If you’re looking for Spanish food in a unpretentious bodegón de barrio try Gijón in the oft overlooked the Monserrat neighborhood, right next door to San Telmo.
With brash lighting, a boisterous family atmosphere and borderline rude but efficient Galician waiters (including the owner, José), Gijón delivers good food, cheap house wine and abundant portions.
There’s a parrilla for the meat lovers, most popular for the bife de chorizo, and a range of homemade pastas on the menu, but this is the place to go when you’re craving seafood — normally elusive on Buenos Aires’ menus.
The rabas (deep fried squid) are a great appetizer to share as is the provoleta a la parrilla (grilled provolone).
For a main course you can’t go wrong with the house favorite, cazuela de calamares (calamari casserole) or go for the excellent seafood paella, which can be shared between three or four.
Save room for the cavity-inducing flan covered in dulce de leche and whipped cream.
Make like a gringo and go early – there tends to be a considerable wait time for a table later in the evening.
Gijón-$$
Chile 1402
Monserrat
Tel: 4383-2634
• Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00 p.m.-12:00. a.m.
• Visa accepted