Review on Gaucho Piccadilly
Billed as 'the best kept secret in the West End', the flagship of the Gaucho chain moved from its cramped basement at 19 Swallow Street to capacious premises that were once home to the Mexican Ambassadors. Judging by the regular full houses it is now attracting, the secret is out!
A giant tapestry in the hall is the first thing that catches your eye before you head down the cascading stairway that leads to the low-lit, rustic dining room. In a setting of cowhide and mirrors, with an open kitchen right at the centre of things, the crowds come here for flame-grilled Argentinian steaks of every description, all fabulously flavoursome and tender, with appropriate side orders.
To start the ball rolling there are salads and ceviches aplenty (the Ecuadorian version consists of marinated tiger prawns in a roasted tomato and lime sauce served with maize cancha); as a finale, check out the Latin American churros (sweet pastries) or the banana cake drizzled with prune-speckled passion fruit sauce. The ground floor also houses Cavas da Gaucho – a bespoke 'wine boutique' that boasts the largest collection of Argentinian wines in the UK.
There are private dining facilities in the original vaulted cellars and – on the top floor – a 'supper lounge' with live music from Latino musicians until the early hours. Gaucho has a burgeoning number of outlets across London (visit the company's website for details), plus restaurants in Manchester and Richmond.
Cuisine
South American / Eclectic
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 11.30am through until
Dinner: 11.00pm (12.00am Fri-Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
