Don Armando Restaurant in Stari Grad, Hvar – Argentine Steaks, Empanadas, and Grilled Specialties
Don Armando is an Argentine restaurant located in Ploča Square, within the historic core of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. Unlike many Dalmatian konobas and seafood restaurants, the focus here is on Argentine cuisine, featuring high-quality beef steaks, traditional empanadas, and grilled dishes. It is particularly appealing to meat lovers and guests wishing 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 set in a pleasant courtyard space, slightly removed from the busiest parts of the town, making it an attractive spot for lunch or dinner after exploring Stari Grad.
Argentine Steaks and Grilled Meats
The main highlight of Don Armando is its 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 your preferred level of doneness, with the aim of highlighting its natural flavour 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 beautifully complement the rich flavour of grilled meats.
For steakhouse enthusiasts, Don Armando offers an intriguing alternative to the typical Mediterranean dishes prevalent on the island of Hvar.
Empanadas – Traditional Argentine Specialties
Empanadas are one of the standout offerings at Don Armando.
These are small stuffed pastries typical of Argentine cuisine. They can be served as a starter, a light meal, or a combination of several different flavours.
Fillings include spiced beef, corn, and Swiss chard with cheese. Particularly noteworthy is the humita, a traditional filling made from sweet corn, which provides a different taste compared to classic meat empanadas.
For a first visit, a selection of various empanadas is a good choice to experience the diversity of Argentine cuisine.
Choripán, Milanesa, and Argentine Sandwiches
In addition to steaks, Don Armando offers popular Argentine dishes that can be enjoyed as simpler lunch options.
One of these is choripán, a traditional sandwich featuring grilled Argentine sausage, most often served with chimichurri sauce. In Argentina, it is especially popular as a barbecue food and an essential part of informal gatherings.
The menu also includes sandwiches with milanesa, which consists of thinly beaten and breaded meat, served with vegetables and sauces.
Another interesting option is churrasquito, a sandwich with grilled beef, which is a good choice for guests wanting to taste Argentine flavours without ordering a large steak.
This selection particularly suits guests looking for a more substantial yet not overly formal meal during the day.
Milanesa Napolitana and Other Homemade Argentine Dishes
Don Armando is not just a steakhouse. The menu features traditional Argentine dishes that are prepared in home kitchens.
Among these is milanesa napolitana, breaded meat topped 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 minced meat and potatoes, while sorrentinos are stuffed pasta that has become a staple in Argentine gastronomy.
These dishes provide an opportunity to explore Argentine cuisine that extends beyond just grilled meats and beef steaks.
Burgers and Family-Friendly Options
Alongside traditional specialties, the restaurant also offers burgers, which are a convenient choice for guests wanting a more familiar meal.
Burgers are served with chips, making them suitable for families with children or groups where not everyone wishes to order steak.
Although Don Armando is primarily known for its meat dishes, there are vegetarian options available on the menu, particularly certain empanadas filled with cheese, corn, and vegetables.
For a vegetarian meal, it’s best to check the current offerings as the selection may be more limited than in restaurants specialising in plant-based cuisine.
Chocotorta, Alfajores, and Argentine Desserts
A highlight of Don Armando is its traditional Argentine sweets.
Among these is the chocotorta, a popular Argentine cake made from chocolate biscuits, creamy cheese, and dulce de leche, a thick caramel milk spread.
Also noteworthy are alfajores, small sweet sandwich cookies, typically filled with dulce de leche. These desserts are among the most recognisable sweet specialities of Argentina.
For guests wishing to round off their Argentine meal, chocotorta or alfajores are a natural choice after enjoying steak, empanadas, or milanesa.
Argentine Wines and Beverages
Quality beef steaks pair particularly well with Malbec, a red wine that has become one of the symbols of Argentine winemaking.
The restaurant offers a selection of Argentine wines and Quilmes beer, popular in Argentina.
For guests wanting to try another traditional Argentine flavour, Fernet with cola is an interesting option, a drink particularly widespread in Argentina.
This beverage selection further emphasises the distinction between Don Armando and the classic Mediterranean restaurants in Stari Grad.
Charming Courtyard in the Historic Centre
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, with simple and comfortable decor that avoids an overly formal steakhouse vibe.
The restaurant is especially appealing to guests wishing to spend an evening enjoying a good steak, a glass of wine, and conversation, as well as families seeking a different culinary experience.
During the main tourist season, it is advisable to book a table in advance, especially for dinner or larger groups.
How to Reach Don Armando?
The restaurant is located in Ploča Square, within the historic core of Stari Grad.
From the town waterfront, it is a short walk through the stone streets leading into the old town. It is only a few minutes’ leisurely stroll from the main town attractions.
Nearby are St. Stephen's Church, Škor Square, and other restaurants in the historic centre.
For guests arriving from Jelsa, Vrboska, Dol or other places on Hvar, the most practical option is to leave the car in a public parking area and continue on foot.
Parking at Don Armando
Don Armando is situated within the old town, so do not expect to find parking right next to its terrace.
The most convenient option is to use designated public parking areas around the centre of Stari Grad and then walk to Ploča Square.
During July and August, it is advisable to allow extra time for parking, especially in the evenings.
For guests staying in the centre of Stari Grad, the restaurant is easily accessible on foot.
What to Visit Near Don Armando?
Don Armando is located in close proximity to the most famous sights of Stari Grad.
It is worth visiting St. Stephen's Church, taking a stroll 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-dusk stroll along the sea and past the old stone houses offers a unique atmosphere.
If you have more time, a visit to Stari Grad Plain, a historic agricultural landscape protected by UNESCO, is also interesting.
Why Visit Don Armando?
Don Armando stands out among the restaurants in Stari Grad as it brings authentic Argentine flavours to the island of Hvar.
Its main advantages include quality beef steaks, traditional empanadas, choripán, homemade Argentine dishes, and desserts like chocotorta and alfajores.
For meat lovers and guests looking to try something different from the usual Dalmatian cuisine, Don Armando is an intriguing gastronomic destination in the historic core of Stari Grad.
Useful Information
- Name: Don Armando – Stari Grad Steak & Grill.
- Location: Ploča Square, historic centre 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, chard, and cheese, along with 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 Payments: Yes.
- Pets: Allowed.
- Parking: Public parking in the vicinity of the historic centre, then on foot.
- Arrival: On foot from the centre of Stari Grad and the town waterfront.
- Nearby: St. Stephen's Church, Škor Square, Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, and the town waterfront.
- Recommended For: Steak lovers, fans of Argentine cuisine, couples, families, and guests seeking a different culinary experience in Hvar.
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