Sampling the Argentinian cuisine is high on the list of many travelers when they visit Buenos Aires, and we were no different. One of the staples in the Argentinean diet is steak, grilled over live flames, often cooked at home or in traditional parrilla restaurants. A ‘parrilla’ is a typical streak restaurant, or grill house. The parrilla restaurants are iconic to Argentina, and found all around the city in Buenos Aires. There are a plethora of options, from mid-range to high end ‘best in the world’ type restaurants. You simply can’t visit Palermo without trying one of these restaurants.
The iconic Don Julio is one of the most popular and well known parrilla restaurants, not only in Buenos Aires, but around the world! Such is it’s reputation, this steakhouse has even labelled in many awards, guides and rankings as a top 10-40 restaurant in the world! Of course, hearing the hype, recommendations, and reviews, we had to take a look for ourselves!
After securing a last minute lunchtime booking a week beforehand (yes this place books out well in advance), we eagerly awaited our visit. We knew from guides online that arriving early, even if you have a booking, is highly recommended. We had also heard from a friend about the infamous ‘champagne in line’ while you wait. Arriving at 11am for our 11.30am booking, we soaked up the atmosphere as the impeccably dressed waiter handed us cold champagne and ushered us to the back of a 20 person deep line. Everyone was excited, and we didn’t know what to expect. After a short 15-20 minute wait, where our drinks were topped up, we reached the front of the line, our booking was checked, and we were ushered inside to our table.
From the moment we stepped inside, from the décor, the staff service, the ripening tomatoes on hanging from the roof, and of course the food.. we had an incredible time. The menus detail the responsibly sourced, seasonal, organic produce. And the star of the show, the meat, is diverse in offerings. There are over 10 cuts of steak to choose from, along with sausages, non-beef meats, and a range of sides. Before we get a chance to order, we are brought a fresh tomato, cut in front of us, and drizzled with olive oil and salt. It’s delicious, something you’d get in Tess’s Nonna’s garden. Next on the complimentary offerings are warm baked bread, chimichurri (save some for your steak), and mini-empanadas. All excellent! With our appetites wet, it’s time to decide on the cut of meat. Being a little indecisive, the waiter invited us up to the open kitchen bar, where the chefs detailed the individual cuts of meat. Upon recommendation, we chose the 600gr butterfly steak.. a good choice and easily enough for us both. Paired with some sides of slow roasted capsicum and beans.. we were in food heaven!
So was Don Julio worth the hype? Absolutely! We found the food to be excellent, but the whole lunch to be more of an ‘experience’, definitely worth the time and money. And cost? It’s not cheap.. but not as expensive as we thought a ‘top restaurant in the world’ might be. All up, we spend around $150-200 AUD. This included the steak, sides, complimentary starters and the two glasses each of champagne. Could you find cheaper steakhouses in Buenos Aires.. definitely! Would the have the same experience.. probably not.
We have included a couple of recommendations below to help you if you decide to visit Don Julio in Palermo (Buenos Aires).
- Book in advance: Don Julio is popular, so a booked is required. If you don’t have a booking, you can wait out the front until a table ‘frees up’, however there is no timeline on this. If you are staying nearby, it might be easier to drop past and check on availabilities. Typically, peak lunch (e.g. 1-3pm) and peak dinner (8.30-11pm) times book up first. We managed to book an 11.30am time for lunch about a week in advance.
- Consider lunch over dinner: Controversial call we know, as dinner is very popular, but lunch was a great vibe! The light of the day allowed you to see everything happening both outside and in, adding to the experience. If you schedule allows, or you miss a dinner booking, don’t be afraid to go to Don Julio for lunch.
- Sit inside if you can: The atmosphere, décor and experience of sitting inside Don Julio is unmatched. If you get the option, definitely request to sit inside!
- Arrive early.. even with a booking! You are required to line up, even with a booking. Those in line receive complimentary champagne, and if you arrive earlier, you will have first option to sit inside/outside etc. We arrived 30 minutes early to our booking, and had to wait around 20 minutes.
- One steak is often enough to share.. if you’re trying to save money. As previously mentioned, Don Julio isn’t cheap. However, one cut of meat is often very generous, and paired with a few side, plus the complimentary starters, this can often be enough. However, if you’re looking to have a full experience, don’t stress on the price, and enjoy you time at Don Julio!
- You need to tip at Don Julio: Tipping in Argentina is standard, with amounts typically ranging between 10-15%. Keep this in mind when ordering your meal.
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