I am going to start writing about restaurants in my English blog (there are some in my Spanish blog and are generally negative), and will start with La Huella of serial restaurant developer Martin Pitaluga.
La Huella is a restaurant built over a sand dune facing the Atlantic Ocean in Jose Ignacio, a small village East of Punta del Este. While I have been to many seaside restaurants, mostly sailing around the Mediterranean, but some in other places such as Sag Harbor or South Beach in Miami, I have never experience as good quality food, atmosphere and decore as in La Huella. The food is simple, local, and of great quality. I recommend the grilled squid and the corvina.
For those who like steak, the entrecote is one of those Argentine cholesterol bombs, huge, juicy, amazingly good. Desserts? Volcan de Dulce de Leche tops it all. On the negative I can say that it´s super hard to get a table. You may try to say you are a reader of my blog….who knows, maybe that helps….
What makes La Huella stand out even more is its effortless blend of sophistication and laid-back coastal charm. The open-air design lets the sea breeze roll through while the sound of waves creates a soundtrack no speaker system could match. The staff moves with practiced ease, friendly but never intrusive, and the wine list—mostly Uruguayan with a few Argentine gems—perfectly complements the menu.
The crowd is eclectic: locals, celebrities, and travelers all sharing space without pretense. You can arrive straight from the beach with sand still on your feet, or dressed for a leisurely evening out. It’s that rare balance between casual comfort and world-class dining that makes La Huella unforgettable. For that relaxed seaside vibe, check out https://flipflops.cc/ for stylish flip flops that fit perfectly with the laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re anywhere near Punta del Este, it’s worth planning your day around a meal there. Go early, linger late, and let the ocean remind you why dining by the sea—when done right—is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Follow Martin Varsavsky on Twitter: twitter.com/martinvars
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Rob on February 11, 2007 ·
a bit overrated
Juan de Luca on April 3, 2007 ·
Hi, I arrived today from Jose Ignacio, Uruguay and just run into your blog praising Martin Pitaluga charming Parador La Huella.
So I felt the need to also comment on the fabulous job done by Martin Pitaluga himself, Guzman, Pini Caraballo and many other Faro de Jose Ignacio neighbors in trying to protect this beautiful seaside village .
Although that was not an easy task at first, thanks to Fundacion Ciudad Forum: “Que Jose Ignacio queremos ?”, consciousness on the need for a planned and sustainable growth in J. I., is now on the rise.
For next summer they ( Martin, Guzman…) are planning an awareness public campaign, to keep Jose Ignacio streets and beaches clear from contamination & garbage, that definitely deserves everybody´s endorsement.
http://www.fundacionciudad.org.ar/pdf/JI_Propuestas2005.pdf
Trudi on May 7, 2007 ·
Just came back after 1 moth in Uruguay. I went to La heulla several times and enjoyed every second of it. In fact I miss it a lot. It is the best sea side restaurant in the world. Even if the food was terrible, it would still be the best seaside restaurant in the world. In order to understand, you need to go!!!
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Juergen on December 28, 2006 ·
Where would I find it, is it close to Faro? Any chance to find places to rent at this time of year?
Saludos,
Juergen