Don Julio

Don Julio is one of the best-known parrillas in Buenos Aires. The restaurant occupies a corner of Guatemala and Gurruchaga in Palermo Viejo, and it holds both a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star, the latter in recognition of its work with regenerative cattle ranching. It is run by Pablo Rivero, with Guido Tassi as executive chef.

Beef is the reason to come, and the Michelin Guide singles out its approach: the meat comes from Angus and Hereford cattle and is dry-aged in vacuum before it reaches the grill. Classic cuts on offer include ojo de bife (ribeye), bife de chorizo (sirloin), cuadril (rump), lomo (fillet), asado de tira (short rib) and entrecot. Start with house-made charcuterie and sweetbreads served whole, and add seasonal vegetables cooked on the grill, some of them from nearby organic gardens. A traditional way to finish is the zapallo, squash cooked in lime and syrup and served with Lincoln cheese.

Wine is a serious part of the experience. The basement cellar holds thousands of bottles, including vintages more than 50 years old, so it is worth asking the staff for a recommendation, particularly if you want to try older Argentine reds. The restaurant also runs its own butcher shop.

Don Julio opens every day for lunch from 11:30 to 16:00 and for dinner from 19:00 until 01:00. Demand is high, so reserve online well in advance through the restaurant's booking system; the website also lists a phone line and WhatsApp contact. The restaurant sits at the top of the price scale for the city, so it suits a special occasion, couples and groups of meat lovers rather than a quick meal. Vegetarians will find grilled vegetables and starters, but the menu is built around beef.

Plan on a long meal of two hours or more if you want to work through starters, a couple of cuts and dessert, and consider sharing cuts so that you can compare them. The restaurant is at Guatemala 4699 in Palermo Viejo, so it combines easily with an evening in Palermo, and the cocktail bar Tres Monos is on the same street, at Guatemala 4899, for a drink afterwards.