Exterior View -  Cactus y Pescado, José Ignacio, Uruguay,

Cactus y Pescado

Hamburgers, fish and pasta are served at this typical beach bar just up from Bikini Beach in Manantiales.

Exterior View - Fish Market Manantiales, Ignacio, Uruguay

Fish Market Manantiales

Located on the main strip in Manantiales, just steps away from the beach, the Fish Market serves some of the freshest seafood in the area. The restaurant features an open kitchen with al fresco dining on colorful picnic tables. All of the servers wear aprons made of bold fabrics from Roberta Roller Rabbit, who has a tiny store adjacent to the restaurant. Their homemade ceviche, whole fish dishes and grilled octopus should not be missed.

Ice Cream at Freddo, José Ignacio, Uruguay

Freddo

In terms of scale, Freddo could be considered the Baskin-Robbins of South America, with many locations throughout Argentina and Uruguay. But when it comes to quality, the high-quality ice cream brand is in another category altogether. There is an outpost on the main square in José Ignacio and another on the main drag in La Barra, which has a nice terrace with ocean views. Be careful: this can become an afternoon addiction.

Temporarily closed as of November 2023. 

La Excusa Coffeehouse and Bar

Located in José Ignacio town, La Excusa serves great coffee, breakfast and lunch during the day and has live music, pizza and cocktails at night, all of which can be enjoyed in the alfresco garden.
Food at La Susana, José Ignacio, Uruguay

La Susana

La Susana, owned by Vik Resorts, is barefoot glamour at its best. The beach club-cum-restaurant serves beach-friendly fare with an emphasis on local specialties and seafood. There is a supplemental sushi menu at lunch, which is excellent; other favorites include the homemade sausage, catch of the day bites, the La Susana salad and all of the grilled entrées. The vibe throughout is lighthearted and fun, and the hot spot attracts glamorous locals as well as well-heeled visitors. La Susana is best enjoyed with a group, and guests should plan to stay a while; lunch languidly rolls into the afternoon as the cocktails begin to flow.

Temporarily closed as of November 2023. 

Editors' Picks

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.

Editors' Picks
Food at Mostrador Santa Teresita, José Ignacio, Uruguay

Mostrador Santa Teresita

Owned by an Argentine chef, this casual spot is perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch. There is a daily buffet as well as an à la carte menu with items like creamy scrambled eggs with roasted cherry tomatoes. The house specialty is paella, which pairs well with the day’s market-fresh salads, roasted meats and grains (all of which can be taken to-go for a beach picnic). Coffee lovers must try the iced Colombian coffee.

Temporarily closed as of November 2023. 

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.

Editors' Picks
Ambience: Rex, José Ignacio, Uruguay

Rex

Rex claims to serve the best chivitos (a typical Uruguayan steak sandwich) in the region. Decorated in the style of an old-fashioned diner with a counter and red vinyl stools, Rex is popular with families who come for hot dogs, chivitos and waffles for dessert. The best tables are in the back overlooking the sea.

Exterior View - Suaya Bar & Restaurant, José Ignacio, Uruguay

Suaya Bar & Restaurant

Since the owner of Casa Suaya is a successful restaurateur from Los Angeles, it comes as no surprise that his hotel has an excellent restaurant. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and beef cooked asado-style in a wood-fired oven, and the crowd tends towards young and beautiful.

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