Oviedo

You know that rush you get when you walk through the door of a restaurant you’ve never tried, you have a look around, and you just know its going to be good? You’ve read the menu on-line a million times, but now you’re seeing it live and it looks better than you imagined. I love great food. Its an art, its hard work, its dedication and not everyone can pull it off although they might think they can. That’s why I get so excited when its done right, and Oviedo was right on cue.



There was a buzz, a comfort, a feeling of excitement as you walked in the door. No I hadn’t been drinking prior to arrival, there was just something magical about this place. It was like being at the best local restaurant in Paris minus the pretention. Waiters in classic black and white with bow ties, a maitre d to greet you at the door, white table linens, old school leather banquettes and fine wine bottles gracing the walls.

As you look around there’s a mix of hipsters, down to earth business types, 30 something’s and older trendy couples all mashed together. Laughter, cheers, and clinking glasses fill the air. Beautiful, picture perfect food is passing you by left right and centre and your heart is beating out of your chest with excitement. Generous portions of sumptuous pasta, risotto, meat, ceviches all not too overdone, no trendy foams or fogs on the plate, just good old school fresh fish, meat and seafood cooked to perfection and topped with some unbelievably bad for you but oh so delicious sauce. Hungry yet?



Oviedo was by far my favourite restaurant in Buenos Aires, and the meal I had that night will reside on my top ten list. Having consumed close to my body weight in beef for most of my trip in Argentina, I was in the mood for something different. The ceviche and shrimp risotto didn’t disappoint. Its rare that I have something in a restaurant and can’t nail all the ingredients, but these two dishes had me coming up short.

The ceviche was fresh and creamy with a hint of heat. The green avocado based sauce was smooth, and salty- so amazing I probably would have eaten a shoe if it was dipped in it.














The shrimp risotto was hearty, with a lobster based tomato sauce poured around the outside of the rice. The risotto was cooked to al dente perfection and the shrimp seasoned with garlic and rosemary were the perfect compliment.














At the end of the evening when the bill came, I honestly thought there had been some sort of mistake. A meal with that kind of service and food would have cost four times as much as I paid in North America. Unfortunately for the Argentines their dollar is still struggling. Just one more reason, if you didn’t have enough already to get to Oviedo if you can and support Bueno’s Aires most amazing Spanish restaurant. If you’re lucky enough to be in the beautiful city of BA, skip the tourist traps and head where the locals go.