The story
In 2005, chef Mariano Gallego and Florencia D’Amico opened Brindillas on their family estate in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. What began as a small restaurant on a cherry orchard has grown into a destination for modern cuisine, earning a Michelin star in 2023—one of the first awarded in Argentina. The restaurant remains a family project, serving only 18 guests per service with an unwavering attention to detail.
Mariano Gallego applies a versatile technique that balances creativity with a deep respect for local ingredients. A pioneer of the tasting menu format in Mendoza, he and his team craft two options: the Brindillas menu (eight steps) and the Degustación menu (eleven steps), both available with wine pairings. The Michelin guide praised his "imagination and modernity," noting a solid technical foundation and international nods grounded in local produce.
The dining room, set within the family’s cherry orchard, seats just 18—ensuring a personal, unhurried experience. Every four months, the wine list is refreshed to highlight small, independent producers alongside Argentina’s leading wineries. This rotating cava tells stories of Mendoza’s wine diversity, from family-run bodegas to iconic labels, enriching the modern cuisine on the plate.
Despite its Michelin star, Brindillas stays true to its roots: honest, committed work, without chasing trends. The restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice and welcomes guests aged twelve and up. It is a place where high cuisine meets simplicity, and where every detail—from the eight-step menu to the wine selection—reflects two decades of evolution in Mendoza’s culinary landscape.
Recognition
Location