An Argentinean steak restaurant on Northcote Road, La Pampa Grill specialises in steak but the service leaves something to be desired.

The Venue
Unfathomably close to its sister restaurant on Battersea Rise, this is the more intimate choice with only a handful of tables inside and out (weather permitting), suiting the rustic, simple furnishings, wooden beams and family photos evocative of an Argentinean mountain shack.

The Atmosphere
Service is abrupt and seems confused. If you order a bottle of white you might end up with a bottle of red, but it’s difficult to establish where the breakdown in communication comes – or maybe the staff just have fixed ideas of what works and it’s their way of helpfully guiding your decisions for the best.

The Food
Steak is the order of the day, but there is also duck, chicken and lamb on the menu (slightly less expensive, around £10) but as the speciality is beef it seems wrong to deviate. All the traditional cuts are available, escalating in price from sirloin through to ribeye and fillet (£14-£17). You can also opt in for a fried egg on top to complete the dish. Served simply, the meat is good quality and substantial in size, the sirloin a little on the chewy side rather than melting but this is sometimes a risk with a thin cut.

Rustic chips are piled high in a bowl to share, definitely more potatoes than fries - skin on, chunky and fresh tasting. The little dish of chimichurri salsa on the side packs an acidic tomato punch, the sharp garlicky vinegar cutting through each fluffy mouthful perfectly. The side salad is also abundant, with avocado, a healthy portion of crunchy dressed leaves and impressive chunks of moist crumbling feta to top it off. The only disappointment is the dry, stale bread basket.

The Drink
La Pampa Grill offers a good quality South American wine list. Prices start at about £13 upwards, and there’s plenty of worthwhile options to choose between. Steak, chips and wine for two comes in at a £27 each, without choosing the best cut of meat or bottle.

The Last Word
If the price were more affordable, La Pampa Grill’s the simplicity would be worth the taste and quality. However, steak alone doesn’t stand out enough to justify the bill.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (11)