Mercado del Puerto

A historic 19th-century wrought-iron market hall now filled with parrilla grill restaurants serving Uruguayan asado. Visit for the smoky grilled meats, bustling atmosphere and live music, especially on weekends.

Things to do

• Watch the parrilleros at work — Grab a stool at the counter of a classic parrilla and watch cooks tend huge wood-fired grills piled with sizzling cuts.
• Eat at Estancia del Puerto — One of the market's most iconic grills where you can order a mixed asado platter straight off the coals.
• Admire the wrought-iron hall — Look up at the 1868 British-made iron structure and its central clock that give the market its landmark character.
• Catch weekend live music — On Saturdays and Sundays tango, candombe and folk musicians play among the tables creating a festive atmosphere.
• Sip a medio y medio — Order the market's signature sparkling wine cocktail from Roldos, the historic bar that popularized it.
• Explore Ciudad Vieja nearby — Wander the surrounding old town streets with their colonial buildings, antique shops and Sunday feel.

Food to try

• Asado — The star attraction is grilled beef, short ribs and other cuts cooked slowly over wood coals in the traditional Uruguayan style.
• Chivito — A hearty steak sandwich or platter loaded with ham, cheese, egg, bacon and salad that is Uruguay's signature dish.
• Provoleta — A round of provolone cheese grilled until melted and crusty, often seasoned with oregano and served as a starter.
• Morcilla and chorizo — Blood sausage and pork sausage grilled on the parrilla, frequently eaten as a choripán in bread.
• Medio y medio — A refreshing half-and-half blend of sparkling wine and white wine that is the classic drink to accompany your meal.
• Mollejas — Sweetbreads grilled crisp on the outside and tender within, a prized offal delicacy at the parrillas.

Local customs & good to know

• Come at lunchtime — The market is busiest and best around midday, especially Saturdays, and many grills wind down by late afternoon.
• Sit at the grill counter — Eating at the bar stools facing the parrilla is part of the experience and often gets you served faster than tables.
• Bring cash — Some smaller stalls prefer Uruguayan pesos in cash, though larger restaurants accept cards.
• Expect a lively crowd — The hall gets loud and packed with tourists and locals, so embrace the bustle rather than expecting a quiet meal.

Nearby

• Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) — 1 km
• Museo Torres García — 1 km
• Teatro Solís — 1 km
• Plaza Independencia — 1 km