
Once we arrived in Montevideo, we checked into our apartment overlooking Plaza Independencia, and then it was time to start thinking about food. Of course, for our first meal in the capital, we decided to try Uruguayan steak. Much like neighbouring Argentina, Uruguay enjoys a very high reputation for the quality of its beef. We ate at a steakhouse called El Fogón, where we ordered the 'entrecot', which is the ribeye steak and one of the most popular cuts of meat in Uruguay. We paired this with a Tannat wine, which is the national grape of Uruguay. Overall a great meal and a wonderful start to our trip in Montevideo!
Restaurant address: El Fogón, San José 1080, 11100 Montevideo, Uruguay
Exploring Colonia & Montevideo, Uruguay 🇺🇾: Old Town, Lighthouse Views, Bus Journey & Local Food Adventure
🌅 Morning in Colonia del Sacramento: Old Town Magic & Lighthouse Views 🏛️🗺️
Good morning from the enchanting town of Colonia del Sacramento! With the sun shining and far fewer tourists midweek, we took the chance to stroll once again through the historic old town. The cobbled streets and beautifully preserved colonial architecture shine with charm, making Colonia a must-visit spot in Uruguay. We decided to make the most of our last hours by climbing the iconic lighthouse (El Faro). The climb, while a little claustrophobic and involving a final ladder, rewards you with sweeping views over the tiled rooftops and the sparkling Río de la Plata.
🍦 Sweet Treats & Last Walks: Ice Cream & Empanadas in Colonia 🍓🍨
With warm weather in full force, it was time for artisanal ice cream—strawberry sorbet for a refreshing break. Colonia’s ice cream shops abound, with even Fredo’s (an Argentine favorite) around the corner. Before heading to the bus terminal, we checked out of our Airbnb and took a leisurely walk, bags now heavier with Tannat wine and souvenirs. At the terminal’s café, we tucked into our first Uruguayan empanada: salami and cheese, warm and gooey, the perfect way to spend our last moments in this riverside gem. If you visit, two days in Colonia is ideal—just enough to soak up its relaxed pace and old-world charm.
🚌 Overland to Montevideo: Travel Costs, Scenery & Arrival in the Capital 🌾🚌🌇
Boarding the bus to Montevideo, we paid 424 Uruguayan pesos (about 11 US dollars) each for the three-hour journey. The route cuts through the heart of Uruguay’s pampas—endless flatlands, grazing cows, and fields dotted with crops.
🍷 First Impressions & Local Wine: Sipping Tannat in Montevideo 🍇🥂
After the journey, it was time to unwind and refuel with an iconic Uruguayan experience: steak and Tannat wine. We toasted with Don Pascual, a velvety, coastal Tannat that stands as proof of Uruguay’s rising star in wine production. The country’s small but passionate wine industry is making waves, and this bottle showcased exactly why. Smooth, rich, and perfectly paired with a meal of legendary Uruguayan beef.
🥩 The Main Event: Indulging in Uruguayan Steak Excellence 🍽️🥩
For our first meal, we all ordered ‘entrecot’—known as sirloin or New York strip—served in classic Uruguayan style. The beef here rivals, if not surpasses, that of Argentina, thanks to cows grazing on lush pampas, infusing the meat with unbeatable flavor. Each plate arrived with sides like peas, bacon, peppers, mushrooms, potatoes, and creamy pumpkin puree. Every bite was a revelation—tender, juicy, and decadent. It’s true: Argentina and Uruguay are world champions of beef.
🍮 Decadent Dessert: Dulce de Leche Pancakes & Ice Cream 🥞🍦
No visit would be complete without sampling dessert. Though we’d planned to skip it, the lure of crepes filled with dulce de leche and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream proved irresistible. Topped with caramelized sugar, this was hands-down one of the best dulce de leche pancakes we’ve tasted. As always, the meal ended with scraped-clean plates and happy smiles.
Travelling to MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay + Trying URUGUAYAN STEAK + Tannat Wine in the Capital!
BLOGS