Don Armando Restaurant in Stari Grad, Hvar – Argentine Steaks, Empanadas, and Grill Specialties

Don Armando is an Argentine restaurant located in Ploča Square, in the historic center of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. Unlike many Dalmatian taverns and fish restaurants, this establishment focuses on Argentine cuisine, featuring quality beef steaks, traditional empanadas, and grilled dishes. It is particularly appealing to meat lovers and guests who wish to sample authentic South American specialties during their stay in Hvar.

The restaurant opened in 2021 and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, homemade Argentine recipes, and carefully prepared dishes. It is situated in a pleasant courtyard space, slightly away from the busiest parts of the town, making it an attractive option for lunch or dinner after a stroll through Stari Grad.

Argentine Steaks and Grilled Meat

The main specialty of Don Armando is high-quality beef prepared on the grill.

Among the most interesting dishes are various cuts of beef, including ribeye and sirloin. The meat is cooked to the desired level of doneness, aiming to highlight its natural flavor and juiciness.

Steaks pair particularly well with chimichurri, a traditional Argentine sauce made from parsley, garlic, spices, oil, and vinegar. Its freshness and mild spiciness complement the rich flavor of grilled meat.

For steakhouse enthusiasts, Don Armando offers an intriguing alternative to the typical Mediterranean dishes prevalent on the island of Hvar.

Empanadas – Traditional Argentine Specialty

Empanadas are one of the most recognizable offerings at Don Armando.

These are small stuffed pastries typical of Argentine cuisine. They can be served as an appetizer, a light meal, or a combination of several different flavors.

Fillings include spiced beef, corn, and Swiss chard with cheese. Particularly interesting is humita, a traditional filling made from sweet corn, which provides a different flavor from classic meat empanadas.

For a first visit, a selection of several different empanadas is a good choice to experience the variety of Argentine cuisine.

Choripán, Milanesa, and Argentine Sandwiches

In addition to steaks, Don Armando offers popular Argentine dishes that can be enjoyed as simpler lunches.

One of these is choripán, a traditional sandwich with grilled Argentine sausage, usually served with chimichurri sauce. In Argentina, it is especially popular as barbecue food and an essential part of informal gatherings.

The menu also includes sandwiches with milanesa, which is thinly beaten and breaded meat, accompanied by vegetables and sauces.

Another option is churrasquito, a sandwich with grilled beef, which is a good choice for guests who want to taste Argentine flavors without ordering a large steak.

This offering is particularly suitable for guests who prefer a more substantial meal during the day without being overly formal.

Milanesa Napolitana and Other Homemade Argentine Dishes

Don Armando is not just a steakhouse. The menu features traditional Argentine dishes prepared in home kitchens.

Among them is milanesa napolitana, breaded meat covered with tomato sauce and melted cheese. This popular Argentine dish combines Italian influence with South American culinary tradition.

Another interesting dish is pastel de papas, a casserole of spiced ground meat and potatoes, while sorrentinos are stuffed pasta that has become part of everyday Argentine gastronomy.

These dishes provide an opportunity to explore Argentine cuisine that is not limited to grilling and beef steaks.

Burgers and Family Options

Alongside traditional specialties, the restaurant also offers burgers, which are a practical choice for guests who prefer a more familiar meal.

Burgers are served with fries, and the selection is suitable for families with children or groups where not everyone wants to order steak.

Although Don Armando is primarily known for its meat dishes, there are vegetarian options on the menu, particularly certain empanadas with cheese, corn, and vegetables.

For a vegetarian meal, it is best to check the current offerings as the selection may be more limited than in restaurants specializing in plant-based cuisine.

Chocotorta, Alfajores, and Argentine Desserts

A highlight of Don Armando is its traditional Argentine sweets.

Among them is chocotorta, a popular Argentine cake made from chocolate cookies, cream cheese, and dulce de leche, a thick caramel milk spread.

Also noteworthy are alfajores, small sweet sandwich cookies, usually filled with dulce de leche. These desserts are among the most recognizable sweet specialties of Argentina.

For guests looking to complete their Argentine meal, chocotorta or alfajores are a natural choice after steaks, empanadas, or milanesa.

Argentine Wines and Beverages

Malbec, a red wine that has become one of the symbols of Argentine winemaking, pairs particularly well with beef steaks.

The restaurant's offerings include Argentine wines and Quilmes beer, popular in Argentina.

For guests wishing to try another traditional Argentine flavor, Fernet with cola is an interesting option, a drink particularly widespread in Argentina.

This beverage selection further emphasizes the distinction between Don Armando and classic Mediterranean restaurants in Stari Grad.

Pleasant Courtyard in the Historic Center

Don Armando is located in the heart of Stari Grad, but its terrace is situated in a slightly quieter area, away from the busiest part of the waterfront.

Outdoor tables create a relaxed atmosphere for lunch and dinner, and the decor is simple and comfortable, without an overly formal steakhouse ambiance.

The restaurant is especially appealing to guests who wish to spend an evening enjoying a good steak, a glass of wine, and conversation, as well as families seeking a different culinary offering.

During the main tourist season, it is advisable to reserve a table in advance, especially for dinner or for larger groups.

How to Reach Don Armando Restaurant?

The restaurant is located in Ploča Square, in the historic center of Stari Grad.

From the town waterfront, it can be reached on foot through the stone streets leading into the old town. It is just a few minutes' walk from the main city attractions.

Nearby are St. Stephen's Church, Škor Square, and other restaurants in the historic center.

For guests coming from Jelsa, Vrboska, Dol or other places on Hvar, it is most practical to leave the car in a public parking area and continue on foot.

Parking at Don Armando Restaurant

Don Armando is located within the old town center, so do not expect parking right next to its terrace.

The most practical option is to use designated public parking in the vicinity of Stari Grad's center and then walk to Ploča Square.

During July and August, it is advisable to plan extra time for parking, especially in the evening.

For guests staying in the center of Stari Grad, the restaurant is easily accessible without a car.

What to Visit Near Don Armando?

Don Armando is located in close proximity to the most famous attractions of Stari Grad.

It is worth visiting St. Stephen's Church, taking a walk to Škor Square, and exploring Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, a Renaissance summer residence known for its fish pond.

The town waterfront is just a few minutes' walk away, and a pre-evening stroll along the sea and the old stone houses provides a special atmosphere.

If you have more time, an interesting visit is to the Stari Grad Plain, a historic agricultural landscape protected by UNESCO.

Why Visit Don Armando Restaurant?

Don Armando stands out among the restaurants in Stari Grad as it brings authentic Argentine flavors to the island of Hvar.

Its main advantages are quality beef steaks, traditional empanadas, choripán, homemade Argentine dishes, and desserts like chocotorta and alfajores.

For meat lovers and guests who wish to try something different from the usual Dalmatian cuisine, Don Armando is an interesting gastronomic destination in the historic center of Stari Grad.

Useful Information

  • Name: Don Armando – Stari Grad Steak & Grill.
  • Location: Ploča Square, historic center of Stari Grad, Hvar Island.
  • Cuisine Type: Argentine, South American, steakhouse, and grill.
  • Main Specialties: Beef steaks, empanadas, choripán, milanesa napolitana, and Argentine sandwiches.
  • Steaks: Various cuts of beef, including ribeye and sirloin.
  • Sauce: Chimichurri, a traditional Argentine accompaniment to meat.
  • Vegetarian Options: Empanadas with corn, Swiss chard, and cheese, as well as other selected dishes.
  • Burgers: Available.
  • Desserts: Chocotorta, alfajores, and sweets with dulce de leche.
  • Beverages: Argentine wines, Malbec, Quilmes beer, and other drinks.
  • Terrace: Outdoor tables in a pleasant courtyard space.
  • Reservations: Recommended during the main tourist season.
  • Takeaway Food: Available.
  • Card Payment: Yes.
  • Pets: Allowed.
  • Parking: Public parking in the vicinity of the historic center, then on foot.
  • Arrival: On foot from the center of Stari Grad and the town waterfront.
  • Nearby: St. Stephen's Church, Škor Square, Petar Hektorović's Tvrdalj, and the town waterfront.
  • Recommended For: Steak lovers, fans of Argentine cuisine, couples, families, and guests seeking a different culinary experience in Hvar.