The famous Punta del Este 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 summer destination. So much so that in the low season, between July and September, most commercial establishments closed and only casinos remained, deserted beaches and very cold.
But this scenario has changed with the Covid-19 pandemic. Around 20,000 new residents moved to the region, especially Argentinians, Europeans and Brazilians, all in search of quality of life. With these new residents, attractions began to emerge and establishments that used to open three or four months a year now open for about 11 months
The Punta del Este region has therefore become a good destination option for the July holidays as well. Below is a selection of restaurants, wineries and accommodation for those who want to visit Punta in winter, considered the most economical season of the year.
Leonardo Etxea Restaurant
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The Basque tavern of the friendly Leonardo Etxea is in Punta del Este and it is one of those places frequented by locals who seek cuisine with fresh fish from the region, such as the delicious brotola and black croaker, seafood and also paella.
Some options from the extensive menu are not to be missed, such as the octopus, pimientos del piquillo stuffed with crab or tender squid. The wine list is another spectacle in itself. Leo is passionate about 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 cuisine with seasonal ingredients, so it is possible to eat almost anything there, but with the advantage of everything being very well done. Well-kept coffee, cakes and breads, sandwiches and dishes such as the local fish tiradito with yellow ají and passion fruit, crab cake from Laguna de Rocha with salad and, for the colder days, the pork bondiola braised in oyster salsa , mashed potatoes with wasabi and kimchi.
Estero Vinería
For those who want to focus on the wines but have already toured all the local wineries, one option is the winebar. Estero Vinería in La Barra, open year-round – 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 crowded if it were in São Paulo – not that in La Barra don’t have your days with a queue at the door. The cafeteria, which for years operated seasonally, is now open all year round, from Wednesday to Monday, from 9am to 7pm. Perfect for warming up on cold days with hot chocolate, cakes, pies or a tasty peanut alfajor, all homemade. For the most hungry, very well served sandwiches also appear on the menu.
El Popu
Vegans and vegetarians also have their place in this guide. In this space, collaborative in La Barra, in addition to dishes that change weekly, it also works as a cafeteria, bar and space for yoga classes. Open daily from 9 am, it seems like there’s always something going on. The spacious 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 it will be closed in July of this year for a small renovation in the kitchen, but it returns at the end of August, deserving of a place in the itinerary. Opening onto a beautiful garden, it is the perfect place for both dinner and a sunny Sunday lunch. from the chefs Federico Gaspari and Lucía Sosa Dias the restaurant now has its kitchen in front of Luciana da Silva Lopes who was chef at the Jacarandá restaurant in São Paulo, in 2016.
Its cuisine is intense and rich in flavors, with local ingredients. The last menu brought pearls such as crab cakes, grilled squid, Thai sea soup, cauliflower au gratin with peanuts and, for carnivores, the lamb with eggplant cannot be missing. 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, very comfortable and with everything you need to spend a few peaceful days in one of the best locations in the area, between Punta del Este and José Ignacio, with easy access to restaurants and cafes.
Wanderlust, accommodation in José Ignacio
With very attractive prices in 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 with great taste.
The common area encourages the coexistence of guests and it is frequent to find cooks and part of the restaurant team spending a short period of time working in local enterprises.
By the way, this time of year is when the region’s residents gather to party on quieter days, usually Monday through Thursday. So, it’s always worth trying to stay informed about the schedule when you arrive in town.
Bodega Oceanica José Ignacio
With a few years since its inauguration, the small but highly technological Bodega Oceanica José Ignacio , which began as an olive oil production project, has achieved the same excellence in wines. The place is not only beautiful, but also cares for visitors, who can enjoy a complete tasting, including the oils, and learn a little more about the production of this much-loved delicacy.
MACA – Fundacion Pablo Atchugarry
The foundation, also known as Atchugarry Museum of Contemporary Art , is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 11 am to 5 pm. Recently opened and with free admission, MACA, located in La Barra, is surrounded by a beautiful park of sculptures 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 walk outdoors with the children.
Pueblo Eden
A small and peculiar village, where approximately 250 people live and is surrounded by nature and a simple and rural lifestyle, is one of the pearls of the region, about 45km from Punta del Este.
On the second Sunday of each month, the Mercado do Produtor presents a rich offer of local products, produced by the residents.
Wines, including low-intervention wines by enologist Fiorella Faggiani, craft beer, honey, olive oil, organic products, clothing and handicrafts are sold at a festive pace.
For those who want to venture into 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.
Eden vineyard
And who goes to Pueblo Eden you certainly don’t run out of wine, as nearby is also the impressive Viña Eden , where you can either have lunch with a beautiful view or just taste their excellent wines. This is one of the only wineries where you can buy wine and pick it up in Brazil without having to carry the bottles.
Bodega Cerro del Toro
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 it its name and where it is located, it is possible to see the vineyards and the valley.
Project of a Japanese family for more than 50 years in Uruguay, the winemaking area is not yet ready, but the well-kept tasting has already taken place and can even accompany pizzas or a well-served board of cold cuts. The wines from there have already won highlights in awards with Descorchados. If you go at the end of the day, you still run the risk of winning a beautiful sunset as a bonus.
Giuliana Nogueira
Giuliana Nogueira is Brazilian, psychologist, photographer and communication advisor. She is neither a winemaker nor a sommelierè. But she is an oenophile, especially passionate about Uruguayan wines and Uruguay. She keeps Instagram @Instatannat , talking more about Uruguayan wines than the Uruguayans themselves. Whenever he can, he travels to the land of our neighbors, who know how to receive very well.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
