PORTEÑO

Porteño – Sydney’s Soulful Homage to Fire and Argentina

Tucked into the heart of Surry Hills, Porteño remains one of Sydney’s most distinctive and enduring dining institutions. In 2025, this Argentinian powerhouse continues to embody the essence of asado culture, with its intoxicating blend of wood smoke, warm hospitality and unapologetically bold flavours.

The space is as atmospheric as ever—vintage interiors, exposed brick and the unmistakable crackle of the Parrilla and Asador grills in full view. The restaurant pulses with energy, but never feels chaotic. Instead, it wraps guests in a kind of rustic glamour that feels equal parts Buenos Aires and bohemian Sydney.

At the core of Porteño’s offering is its meat programme, led by the house Asado: a glorious array of beef cuts, pork and lamb, slow-cooked over ironbark and charcoal. The Shimo F1 Wagyu skirt, bone-in ribeye and the dry-aged pork tomahawk are particular highlights in 2025—each imbued with deep, smoky complexity and a texture that speaks to hours of patient grilling. The kitchen’s respect for animal and fire is unwavering.

Starters and sides are no afterthought. The house-made tallow fried empanadas and the Mayura station Wagyu carpaccio remain beloved signatures. Fried Brussels sprouts with lentils and Grass-fed Wagyu tongue continue to delight as bold, umami-rich counterpoints to the flame-grilled mains. Seasonal salads and pickled garnishes bring brightness and lift to the table.

Porteño’s wine list, as always, is a celebration of Argentinian and South American viticulture, with deep reds from Mendoza, Patagonian Pinot and crisp Torrontés offering compelling pairings across the board. The front-of-house team is approachable, informed and passionate about guiding guests through both the menu and the wine cellar.

Service at Porteño is one of its secret weapons—genuinely warm, unpretentious and intuitive. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s a sense that you’re being welcomed into a long-standing tradition with arms wide open.

In 2025, Porteño continues to thrive not through reinvention, but through an unwavering dedication to what it does best: fire-driven, flavour-packed cooking that transports you to Argentina’s heartland—without ever leaving Sydney.