Don Julio, a renowned steakhouse in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been named “The Best Restaurant in Latin America” and “The Best Restaurant in Argentina” for 2024, consolidating Argentina’s presence in the international gastronomic arena. The announcement was made on September 26 in Rio de Janeiro at the National Museum during the 12th edition of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony, as reported by La Repubblica.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants organization revealed this ranking on Tuesday, highlighting the culinary excellence of the region. Under the direction of owner and sommelier Pablo Rivero and chef Guido Tassi, Don Julio has redefined the experience of classic Argentine barbecue, with a focus on sustainability and regenerative ranching.
During the acceptance speech, Pablo Rivero expressed his gratitude and surprise. “We didn’t expect this prize. We work every day, every night, in the restaurant, and I’m very happy for a lot of reasons. For the team that gives everything. Very happy for my country, for my culture, I’m surprised and I want to congratulate all the colleagues, especially D.O.M., which is the best restaurant in the world. I think this time it didn’t win the best restaurant, but the most beloved,” he said, according to El Cronista.
William Drew, Director of Content for Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, praised the establishment. “We are delighted to recognise Don Julio as The Best Restaurant in Latin America 2024,” he stated, as reported by Robb Report. “Our sincerest congratulations to Pablo Rivero and the team at Don Julio, a truly special place that brings Argentine cuisine to the forefront internationally,” he added, according to La Repubblica.
This marks the second time Don Julio has won the title of Best Restaurant in Latin America; it previously reached the top of the list in 2020 and was in third place in 2023, as noted by La Repubblica. The restaurant’s philosophy is based on the quality of its ingredients: almost everything on the menu comes from its own farm, located 90 kilometers from Buenos Aires, including organic vegetables and meats from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle raised according to regenerative practices.
Don Julio uses an exclusive meat aging process, storing its meats in a climate-controlled chamber for at least 21 days to reach optimal maturity, contributing to its exceptional beef quality, as reported by La República. The restaurant is renowned for its cuts of meat, including thick rib-eye, giant T-bone, and the famous spiral sausage, leaving diners speechless with the combination of smokiness, nuttiness, and sweetness.
The wine list at Don Julio is spectacular, with over 14,000 labels, representing the best of Argentina, according to O Estado de S. Paulo. The level of attention and care at Don Julio is excellent, with small but significant gestures by the staff contributing to its reputation as a temple of haute cuisine.
The recognition emphasizes the creativity and commitment of Argentine chefs to innovate and offer unique experiences that conquer palates throughout the region, as noted by La República. Buenos Aires led the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants with eight positions, maintaining its strong position in the gastronomic scene and being the city with the most awarded restaurants in the 2024 ranking, the same number as in 2023.
Other notable Argentine restaurants included in the ranking are Gran Dabbang, which ranked 18th, and Aramburu, which reappeared at position 46 and is the only Argentine restaurant with two Michelin stars, offering an “exciting 18-course menu, which puts seafood in the first place,” as mentioned by La Repubblica. El Preferido de Palermo, Trescha, Niño Gordo, and Julia were also recognized, each contributing its distinctive stamp to the growth of gastronomy in the region, as reported by La República.
The Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards celebrate the innovation and tradition that coexist in every corner of the continent, showcasing the diversity and breadth of the Latin American gastronomic sector. The triumph of Don Julio celebrates not only its own greatness but also the talent and passion of a region that continues to conquer the world, one dish at a time.
Don Julio’s comprehensive approach has allowed it to gain not only an award but also the affection and preference of the public. The restaurant has become a must-visit destination for food lovers, attracting a legion of foreign fans, including Latinos, Americans, Europeans, and increasingly Russians, as well as celebrities like Lionel Messi.
In May, Don Julio was recognized as the best meat restaurant in the world in another prestigious list, as reported by Perfil. The restaurant has accumulated two Michelin stars: one red star and one green star, and is well known for its classic steaks and lengthy wine list.
Looking ahead, it seems likely that Don Julio will also appear in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking. Currently, Don Julio ranks 10th among the 50 best restaurants in the world and was the only Argentine restaurant on the global list this year.
Argentina, with its mix of tradition, innovation, and excellence, positions itself not only as a must-visit gastronomic destination but also as a key engine in consolidating Latin America as a culinary power.
