We love old mansions from bygone eras because they hold a history that endures even as they change over time—and the more history, the better. When it comes to interesting stories and transformations, there’s an old mansion near Buenos Aires that was a brothel a century ago and is now a country restaurant where some details still hold stories from its “past life.” If you want to dine at a restaurant with a truly unique history, we’ll tell you how to discover Estelita, about 2 hours from the city of Buenos Aires.
The secret history behind La Estelita, the mansion 2 hours from Buenos Aires that transformed its past into a country restaurant
In the early 20th century, the San Vicente area was a mandatory stop for rural workers in the region or those passing through from across the province. On the outskirts of San Vicente stood a large country house that served as a brothel; in fact, it was known for being one of the busiest. The name of the madam—the woman who ran the brothel—was as well known as the brothel itself, and that’s how this old country house came to take on the name of that mysterious woman: Estelita.
Today, nearly a century later, La Estelita is no longer a late-1900s brothel but a restaurant with a unique history and great food—one that offers those seeking a fine dining experience a culinary adventure just a couple of kilometers outside Buenos Aires.
From town legends to pasta and grilled meats
The walls of this late-19th-century mansion retain that old-world country charm, which is why walking through the door of La Estelita is like stepping back in time to immerse yourself in a dining experience highlighted by intense flavors, generous portions, and a large oven from which its best dishes emerge.
Among its most acclaimed dishes, you’ll find grilled specialties and artisanal pastas, as well as stews simmered for hours. You can’t leave without trying the portobello mushrooms stuffed with pancetta and cheese, the provoleta with roasted peppers, or the veal sweetbreads. If osso buco is your go-to dish, this country restaurant has it for you, along with a selection of homemade pastas and desserts.
How to get there from Buenos Aires
Getting to La Estelita from Buenos Aires takes about an hour by car: the fastest route is to take the Riccheri Highway, merge onto the Ezeiza-Cañuelas Highway, and then take Provincial Route 58 toward San Vicente until you reach Presidente Perón Avenue.
If you prefer to travel by public transportation, the most convenient option is to take the Roca Train (Alejandro Korn branch) from Constitución Station to the terminus, and from there transfer to local bus lines (503 or 79), which drop you off just a few meters from the restaurant’s entrance.
📍 Where: Av. Presidente Perón 2873, San Vicente.
⏰ Days and hours of operation:
- Wednesday and Thursday: Dinner (starting at 8:00 p.m.).
- Fridays and Saturdays: Lunch (starting at 12:00 p.m.) and Dinner (starting at 8:00 p.m.).
- Sundays: Lunch (starting at 12:00 p.m.).
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed.
