PlanetEye

Buenos Aires experienced a huge wave of immigrants during the late 1800's until the 1950's, specially from the old continent, as we like to call Europe. The city became a big melting pot where many different communities interrelated. Right along the Avenida the Mayo (from Avenida 9 de Julio to the Congreso Nacional) is where a good part of the Spaniard community settled. Here you will find a number of restaurants, hotels and theatres deeply connected with the community. Among some of the restaurants, there is one which I will like to outline, this is the Restaurant El Imparcial. This restaurant was established by Don Manuel Garcia in October of 1860. Since then (amid the many transformations throughout the years) the restaurant has been serving Spanish food as well as comida criolla (Argentine cuisine). The decor is simple and classic, very Spaniard style as you can imagine, full of paintings and Hand-painted tile murals. The place is clean and well lighted. Service is very good, provided by experimented old-fashion waiters (all male). As soon as you sit down, you will be treated to a complementary glass of mistela (sherry). Needless to say, the Gran Paella a la Valenciana is one of the specialties. It is very fresh and comes with a decent variety of seafood, however I would add some pieces of chorizo and artichokes. Fish and seafood are also good choices in this restaurant. The Merluza Negra Grille or the Gran Parana a la Parrilla or the Cazuela de Mariscos are great and yummy choices. Also try the classic Jamón Serrano and the Tortilla a la Española or the Puchero criollo. But if you want to try Spaniard classics, have a big appetite and don't have to work afterwards, try the Fabada Asturiana or the Caldo Gallego. The wine list is first-rate. Weekends are very busy, especially Sunday. Porteños come in after 10 PM and things can get hectic, but don't worry, the waiters know what they are doing. So don't miss the chance to have a great meal at El Imperial, a slice of Spaniard tradition in the heart of Buenos Aires...
PS: it is a bit pricey.

Restaurant "El Imparcial"

Hipólito Yrigoyen 1201 - Congreso

4383-2919

http://www.elimparcial.com.ar/