Finally, after waiting 3 months, I could go for my first time to Don Julio in Buenos Aires. It’s Argentina’s most famous steakhouse in the capital city. Ranked as the number one steakhouse in the world but is it worth waiting and visiting when you are in Buenos Aires?
My honest review of the experience at Don Julio and a secret tip to get a last-minute table.
Read more: The top 12 steakhouse in Buenos Aires
Don Julio in Buenos Aires: was it worth?
In May I went with friends to eat at Don Julio. Not much time before the “already” famous restaurant on a corner in Palermo, was mentioned as the best steakhouse in the world. Of course, one reason more to visit.
Together with Argentine friends, we were extremely curious about how the meat would be, the drinks, the wine selection, and traditional meat cuts Argentine style. Since 2017 I went to countless steakhouses – called Parrilla’s – in Buenos Aires. So it was about how Don Julio would be different and more tasty compared to other restaurants.
Book a table at Don Julio
We made a reservation in advance because Don Julio restaurant in Buenos Aires is famous among tourists. You can book 90 days in advance but as soon as a day is open for booking, it is quickly fully booked. You can book for lunch or dinner. Seats are available inside and outside the restaurant. From Spring till Autumn, it is nice to sit outside.
Booking a table is easy and online on Parrilla Don Julio’s website. Link here.
Experience at Don Julio Buenos Aires
The hospitality was very kind and went smoothly when we arrived at Don Julio in Buenos Aires. We needed to wait 10 minutes outside but we received a glass of wine to kill the waiting time.
We had a table inside on the balcony with a view on the parrilla (grill) itself. Kind waiters that spoke English. Shortly after taking a seat we received the menu and were looking for the traditional meat cuts. And we found! We took a tira de asado (ribs), mollejas (sweatbreads), and morcilla (blood sausage). Accompanied by a nice wine.
There is a very extensive choice of wine. Ranging from the traditional better wines to more exclusive ones. If you go to the toilet on the -1 floor, you can view the wine cellar.
Meat quality
The quality of the meat was good with a delicious touch of the smoke from the fire. The meat came off the bone nicely. All together makes the meat just that little bit tastier. I noticed that the meat is handled with great precision. Still top-quality meat. The t-bone steak is popular, but as mentioned before, not the traditional Argentinian parrilla meat.
What is the price to eat at Don Julio?
For four people, one bottle of wine, two bottles of water, salad, soft drinks, meat, and dessert we paid around 120 USD per person at Don Julio in Buenos Aires. Prices can go easily up if you order bigger pieces of meat or higher-class wines.
Was it worth going to Don Julio?
Yes, if you want to have a steak in the number one steakhouse in the world. The service is excellent with great attention from the waiters but not in a fancy location. The meat quality will be probably always high as it was at my visit. It was for sure delicious!
No, if you want to have more true Argentine Asado Parrilla experience. But that’s of course a subjective feeling. For the same price per person at Don Julio you can eat with three – four people in a Parrilla restaurant with the same meat cuts. You can check out other steakhouses in Buenos Aires here.
Another option is that if you want to have more information about the meat culture in Argentina, then I suggest going to Fogón Asado (link to Fogón). Same meat quality but a more interactive but cozy evening.
Secret: last-minute table at Don Julio in Buenos Aires
Don Julio is every day open from 11:30 to 16:00 and from 19:00 to 01:00. The Argentines go late to dinner between 21:00 and 22:00. However, the fact is that Don Julio prices are above most Argentine’s budget. So, Don Julio restaurant in Buenos Aires attracts more tourists who want to eat earlier. When we left around midnight, many tables were available.
I suggest taking a chance to go around 22:00 and 22:30 to get a table. It’s not a guarantee. But worth trying as I saw another couple entering around 23:00.
4 Comments
Glenn, thanks for your post. When you say eating in Don Julio is around U$120 per person, Is this calculation with the official rate dollar? Thanks!
Hi Ger, Indeed that was my calculation at the official rate.
Glenn, what a disappointment. Your blog is “SECRETS of Buenos Aires” and you review Don Julio?
Cop out!
That’s just the most touristy restaurant in all of Argentina. You, along with 43,559 other reviewers hash the same places over and over and over again.
There’s got to be 5000 parrillas in Bs As and one day before my next trip I’d like to read about not just the same ‘guidebook five’ (don j., la Cabrera, la peña,…) but the other 4995 places. Thanks.
Chris, the post is my personal review of Don Julio. As you may read below the article I mention that there are other parrilla’s in Buenos Aires with the same or even better quality for a lower price. Would I give Don Julio a 5-star in comparison with other parrilla’, no. As my article started, I went out of curiosity because it is a popular place in town and as a blog writer about Buenos Aires I wanted to check it out.
Every time I am discovering new parrilla’s in Buenos Aires and will continue writing my personal opinion about it.