Garzón

It may seem strange to find a gourmet restaurant run by a celebrity chef at the end of a dirt road in Uruguayan farm country, but Francis Mallman has never been conventional (when he opened a restaurant on Long Island, he did so in the least chic nave, West Hampton.) Mallman earned his reputation as Argentina’s best chef in Mendoza and Buenos Aires, where he runs the highly-lauded Patagonia Sur.

In Garzón, an inland town about a half-hour drive from José Ignacio, Mallman might as well be called the mayor. He owns much of the surrounding land and a small inn, but his restaurant is what draws elite visitors and foodies from all over South America. His creative concoctions, like the legendary wood-grilled meats and fish, may compare in complexity to those of international culinary wizards such as Heston Blumenthal and Thomas Keller, and given that even lunch costs about $100 per person, they should.

Indagare Tip: Garzón is a 40-minute drive from José Ignacio, so a meal here can be a five-hour affair.

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Exterior View - La Caracola, José Ignacio, Uruguay

La Caracola

Nothing embodies the effortless beach charm of José Ignacio better than La Caracola. The latest venture from the owners of Parador La Huella, La Caracola isn’t a bona fide club, but you do have to be invited or know the owners to get in. You arrive via a small rowboat that crosses Garzón Lagoon and deposits you at your destination: a simple wooden building with white walls, canvas awnings, a fireplace and wooden beach furniture. The décor is sparse to allow the views of the Atlantic to be the star attraction (along with the crowd of course.) The food is similar to that served at La Huella; nothing fancy but very fresh and delicious.

Note: La Caracola only accepts reservations for groups of 10 or more.

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Marismo

Bonfire dining has been raised to a bohemian art form at Marismo, José Ignacio’s premiere dinner spot. Reached via a winding dirt road off route 10, the romantic spot is set within a pine forest and lit by torches and candles. Convivial groups of families and friends gather at the long tables that surround a bonfire and feast on the specialty of the house, braised lamb. Even if you have a reservation, expect to wait; no one here is in a rush to leave.

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Exterior View : Parador La Huella, José Ignacio, Uruguay

Parador La Huella

In José Ignacio town, this is the prime place to come for lunch. The beachfront spot is ground zero for beautiful people, but the delicious food is what makes it so popular. While it may remind of Club 55 in St. Tropez, La Huella manages to feel both chicer and simpler. The scene is cool and laid-back, but getting a table is no easy feat during the high season. Regulars are waved in, so it’s best to reserve in advance if you are not one. The tables on the front terrace are prime for people watching, but there is additional indoor seating. The menu offers delicious salads, grilled steak and fish as well as pizza, pasta and sushi. Don’t miss the volcano desserts—especially the dulce de leche. At lunch, the view of the beach and sea is great, but at night, the atmosphere changes to be much cozier with lots of candlelight. Both mealtimes are special.

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