Don Julio: The steak you can’t miss
We interviewed Pablo Rivero, owner of Don Julio, the grill most favored by international tourists and visited by Lionel Messi, where he told us that ribeye steak is the most sought-after dish. Of course, it’s always paired with a good wine. The grill has been recognized with several awards, including the World's 50 Best and the Michelin Guide.
In April 2024, Don Julio topped the prestigious World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants ranking for the second consecutive year, beating 850 competitors from various countries. Two months later, it ranked tenth on the global list of the 50 Best Restaurants according to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In November of the same year, the same grill was crowned the best restaurant in Latin America by Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Also in 2024, Don Julio was recognized by the Michelin Guide with one star and a green star, highlighting not only its culinary excellence but also its commitment to sustainability.
These are just a few of the many recognitions Don Julio has received throughout its rich 25+ year history. Located at Guatemala 4691 (corner of Gurruchaga) in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the grill is synonymous with quality – its meats and wines prove it – and quantity – there's always a crowd waiting to get in.
Pablo Rivero, Don Julio’s voice of authority
“It’s a home and a family that opens its doors daily to give its best, showcasing what we know and what we’ve built over the years within these walls, which are a haven of warmth for us and for our guests. It’s a simple Argentine proposal with a variety of wines you shouldn’t miss,” highlights Pablo Rivero, owner and face of this great Argentine grill.
Pablo admits that the most popular cut is the renowned ribeye. Its meticulous preparation before hitting the grill, the perfect cooking, and the pairing with one of over 15,000 wine bottles in their remarkable cellar make for an ideal plan to enjoy an unforgettable lunch or dinner. “Wine should never be missing, no matter which one, because this is a place where wine is the concept,” Pablo adds.
Reservations at Don Julio
Travelers who want to experience Don Julio should know in advance that thousands of tourists – and locals – want the same. That’s why Pablo recommends booking your table two weeks in advance. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 AM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 1 AM. You can visit their website for reservation options.
United States, the main market
When asked about the international market that visits Don Julio the most, Rivero stated, “It depends on the time of year. Right now, many come from the United States. At other times, it was Brazilians or Peruvians.” The reality is that any international tourist arriving in Buenos Aires thinks of Don Julio when it’s time to eat.
“Don Julio is one of thousands of grills, and like all of them, it has a truly Argentine heart. It’s a place where, at least for us, we give it all. When people come, there’s a lot of love. It’s one of the great grills – there are many,” Pablo concludes, with a touch of humility.
Lionel Messi and many others have chosen Don Julio
Such is its reputation worldwide that dining at Don Julio is a must for major international celebrities. At the corner of Guatemala and Gurruchaga, many famous guests have dined, including Lionel Messi, actors Robert Pattinson, Jared Leto, and Matt Damon, and even former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Where Don Julio is located and how to get there
The grill is located at Guatemala 4699, Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina, a neighborhood known for its vibrant gastronomic and nightlife scenes.
By public transportation:
Subway (Metro): line D (green). Get off at Plaza Italia station and walk about 5 blocks (approximately 8 minutes).
Buses: nearby lines: 12, 15, 29, 34, 36, 39, 55, 57, 59, 60, 64, 68, 93, 111, 152, 160, 166, 188. The closest stop is at Av. Santa Fe and Thames, about 300 meters from the restaurant.
By car or motorcycle: from downtown Buenos Aires, take Av. 9 de Julio, then Av. Santa Fe toward Palermo, and turn onto Thames until you reach Guatemala. Paid parking is available nearby, and some streets allow parking with meters.
By bicycle: Palermo has safe bike lanes. You can use bikes from the public "EcoBici" system, with stations near Plaza Italia.
By taxi or ride-hailing apps: services like Uber, Cabify, or DiDi operate in the area and can drop you off right at the restaurant's door.
On foot: if you’re already in Palermo Soho or Palermo Hollywood, the grill is within walking distance from the main points of the neighborhood.
Photo credits: Don Julio