I spent a few days in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, as a base for wildlife viewing and road tripping along a small portion of Patagonia’s Atlantic coast. I say small portion because although I saw some incredible sights, the area I visited was modest compared to the vast size and scale that make up the Patagonia region of South America.

We stayed at the Tolosa Hotel, a few blocks from the beach. It’s a nice place, but overpriced at $100 USD per night, however a substantial breakfast with bottomless buckets of dulce de leche makes it somewhat justified. I had a few cheaper hotels and hostels scoped out, but while in Buenos Aires was busy doing many other things so never finalized lodging. We found this place just asking around after flying into Trelew, driving the 35 miles to Puerto Madryn, and receiving a recommendation for Tolosa from a sold out hotel along the beachfront.

The front desk recommended “Parrilla Estela” for dinner. This small steakhouse sits back from the street, just a block from the beach. Being early season it was uncrowded, and the environment was welcoming and friendly..

For an appetizer we were recommended a half melted mozzarella cheese plate with a heap of basil and other spices, served with warm bread. Completely unexpected, and while it sounds weird it tasted great. For the main course we each had steaks, mine with a sweet glaze and sauce, with potatoes on the side of a hush puppy type consistency. A few Quilmes beers and a good white wine made for a memorable experience.

In a front corner of the restaurant is the parrilla, where from outside you can see the cook working on thick steaks and other meats being grilled. All other food prep takes place in back. A small detail in service we noticed upon receiving a dessert: Our waiter poured melted chocolate over the pastry right at our table. They could have easily dumped in on in the kitchen, but they small act made it all the more elegant.

Parrilla Estela is without doubt one of the best places I’ve dined at, in terms of food, atmosphere and service

They were closed Monday, so we settled on the mediocre La Vieja Esquina, a block away. We returned to Estela on Tuesday for a second meal.

Located at Roque Sáenz Peña 27, a block west of Avenida Roca along the beach.