Grill & Spanish Cuisine
OUR TRADITION
We offer dishes influenced by Spanish culinary heritage. We strive to include elements of Galician ancestry, passed down from generation to generation. Nearly all our products are imported from Spain, such as red paprika, Padrón peppers, Jabugo ham, and more.
We are the only restaurant in Montevideo, Uruguay, that serves Galician Pie, feira Octopus, and Padrón Peppers.
El Palenque is the union of: tables full of joy, shared laughter, and flavors that tell stories.
LOCAL FLAVORS
Our commitment to quality ensures attention to every detail. When a dish reaches your table, it is the sum of top-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, over half a century of experience, innovation, and the artistry of our chefs, coupled with excellent service.
We feature the innovation of a rotating grill that captivates the audience. We offer various cuts of meat: Super Baby Beef, Ribeye with bone, Country-style Ribs, 1kg Round Rib, Wagyu Beef, Ribeye, Suckling Pig, Lamb Rack, and more.
El Palenque's grill is in perfect harmony with wine care. It is the responsibility of a good restaurateur to ensure that wine reaches the table in perfect storage conditions.
FLAVORS OF THE SEA
Discover where the flavors of the sea and the finest meats merge in an elegant ambiance. Located in the heart of Punta del Este, El Palenque is more than just a culinary experience: it’s a celebration of the senses.
Since 1958, El Palenque has been a symbol of Uruguayan cuisine at the Mercado del Puerto, blending tradition and excellence to create an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.
With strong Galician heritage, El Palenque is the only place in Montevideo offering dishes like Galician Pie and feira Octopus, with ingredients imported directly from Spain.
Renowned for its rotating grill and premium meat selection, El Palenque combines tradition and innovation to provide a unique experience, accompanied by a fine wine selection.
SINCE 1958
Located in the vibrant heart of Ciudad Vieja, El Palenque has been the culinary soul of the Mercado del Puerto since 1958. With over 60 years of history, we are a symbol of Uruguayan gastronomy, offering an experience that combines tradition and excellence, chosen by both locals and travelers seeking authentic flavors.
Since 2002, we have also brought our legacy to Punta del Este, on the iconic Avenida Roosevelt, just 5 minutes from the beach. Here, we continue with the same dedication and passion, offering our diners the chance to enjoy the best of our grill in one of the most exclusive destinations on the Uruguayan coast.
Meet the Founder
From bellboy in Seville to entrepreneur in Uruguay. Emilio Portela was part of a family of nine siblings spread across various emigrant destinations, from Latin America to the United States. Coming from Tomiño, Pontevedra, he arrived at the port of Montevideo in December 1958.
“There was a lot of poverty in Galicia, all of Spain, and Europe after the war. There wasn't enough to eat... Jobs were scarce. Men had to work wherever possible. My father emigrated to Santo Domingo, my elder brother went to Montevideo with another sister (...). I kept in touch with my mother by sending letters occasionally. I wrote to see how she was, whether she had fallen ill. She replied briefly, saying: If you’re well, I’m well, send me a hundred. And I sent it, because we had to help the family. (...)”
(Emilio González Portela, in With One Hand Behind and the Other Ahead, 2013).
Emilio González Portela arrived in Uruguay in the late 1950s. He had not yet turned 18 and found work at El Palenque, which was then a small eatery in Montevideo run by a Galician family. He began working there in 1958, and by 1961 he had become its owner after purchasing it in installments. His talent and determination transformed El Palenque into one of the major gastronomic hubs of Ciudad Vieja, at the heart of Mercado del Puerto.
Emilio arrived in Montevideo with nothing but the invaluable assets of youth and a strong will to work and move forward. He settled down, formed a family, and worked tirelessly. He rooted himself deeply in Uruguay, where he stayed forever. Half a century is merely the beginning of a family tradition poised for a limitless, successful future.
From Montevideo to the bay of Punta del Este, Don Boutique Hotel and Don Majestic by El Palenque are the perfect choice for those seeking to combine luxury and comfort in every destination. In Montevideo, Don Boutique Hotel stands as an oasis of design and exclusivity, located across from the iconic Mercado del Puerto, offering a unique experience in the heart of the city. Meanwhile, in Punta del Este, Don Majestic by El Palenque redefines sophistication with its contemporary style, situated just minutes from the most iconic beaches and vibrant nightlife. Both hotels ensure that your stay is as unforgettable as the landscapes that surround them.
Montevideo: Pérez Castellano 1579
Punta del Este: Ave. Roosevelt Parada 7
Montevideo: Every day from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Punta del Este: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM / 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM
