[image]
[title]Housed in a century-old mansion in the heart of Palermo, Casa Zarautz is the latest project by chef Leandro Leyell. What sets it apart from other restaurants is its unique concept: two completely different dining experiences under the same roof.
On the ground floor, you'll find Zarautz, where Argentine seafood takes center stage. Upstairs is La Terrazza, a warm, home-style grill where the ritual of the Argentine asado comes to life, making you feel as though you're gathered around the barbecue at a family weekend lunch.
Our experience at La Terrazza began with a goat cheese provoleta topped with honey and caramelized nuts. The contrast between the melted cheese, its golden crust, and the sweetness of the honey made it an excellent way to start the meal. Next came the sweetbreads, cooked to perfection: tender on the inside and beautifully crisp on the outside.
From the extensive selection of main courses, we chose the skirt steak. Juicy and full of flavor, it was paired with twice-cooked French fries, a classic combination that never disappoints. To finish, we went for a timeless Argentine dessert: cheese with quince paste, simple yet perfectly suited to the restaurant's comforting style.
Downstairs, Zarautz offers a completely different atmosphere and culinary approach. Here, the spotlight shifts from fire to seafood, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu that showcases the quality of Argentine fish and shellfish. To start, we ordered the Dúo Tataki, one of the menu's signature dishes, featuring lightly seared salmon and bluefin tuna served with an oyster emulsion, mango, and sesame.
Next came the Zarautz Seafood Ceviche, made with octopus, white fish, and shrimp in a classic leche de tigre, finished with crispy cancha corn. In this dish, the quality of the seafood truly shines. For the main course, we chose the Octopus Socarrat, one of the highlights of the entire experience. The rice featured the signature crispy socarrat layer, topped with tender octopus that added rich, deep flavor and completed the dish beautifully.
Dessert brought two very different creations that complemented each other perfectly. First was the "El Bristol" Flan, served over flaky puff pastry—a French classic with an original presentation. Then came The Geometry of Chocolate, an exploration of different cocoa percentages and textures, combining mousse, ganache, chocolate crumble, and crunchy elements.
Casa Zarautz is much more than a restaurant with two menus. It offers two dining experiences that are each worth discovering on their own. Zarautz's seafood-driven cuisine and La Terrazza's traditional grill each have their own identity, united by the same commitment to exceptional ingredients.
Good to know: Zarautz is open Thursday through Saturday from 8pm to midnight. La Terrazza is open daily from noon to midnight.
Where: Nicaragua 5577, Palermo.