El Porteño Prohibido
If you had to pair a dance with a passionate dish, which would you choose?
It may seem obvious: what dance suits an Argentine restaurant better than a sultry tango? Yet look a little closer, and the match between Argentine tango and El Porteño is anything but routine; it is a natural pairing that led to El Porteño Prohibido at Via Macedonio Melloni, 9.
The moniker Prohibido sets an alluring tone that shapes the entire space: dim lighting, accents of red—symbolising both passion and Argentine beef—refined, sophisticated and quietly mysterious.
The terrace leads through to the bar, where drinks are mixed behind an imposing counter. From here you step into the main room, decorated like an estancia in the Buenos Aires countryside, with crystal chandeliers adding to the theatrical mood. At the centre sits the stage, setting the scene for an evening of great food and live performance.
At El Porteño Prohibido, classic Argentine specialities are served alongside live entertainment: accomplished dancers perform tango every Tuesday and Thursday, while jugglers take over from Friday to Sunday. Artistic direction is led by Argentine master Miguel Angel Zotto, a renowned figure in Italian tango who founded his academy in Milan. It mirrors Buenos Aires, where visiting a ‘casa de tango‘ means tucking into fine steak while taking in a show. The restaurant recreates that authentic spirit in the city, standing apart from its sister venues on Via Gian Galeazzo, Via Speronari and Via Elvezia.
Beyond the drama of the stage lies the reliable craft of Argentine cooking, showcasing some of the finest beef in the world. A sleek open kitchen with a parrilla, the traditional wood-fired grill, lets guests watch the chefs at work.
It is hard to keep your eyes on the stage when faced with three styles of Fassona beef Sashimi, the three-pepper sirloin Bife Dorrego with a stuffed potato, or the Lomo Foie Gras—Argentine beef fillet with foie gras and a balsamic reduction. Yet balancing dinner and the performance is a challenge well worth taking on.
El Porteño Prohibido is the one dining room in town where indulging in a prohibited pleasure leaves you entirely satisfied and without a shred of guilt.
Opening hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 19:30–02:00 |
| Wednesday | 19:30–02:00 |
| Thursday | 19:30–02:00 |
| Friday | 19:30–02:00 |
| Saturday | 19:30–02:00 |
| Sunday | 19:30–02:00 |
- Booking required
- Vegetarian options
- Table service
- Credit and debit cards
- Cocktail bar
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