico Gaspari and Lucia Sosa Días the restaurant today has in front of its kitchen Luciana da Silva Lopes who was chef at Jacarandá restaurant in São Paulo, in 2016.
Its cuisine is intense and rich in flavors, with local ingredients. The last menu brought gems such as crab cakes, grilled squid, Thai sea soup, cauliflower au gratin with peanuts and, for carnivores, the lamb with eggplant cannot be missed. Desserts are not far behind. Get ready for a feast.
The novelty of El Abrazo is the beautiful newly built accommodation. The two charming bungalows were built in Manantiales, behind the restaurant and also close to the beach, with great comfort and everything needed to spend a few peaceful days in one of the best locations in the region, between Punta del Este and José Ignacio, with easy access to restaurants. and cafes.
Wanderlust, accommodation in José Ignacio
With very attractive prices in the low season, the wanderlust it is what we could call a 5 star hostel. It has shared rooms with external bathrooms, as well as private suites for two people or for the family, all of which are very tasteful.
The common area encourages the coexistence of guests and it is common to find cooks and part of the restaurant team spending a short time working in the local enterprises.
In fact, this time of year is when the residents of the region gather for parties on the quietest days, usually from Monday to Thursday. So, it’s always worth trying to stay informed about the schedule when you arrive in the village.
Bodega Oceanica José Ignacio
With only a few years since opening, the small but highly technological Bodega Oceanica José Ignacio , which started as an olive oil production project, has achieved the same excellence in wines. The place is not only beautiful, but also maintains a careful service to visitors, who can enjoy a complete tasting, including the olive oils, and learn a little more about the production of this much-loved delicacy.
MACA – Pablo Atchugarry Foundation
The foundation, also known as Atchugarry Museum of Contemporary Art , is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 11 am to 5 pm. Newly opened and with free admission, MACA, located in La Barra, is surrounded by a beautiful sculpture park by various Uruguayan and international artists, as well as a space dedicated to the sculptor. Pablo Atchugarry .
The space is perfect for a walk and also for wanting to go outdoors with the kids.
Pueblo Eden
A small and peculiar village, home to approximately 250 people and surrounded by nature and a simple, rural lifestyle, it is one of the gems of the region about 45km from Punta del Este.
On the second Sunday of each month, the Producer’s Market presents a rich offer of local products, produced by the residents.
Wines, including those with low intervention by the winemaker Fiorella Faggiani, craft beer, honey, olive oil, organic wines, clothes and handicrafts are sold at a festive pace.
For those who want to venture into the local restaurants, the La Posta de Vaimacain Pueblo Eden is the most famous of them. A simple place, representative of country cuisine, which serves only four dishes, including a lamb in wine roasted in a clay oven. La Posta is open from Tuesday to Sunday, always at lunch and with prior reservation by phone.
Viña Eden
and who goes to Pueblo Eden certainly don’t run out of wine, as nearby is also the impressive Viña Eden , where you can have lunch with a beautiful view, or just taste its excellent wines. This is one of the only wineries where you can buy wine and collect it in Brazil without having to carry the bottles.
Cerro del Toro Winery
imagine a winery overlooking the sea , just 2km in a straight line from the beaches of Piriápolis. On the other side, from the top of the hill that gives rise to the name and where it is located, it is possible to see the vineyards and the valley.
A project by a Japanese family for more than 50 years in Uruguay, the winemaking area is not yet ready, but the careful tasting is already taking place and it can even accompany pizzas or a well-served cold board. The wines from there have already snatched highlights in awards with Descorchados. If you go at the end of the day, you still run the risk of getting a bonus of a beautiful sunset.
Source: CNN Brasil
