January 16, 2026 - If beach shacks are the sea's refuge in Villa Gesell, then El Encuentro is the sanctuary of the land. Strategically located at the city's entrance (Av. Buenos Aires, 2300), this grill house has become a mandatory stop for those who believe a good Argentine asado is not negotiable, not even on vacation. The mystique of the fire. The first thing that greets you when you cross the threshold of El Encuentro is not a waiter, but the unmistakable aroma of quebracho and espinillo wood. Unlike conventional grills in the center, here they practice the art of asado a la cruz and asador, a technique that requires patience, slow fire, and an expert eye, which Juan, the owner, and his team master to perfection. The protagonists of the table. At El Encuentro, the menu is a declaration of principles about Argentine tradition: The Ribeye and the Sirloin: They are the house standards. It is the ideal place for that "end of vacation" dinner or for a cloudy day where the perfect plan is a good red wine and the best meat from the coast. The tenderness of the lamb is, for many regulars, the main reason for the trip. The "Mimos" of welcome: The place maintains that old and good custom of receiving the diner with a courtesy empanada and pickled eggplants, gestures that already anticipate the warmth of the service. Family Bodega Atmosphere. The salon is spacious, rustic, and without unnecessary pretensions. Meat that falls off the bone with just a look, the result of hours of controlled cooking. Patagonian Lamb and Kid: It is one of the few places in Gesell where these cuts are served with the authenticity of the field. Here, luxury is in the dish and in the attention. It is a genuinely familiar environment, where the portions of french fries are abundant and the background noise is that of families sharing and the clinking of cutlery. The closing detail: As per the tradition of a good host, it is customary for the experience to end with a courtesy toast (a limoncello or a house digestif), sealing a pact of hospitality that makes the tourist always want to return. Why go? Because in an era of designer cuisine and small portions, El Encuentro remains firm as a bastion of abundance and Creole flavor.
