Restaurant
Don Julio
Palermo's celebrated parrilla, holder of a Michelin star and Green Star, serving dry-aged Angus and Hereford beef from a cellar-backed corner house.
El Imparcial
Founded in 1860 by a Spanish immigrant and believed to be the oldest restaurant in Buenos Aires, serving puchero, paella and seafood near the Congress.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic Spanish restaurant
- Area
- Monserrat, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- elimparcialbsas.com.ar
Good to know
- Founded 1860
- Two dining floors
- Lunch and dinner daily
- Spanish classics
Why we recommend it
El Imparcial is believed to be the oldest restaurant in Buenos Aires. It was founded in 1860 by Severino García, a Spanish immigrant who had arrived at the city's port, and it has kept its Spanish character through more than a century and a half and three changes of address. The first premises stood beside the Cabildo on Calle Victoria, the street now called Hipólito Yrigoyen; it later moved to Bernardo de Irigoyen, and the widening of Avenida 9 de Julio pushed it to its present corner of Hipólito Yrigoyen and Salta, where it has been since 1933.
The name has a story. During and after the Spanish Civil War, supporters of Franco and of the Republic in the city tended to drink in separate bars, and arguments could turn into fights. To keep the peace, El Imparcial put up a sign above the counter, still there today, banning discussion of politics, religion and arguments from table to table, and the rule came to explain the name, which means The Impartial. In 1969 the building collapsed and was rebuilt, and the restaurant grew from fewer than 100 seats to two large floors.
The menu mixes Spanish classics with porteño favourites. Spanish dishes include puchero a la española, snails a la bordalesa, paella valenciana, octopus Galician style, cazuela de mariscos and fried squid, while milanesa a la napolitana and homemade pasta with a choice of ten sauces cover local tastes. Leave room for homemade desserts such as natilla, tiramisu, sabayón made with port, and rice pudding served in a glass. The wine list is broad.
El Imparcial opens every day for lunch from 12:00 to 16:00 and for dinner from 20:00 to 01:00. It suits families, groups, history lovers and anyone wanting a hearty meal at fair prices in an old-school dining room. The large rooms make it easier than many places to find a table, though booking for weekend evenings is sensible. You can contact the restaurant by email at [email protected].
The restaurant is on the corner of Hipólito Yrigoyen and Salta in Monserrat, a few blocks from the National Congress. It is in the same Monserrat district as the Palacio Barolo, so the two fit together well in a day in the historic centre.
El Imparcial FAQs
Is El Imparcial the oldest restaurant in Buenos Aires?
It was founded in 1860 and is believed to be the oldest restaurant in the city.
Why is it called El Imparcial?
A sign above the counter bans arguments about politics and religion, a rule dating from the tensions of the Spanish Civil War era, and the name, meaning The Impartial, reflects it.
What should I order?
Spanish classics such as puchero a la española, paella valenciana or pulpo a la gallega, with natilla or sabayón for dessert.
What are the opening hours?
Every day, 12:00 to 16:00 and 20:00 to 01:00, according to the city tourism board.
Is it a good place for groups?
Yes. Seating is spread over two large floors.
How can I contact it?
By email at [email protected] or through its website.
Where is it?
At Hipólito Yrigoyen 1201, on the corner of Salta, in Monserrat, a few blocks from the Congress.
Is it expensive?
No, it is a traditional restaurant with moderate prices.