It is difficult for an Argentine living in Buenos Aires to explain to a foreigner what a bodegón is. This type of restaurant with a cantina feel is very common in Buenos Aires and captivates both locals and travelers. It is easier to use an example to explain what a bodegón is in Buenos Aires and, for that, there is nothing better than Don Zoilo.
This restaurant and tavern in the Villa Crespo neighborhood has “bewitched” its customers for more than 30 years. What is the secret of the enchantment? Very simple: a family atmosphere, professional waiters and meals prepared with the highest quality ingredients.
Don Zoilo is a restaurant and tavern that refuses to become part of the past and, to do so, constantly seeks to renew itself and be in tune with the demands of new customers.
Don Zoilo (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is Don Zoilo?
Don Zoilo is a traditional “bodegón” or cantina-style restaurant located in the Villa Crespo neighborhood. With over 30 years of history, it has become one of the top spots in Buenos Aires to enjoy everything from Argentine barbecue (asado) to Italian pastas, catering to a wide range of local favorites.
Upon entering Don Zoilo, you’ll immediately sense that you’re in for a delightful meal. Housed in an old-style mansion, the restaurant offers excellent service, largely thanks to the experienced waitstaff who know how to make your visit memorable.
At Don Zoilo, the focus is on high-quality ingredients, served in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, with generous portions that are sure to satisfy.
Product Quality
Don Zoilo preserves the charm of traditional Buenos Aires bodegones, which captivate both locals and foreigners alike. However, they don’t just rely on history and nostalgia. In recent years, they’ve upgraded their kitchen processes with technology to improve the aging and cooking of their products. This includes high-tech meat aging equipment, advanced cooking systems, and vacuum packaging machines.
Comfort and Quality Combined
The restaurant also stands out for its spacious and cozy dining rooms. You’ll find wine bottles on display and hams hanging in the traditional style, but there’s also a more modern section with a vertical garden.
While opening hours may vary, Don Zoilo typically operates in the mornings and evenings, except on Mondays when the restaurant is closed.
Where is Don Zoilo?
Don Zoilo is located in the Villa Crespo neighborhood, specifically at 1406 Honorio Pueyrredón Avenue, right on the corner of Luis Viale Street. This area of Buenos Aires is predominantly residential, with a few shops, restaurants, and cafes scattered around the nearby avenues and plazas.
Honorio Pueyrredón Avenue, where Don Zoilo is situated, connects the neighborhoods of Caballito and Villa Crespo in the heart of Buenos Aires.
Important nearby avenues include Ángel Gallardo Avenue (which becomes Gaona Avenue after crossing Pueyrredón), San Martín Avenue (leading northwest to the Paternal and Agronomía neighborhoods), Juan Bautista Justo Avenue (connecting Villa Crespo with Palermo), and Warnes Avenue (famous for its car parts shops).
Additionally, Don Zoilo is close to Parque Centenario and the Cid Campeador monument.
How to Get to Don Zoilo?
The most convenient way to reach Don Zoilo is by public transportation. Since there are no nearby subway stations, it’s best to take one of the many bus lines that pass close to the restaurant: 24, 42, 57, 76, 99, 106, 110, 124, and 135.
One of the advantages of the area around Don Zoilo is that it doesn’t see heavy traffic throughout the day, especially at night. However, during weekday evening rush hours, traffic congestion can occur on the avenues leading west out of Buenos Aires. If you plan to drive or bike to Don Zoilo, be aware that the nearest parking options are about two blocks away, either north or south of Honorio Pueyrredón Avenue.
Why Visit Don Zoilo?
Hot and Cold Starters
To start your culinary journey at Don Zoilo, nothing beats their selection of hot and cold appetizers. We recommend trying the spinach fritters, calamari rings, burrata with prosciutto, and provoleta (grilled cheese with herbs and accompaniments).
Salads and Sides
You can choose from salads, French fries, or mashed potatoes as sides to complement your main dish. It’s always a good idea to balance your main course with a side that isn’t too heavy in terms of fat and calories.
Main Dishes
The highlight of Don Zoilo is undoubtedly its Argentine barbecue and grilled meats.
You can choose from the full range of traditional Argentine asado options: offal, chorizo, blood sausage, ribeye, tenderloin, flank steak, and other classic cuts of beef. Additionally, pork, chicken, and some fish options are available.
If you’re in the mood for something other than barbecue or grilled meats, Don Zoilo also offers milanesas (breaded meat), beef pie, and even pastas (filled or unfilled) that you can pair with your sauce of choice.
Desserts
There’s no better way to end your feast at Don Zoilo. The menu features classic Argentine desserts, but with the added touch of being made by Don Zoilo.
You can choose from flan or bread pudding (both served with cream and dulce de leche), tiramisu, apple pancakes, and ice cream.
But the star dessert here is the chocolate lava cake, which will leave a lasting impression once you taste its sweet, molten center.
Wine List
Don Zoilo offers a variety of wines from Argentina’s best wineries. If you prefer not to drink wine or other alcoholic beverages, you can choose from soft drinks, sparkling water, or even coffee and tea to finish your meal.
