We celebrated a birthday at Don Julio Parrilla with reservations booked weeks in advance. We were…read morepart of the first seating, and the entire operation ran incredibly smoothly. While waiting the very minimal time for our table, we were treated to free Prosecco and mini empanadas--I actually managed to enjoy almost two glasses before we were seated! Indoor dining seems to be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on your reservation time. We were given an outdoor table, which offered a lovely atmosphere, but it does come with a significant caveat.
While Palermo is undeniably one of the nicer neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, its popularity with tourists makes it a target for pickpockets and scammers. If you are dining outside, you need to remain vigilant. During our meal, we witnessed a specific scam happen twice: individuals selling socks would approach outdoor tables and casually lay a few pairs down right over people's belongings. When they picked their merchandise back up, they would subtly swipe whatever was underneath. Be extremely careful and absolutely do not leave your phone or wallet resting on the table. One table managed to get their phone back only after chasing the thief down for several blocks, while an older group nearby wasn't as lucky. To the restaurant's credit, the staff actively pushes these individuals away when they spot them bothering customers, and there was a police officer stationed near the entrance for the entirety of our meal. I never felt unsafe dining there or walking around the area, but falling victim to a scam can easily ruin an evening. If you want a more relaxed experience where you don't have to keep your guard up as much, I highly recommend aiming for an indoor table.
Moving on to the meal itself, It absolutely lives up to the hype. We shared the ribeye, and it was fantastic. I might not go so far as to call it the absolute best steak in the world, having had my fair share of great cuts across NYC, LA, Japan, Korea, and Australia, but the quality was undeniable and it was cooked perfectly. The accompanying sauces were excellent, and I absolutely loved the grilled cheese and the house-grown grilled peppers. If you are seated outside, take a moment to step inside, perhaps to use the restroom, just to see the open kitchen and the magnificent wine cellar downstairs. It is incredible to witness the sheer care they put into cooking the meats.
What truly sets Don Julio apart, however, is the staff. They are extremely friendly and welcoming, and the service is easily among the best of any restaurant I have visited in the world. To celebrate the birthday, they generously comped one of our appetizers and provided a beautiful dessert. It was an incredibly kind gesture they didn't have to do, and we deeply appreciated the caring hospitality. This is the exact type of restaurant I will always want to come back to whenever I am in Buenos Aires; the food is incredible, but the service is even better.
