Chuí — Restaurant in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

I was REALLY excited to go there! Because of the pics, because of the reviews. The place is properly hyped and I get why. The ambience is really cool, you walk in through a little jungle like path and there is a big space with tables, open kitchen so you can see chefs preparing food. There is lots of space, in sense that once sitted you still feel comfortable even if surrounded by crowd (we came in just before 7, it was pretty much empty, but that changed very quickly - it was packed within half an hour). We couldn't really chose the table we would want to, they had lots of bookings so tables were reserved, but we got nice table. The staff is very attentive and kind and not too much "into your face", they are there when you need them within a second, pouring you wine if you want to, but we didn't feel interrupted at any point. We came specially for the pizza, but I would love to go back and try other dishes. Especially that the pizza, unfortunately, was not that great. I mean it looked amazing!! We have ordered 2 two share, one vegan with sweet potato puree and mushrooms and margherita. I liked margeritha, my bf said it was OK. The veg a one - we both did not enjoy that much. First of all it's not a pizza (had no cheese, and, I know it's vegan, I'm not stupid, but there is like 100 different vegan substitutes for cheese these days, they could have put something) it was just bread with kilo of mushrooms. Don't get me wrong, if wasnt bad, but just not what we thought it will be. And also, must add, the dough is amazing!! I loved it, could have just plain dough with olive oil and salt any time and I would be in heaven (I love bread!! And that was proper sourdough). Anyways, we have ordered also a bottle of wine, which was very nice (chardonnay). All in all 4 stars cause everything was fine apart from what we actually came for, meaning pizza. That's why I would like to come back, there is many things on the menu that look pretty interesting. Staying in Buenos Aires only 2 more days, so maybe will manage to go back one...

I ordered a pizza margherita without looking at the menu. I knew what I wanted before I sat down. The waitress came quickly and spoke regular English. Beer selection limited to two Mexican beers. She suggested Fernet Negro with coke. I used my cell phone to pass the time while I waited. The wait was not very long. When it arrived I could smell the aroma of a restaurant in Napoli. It was like stepping back in time 25 years. Crust was soft but black, just the way I like it. Unfortunately, their idea of a pizza Margherita is ricotta cheese, and not mozzarella. The taste was almost as good as a real pizza Margherita, but fell short. I will return, but I will make sure they use mozzarella and not a couple of teaspoons of ricotta. Photos already posted will confirm that the pizzas had swirls of ricotta. Ricotta will never pass for mozzarella in a photo. Price of the pizza was $16500. I suppose that is normal these days. But I still think it was overpriced. Cost to make that pizza was less than $2000. Atmosphere was excellent, but noise level was too high to be able to have a conversation without using sign language. Mostly well dressed beautiful people seated at the tables. I like that!

Update: It is not a pizza margherita unless its mozzarella. You should change the name to pizza Stracciatella if you cannot afford the cost of mozzarella. And no, I will not like it better because you told me it was...

Back home in Montreal, I usually tend to avoid dining experiences, as I feel that what you get isn't worth it.

With Chuí, this proves me wrong. Every dish here is made with care, and that care extends to every part of dinner here. From the friendly bartenders at the entrance who look after you if you're waiting for a table, to the extremely friendly and professional staff.

The food is delicious. The focaccia is a staple. The charred avocado and tomato dishes are packed full of flavour that makes you want to savour every bite.

I personally love the Lion's mane mushrooms. They exude flavour and for a moment I had to check that the food was vegetarian.

As for pizzas, you can't go wrong splitting Chuì's take on the fugazetta, and the sweet potato pizza was my partner's favourite.

It was so good that even though my partner was only here for two weeks, we made sure to make time to come back again.

And, as I'm a cynical diner, the prices are unbelievable for the quality of food.

Make a reservation or roll the dice and wait by the bar to have a cocktail. We got lucky and hit a lull on our first night here, and sharing a drink by the entrance was a great experience.

A real flagship of Buenos Aires...