Yiyo El Zeneize is a family-owned bodegon restaurant in Parque Avellaneda, blending Italian tradition with authentic Argentine dishes since 1921. The place has been in the same family for three generations.

It was started by Egidio "Yiyo" Zoppi, an Italian immigrant from Genoa, as a general store in an area that was still rural. In the 1940s, Yiyo's sons, Luis and Bautista, took over and focused on escabeche (pickles) and wine distribution. You can still see the enormous wine tanks in the back dining room. They also gave the place its current name, which translates to Yiyo the Genovese. Today Yiyo's grandchildren re-opened the space as a wildly popular restaurant.

The space is a living museum and the owner even gave us a rushed tour before seating us at our table. We were there on a busy weekend but I imagine if you go on a quieter weekday you can really take your time to explore the antiques in every corner.

The dishes are traditional and what you'd find on most bodegon menus but done in an elevated way and

HOW TO VISIT: If you have plenty of time, go on a weekday for a more relaxing meal. If you are tighter on time and want to see more in the area, I recommend making a lunch reservation on Sunday, right when they open. Then take an Uber after lunch over to the Feria de Mataderos for the late afternoon.