The Malibu of Punta del Este, Manantiales is home to sexy Bikini Beach and a summertime influx of sexy bodies that strut their stuff down the town's main drag and onto the sand for evening DJ sessions and BYOB picnics. It's here you'll also find a charming and stylish beach secret called the Fish Market with lunch and dinner grilled seafood menu that rivals the best restaurants in the area. Simply composed of just covered dining room and sidewalk terrace, the restaurant features a center open kitchen with extremely talented chef and small walk-up grocer that actually also sells fish and seafood to make at home with. Picnic tables are colored in a refreshing whitewash above a long koi pond with arrangement of high top tables and bar-stools that define one of the coolest and most delicious eateries that most people have never even heard of in Punta del Este.
The Food
Stumbling through a Spanish menu with staff that cutely struggles with their English, lunch and dinner offers daily specials of grilled fish and homemade ceviche couples with innovative flavors like curry and coconut. Grilled langoustines are served on a skewer with grilled potato and savory sauce while octopus is more simply prepared but perhaps the best presentation of the dish in all of Punta. Hearty salads fish chunks of cod and shrimp with papaya, mango and wilted arguala with tangy dressings and splash of lemon. Whole fish dishes and selection of salmon and sea bass are served on large platter with fresh veggies and potatoes. French fires were, perhaps, the one weak link that’s better skipped in lieu of the fried polenta that comes in delicious triangles with sweet dipping sauce.
Last Word
Delightful beach grill and eatery in Manantiales offers secret dining scene of lunch and dinnertime addicts that consider its food some of the best in all of Punta del Este.
