Founded in 1860, this legendary Buenos Aires tavern with a Spanish soul is famous for its stews and seafood, and its tables have been graced by presidents, artists, and generations of families.
When the doors of El Imparcial open at the corner of Hipólito Yrigoyen and Salta, just a few meters from Avenida de Mayo, you’re not just entering a restaurant—you’re stepping through a doorway into a piece of Buenos Aires’ history. Officially recognized by historians and the Buenos Aires City Legislature as the oldest restaurant in Buenos Aires, El Imparcial has been serving meals continuously since 1860, surviving urban transformations, economic crises, and changing trends.
A journey through time with a taste of Spain
Upon entering El Imparcial, the atmosphere envelops you in a clear journey back in time: high ceilings, Spanish majolica tiles signed by artists such as Benvenuto, oil paintings depicting scenes from the Iberian Peninsula, and cloth tablecloths.
Here, the waiters are true professionals, still dressed in traditional elegance. With decades of experience under their belts, they not only know the menu inside and out but also have countless anecdotes about cultural, political, and entertainment figures who have sat in those very same chairs.
The restaurant’s origins date back to Don Severino García, a Spanish immigrant who opened an inn and liquor store near the Cabildo, on what was then Victoria Street. As the city expanded and after a couple of moves, El Imparcial settled into its current corner, where it has been in continuous operation since 1869.
The golden rule: no politics or religion at the table
During the 1930s and 1940s, Avenida de Mayo was the epicenter of political debate among Spanish immigrants; while Francoist sympathizers gathered at the Bar Español, Republicans met at the Bar Iberia. The discussions often became heated and even escalated into street fights. That’s why the owner of El Imperial, Severino García, decided to hang a famous sign that still adorns the dining room today and captures the spirit of the place:
Thanks to a sign, the restaurant was named El Imparcial and became a neutral ground where everyone, regardless of their ideology, could sit down to enjoy a good meal without arguments that ended badly.
Stews and seafood: the flavors that still made history
The cuisine at El Imparcial is a tribute to the richest traditions of Spanish-Argentine gastronomy. Although the menu is extensive, there is one undisputed star that draws locals and tourists from far and wide: the traditional Spanish-style mixed stew (Puchero mixto a la española), served with select meats, chicken, chorizo, blood sausage, chickpeas, and vegetables harvested at just the right moment.
Among its specialties, the following also stand out:
- Seafood dishes: Valencian-style paella, seafood casseroles, Galician-style octopus, Norwegian cod, and fried calamari (rabas).
- Classic dishes: Snails à la bordelaise, Asturian fabada, Galician tuna empanada, and grilled meats.
- Classic desserts: Madrid-style custard, rice pudding served in a glass with cinnamon, homemade tiramisu, and port-based sambayón.
The restaurant also has its own wine cellar, including a house label produced especially for its most loyal customers.
Designated a Site of Cultural Interest by the Buenos Aires Legislature in 2010 and recognized as one of the best traditional restaurants in Buenos Aires, El Imparcial continues to welcome families where grandparents—who were once brought here by their own parents—now seat their grandchildren at the table.
- Address: 1201 Hipólito Yrigoyen (corner of Salta), Monserrat, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
- Hours: Open daily, for lunch and dinner.
- Recommended specialties: Spanish-style stew (puchero a la española), Valencian paella, Galician-style octopus (pulpo a la gallega), seafood casserole, and Madrid-style custard (natilla madrileña).
- Reservations and contact: (011) 4383-2919 / elimparcialbsas.com.ar
