Restaurant in R8401 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
El Quincho del TÃo Querido
Bariloche favorite for traditional Patagonian lamb asado cooked over open fire. Rustic atmosphere with excellent trout and regional specialties.
El Quincho del Tío Querido is Bariloche's most revered address for traditional Patagonian asado, situated at Km 8 on Avenida Bustillo — the scenic lakeside road linking the city centre with the resort corridor along Lake Nahuel Huapi. The name decodes with warmth: quincho is Argentina's traditional open-sided grill-house structure, and Tío Querido — beloved uncle — signals the familial, unhurried atmosphere that has drawn generations of visitors to this institution since it opened. The centrepiece of any visit is the Whole Patagonian Lamb, priced at $35: an entire animal splayed on a steel cross and slow-roasted for six to eight hours over quebracho and lenga beech hardwood coals. The exterior skin crisps to a deep mahogany while the interior remains intensely moist. The kitchen allocates a limited number of whole lambs each day; tables that arrive late in service may find only cuts remaining, which is why booking ahead — even for this seemingly informal restaurant — is strongly advisable. The Smoked Trout, sourced from Patagonian rivers and cold-smoked in-house, arrives filleted over mountain greens with a herbaceous chimichurri. During the austral winter from June through August, a Venison Stew — slow-braised from Andean deer — joins the menu as the cold-weather seasonal specialty. The dining room is unabashedly rustic in the tradition of the finest Argentine quincho: exposed timber beams, cowhide-covered chairs, and windows that frame Lake Nahuel Huapi on clear days. The atmosphere is convivial and animated during peak lunch service, with family groups and hiking parties sharing long tables. The wine list concentrates on Patagonian and Cuyo producers, and a short selection of Patagonian craft beers rounds out the beverage programme. The restaurant is open daily from noon to 11 PM. The location at Km 8 on Bustillo means transport from the city centre requires a car, the local bus line 10, or a taxi — the fifteen-minute drive along the lake road is itself a scenic introduction to the Bariloche landscape. Reservations are recommended for groups larger than four and during the Argentine summer holiday season from late December through February.
Signature dishes
- Whole Patagonian Lamb — $35
- Smoked Trout — $24
- Venison Stew — $22
Hours: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM daily
Reservations: Recommended
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54 294 446-4369
Location
Av. Ezequiel Bustillo Km 8, R8401 San Carlos de Bariloche
-41.0944, -71.3944 — View on map
Highlights
- Whole Patagonian Lamb slow-roasted on a steel cross over quebracho and lenga beech coals for up to eight hours
- In-house cold-smoked Patagonian trout with chimichurri — the lighter counterpart to the main grill
- Traditional quincho setting with Lake Nahuel Huapi visible through the dining room windows
- Seasonal venison stew available June through August, reflecting the Andean hunting tradition
Tips
- Arrive at or before noon on weekends — whole lambs are limited in number and the best cuts go to early tables.
- Bus line 10 runs along Av. Bustillo to Km 8, providing a low-cost alternative to taxis from central Bariloche.
- Book ahead for groups of four or more, especially from late December through February during peak Argentine summer holidays.
- Ask staff about whole-lamb availability upon arrival — it shapes the ordering decision significantly.
- The house Río Negro Malbec pairs well with the lamb and is one of the most locally appropriate wine choices on the list.
FAQ
How far is El Quincho del Tío Querido from central Bariloche?
The restaurant is at Km 8 on Avenida Bustillo, approximately fifteen minutes by car or taxi from the city centre. The number 10 bus also serves the Bustillo corridor and stops near the restaurant.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended for groups of four or more and during the December–February high season. Couples and solo diners can often walk in, but availability of whole lamb is not guaranteed for late arrivals.
Is the whole lamb the only main option?
No — smoked trout, individual lamb cuts, and seasonal venison stew are all available. However, the whole lamb is the signature preparation and the reason most visitors make the journey from central Bariloche.
What are the restaurant's opening hours?
The restaurant is open daily from noon to 11 PM with continuous service, allowing flexible dining times outside the standard Argentine lunch and dinner rush.
Is the restaurant suitable for families with children?
Yes — the informal quincho atmosphere, long shared tables, and generous protein-and-bread format make it an easy environment for families. Children are a common presence at the midday service.
Accessibility
The restaurant is housed in a single-level quincho structure and the main dining floor is reached directly from the car park without significant steps. The terrain around the building may be uneven on gravel approach paths. Visitors with mobility limitations are advised to contact the restaurant in advance to arrange arrival.
When to visit
December through February for long Patagonian summer days, open lake views, and the full lamb service at peak availability. June through August brings the winter venison menu and a quieter, fire-warmed atmosphere.