This Argentinean restaurant famous for its high quality steaks has many well-deserved awards to its name including.

The Venue
Set close to the leafy Hampstead High Street and nearby Primrose Hill, the Gaucho Grill has undergone somewhat of a renaissance. Plush leather walls combined with cow print chairs gives this venue a modern appeal. The open kitchen spreads out onto the main dining area for diners to gaze upon and the hanging glass chandeliers are simply stunning in both lighting and overall effect.

The Atmosphere
The crowd at the Gaucho Grill is always bustling, especially during dinner. Come in early to soak up the atmosphere at the bar with an aperitif. There’s a good mix of clientele with many young North Londoners seeking refuge here after a long day at the office.

The Food
To eat at the Gaucho Grill is to delve into the culture, the people and the food of Argentina. However, this is done at a price. Starters include empanadas (savoury pastries which are typically served on the streets of Buenos Aires), an aesthetically pleasing lobster tail and a creamy butternut squash risotto which is a melt in the mouth sensation. Daring diners should try the ceviche, a typical South American dish originating from Peru and Chile where fish or meat is cooked in a marinade of citrus fruits. The fascinating bit is that the citric acid helps cook the flesh instantly.

Mains can vary depending on what you select, but the monkfish marinated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon grass or the whole grilled chicken, marinated in lemon and lime are both good choices. The menu also features burgers, but at around £14.00 for a plain one without any sides, this is a little excessive for those on a budget. Prices start at about a tenner for a simple rump steak and can go up to as much as over £30.00 for a taste of all four cuts of prime Argentine beef. However, the quality of the meat on offer is simply outstanding and worth all those many awards the Gaucho Grill has previously received. You get what you pay for, even if you have to pay a lot.

The Drink
There’s an impressive selection from all over the world with over 90 reds and in excess of 20 whites to suit everyone’s tastes. The restaurant has also focused on producing their own label called Terruno which represents all of the major grape varieties in Argentina. There’s also an extensive cocktail list including refreshing caipirinhas and mojitos with a superb choice of malt whiskies. The 14-year-old Oban is definitely worth a try.

The Last Word
At the Gaucho Grill you can just sit back and take in all the sights and smells of a truly South American culinary experience. This is a certainly a nice venue for a special occasion, though perhaps not on a regular basis unless you’re loaded.

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