When Ignacio Mattos was a teenager, his mother kicked him out of his grandparents’ farm in Montevideo, Uruguay. “I guess I was misbehaving. Getting into trouble. Things you do when you’re 16,” he told AIR MAIL last year. He went to stay with a friend, and took an overnight shift at a catering company. Cooking soon became a passion.

Mattos spent time in Florianópolis, Brazil, and attended culinary school in Montevideo, but everything changed when he showed up at the renowned chef Francis Mallman’s doorstep. Mallman’s restaurant Los Negros, in the quaint town of Garzón, had already garnered international acclaim. Six months turned into six years.

Learning from Mallman opened many doors. Mattos moved to New York in 2006 after working for the chefs Judy Rodgers and Alice Waters in San Francisco. “I thought I should go out on my own.”

By 2012, he’d opened Estela, which won him a Michelin star. Then came the Italian restaurant Altro Paradiso and the seafood-focused Flora Bar, both in 2016, followed by Lodi in 2021. Here, the star chef shares his go-to restaurants, bars, and sights on Uruguay’s golden coast.

VITAMINAS

Vitaminas, in Punta del Este, is more than just a cafe; it’s a cozy haven run by my dear friend Clo Dimet. She’s created a fun and casual atmosphere to enjoy delicious food. If you’re heading to José Ignacio or Garzón, it’s a wonderful place to take a break and refuel. It’s one of those places where you want to become a regular. (vitaminas.uy)

Inside Salón Número 3, in La Barra.

SALÓN NÚMERO 3

For a simple yet delightful small bar or restaurant experience, check out Salón Número 3 in La Barra. It’s conveniently located between José Ignacio and La Punta. Just a heads-up: if you’re traveling during the peak season, be mindful of traffic! (instagram.com)

An exterior view of Francis Mallmann’s Hotel Garzón.

HOTEL GARZÓN BY FRANCIS MALLMANN

I remember visiting Hotel Garzón back in 1999 when it was just a general store in an abandoned town. I’m still in awe of Francis’s vision to create such a beautiful universe while preserving the essence of the place. Just an hour from Punta del Este, it’s a fantastic getaway to disconnect from the hustle and bustle—surrounded by nature, beauty, and absolute comfort; it’s a place where I feel at home. (restaurantegarzon.com)

Outdoor seating at Marismo, in Maldonado.

MARISMO

Tucked away in the woods is Marismo, a hidden gem owned by my longtime friend Federico Desseno. Sitting outside with your feet in the sand, you’ll enjoy their amazing empanadas and refreshing virgin mojitos. Far removed from everyday life, the restaurant invites you to relax and soak in the moment. (restaurantmarismo.com)

Paula Martini

You can’t miss Paula Martini if you’re in José Ignacio. It’s the perfect spot to find a unique gift or treat yourself to something special, like a ruana, or a cozy poncho. The wool work here is beautiful—most of it is designed by Paula and crafted locally. (paulamartini.com)

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Atchugarry, designed by Carlos Ott in 2022.

MUSEO DE ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO ATCHUGARRY

If you’re looking for a bit of an escape from beach life, I highly recommend MACA. It’s a lovely place to unwind and see some beautiful artwork. There are a few other options out there, but if your time is limited, this one should be at the top of your list. (macamuseo.org)

Photos: Sawyer Baird; @instagram/salonnumero3comedor/@instagram/aguschar; Courtesy of Garzón; @instagram/restaurantmarismo; Courtesy of MACA