While the rest of La Barra's has exploded with endless building and expansion, this postcard-cute boutique hotel along the town's main surfing beach has managed to keep step behind the frenetic pace. Just north of the main La Barra drag on a quiet sidestreet busier with board-schlepping surfers than speeding rental cars, this elegant dining room is located just off the main lobby of the hotel in a dark-tiled space alit in picture windows overlooking the sea. Lazy lunches popular with area locals in flip-flops and sun hats recedes to a more elegant dinner crowd with the main dining rooms captured in all-white tables and hurricane lamps aglow in candlelight.
The Food
In such a small property that’s privately owned, a menu that’s surprisingly un-hotel begins with a basket of homemade bread and menagerie of dipping oils and sauces that compliment affordably priced bottles of Don Pasqual �" our favorite local wine. An appetizer menu of market fresh produce is the result of a daily trip by the chef to the local fishing harbor where he hand selects fresh catches that result in grilled octopus, calamari salads and occasional ceviche. Main course is a more traditional collection of Uruguayan dishes derived from local beef and chicken recipes as well as larger seafood platter that are big enough for sharing.
Last Word
Well-known boutique hotel may not be your favorite room, given the older décor, but with the best location in town and restaurant that’s one of the best in Punta.
