Constancia

We were staying at the Premier Inn accross the road and thought we would give this place a try....how glad we were that we did!!! We went early with our children and the restaurant was pretty much empty (it was 6pm and had only just opened). The waitress was really friendly, informative and proffesional.

We (the adults) decided not to have a starter, but to have a meal that is to share, which comprised of a sirloin steak, a ribeye steak and Argentinian sausages. We got this with a side portion of chips and a rocket salad.

I can honestly say, this is one of the best meals I have ever tasted!!! The sirloin was at least 2 inches thick, and cooked to perfection. It was lovely to watch it being cooked, and we experienced no smoke at all (though I cant speak for later on, this was early and the first meal they had cooked).

I dont know why some others havent had a great experience, but in my opinion this is well worth a visit!!!! If I return to London, this is definitley a place I would return to!!!! 10/10
Comment on this reader review

Mrs
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, December 30, 2010

I have got to say that I completely agree with Jeremy Liebster. Went here on Saturday night and it is authentically Buenos Aires. The meat was melt in the mouth tender and exactly as requested, which was medium rare.

Great chips and they were quick to recommend that 1 order of chips was sufficient for even two greedy people, which it was.

With regards to the comments about the smoke, we sat opposite the parrilla and it was fine - that's not to say that you can't smell the meat grilling, but the restaurant certainly isn't smokey.

My one very minor quibble is that I think that the tables for 2 are on the small side. Spectacularly proven by the couples sitting either side of us who managed to knock their oil/vinegar tray onto the floor with a crash.

But this restaurant, for me, is a cracker and I shall certainly return.
Comment on this reader review

C Ewan - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, September 28, 2010

This is why I can barely cope with london-eating anymore. The huge swathes of negative reviews for almost every quality restaurant have simply become unbearable - it's a bit like reading the Foreign Office travel advice website : 'don't go there, you'll get shot/mugged/raped/carjacked etc etc'.

How there can be any negative comments about Constancia is simply beyond belief. Staff were charming, the atmosphere was good but most of all it was so beautifully, lipsmackingly authentic. The meat tasted the same as it did on an estancia near Buenos Aires. The empanadas were so delicious we could have eaten 10. The huge steaks were cooked the Argentinean way - crispy, smokey on the outside and yet juicy in the middle. Perfect.

Those who hate this place simply have no idea what a good steak restaurant is all about and I would advise them to head in the direction of the nearest Angus Steak House. Then they can write negative reviews to their hearts' content.
Comment on this reader review

Jeremy Liebster
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, June 26, 2010

Have been twice. First time the food was fine, we did have the most expensive dish on the menu. Second time it seems the fact the place is more established has gone to it's head and the food and service wasn't good. Ordered empanada as starter which had tough pastry. Steak for main was cold! Tough! Grisly around the edges! We were rushed through the food at break neck speed. As the waitress brought the main course she took the bread basket. When we said could she leave it she looked at us as though we had asked for a free bottle of champagne! She left the bread but took the butter! I couldn't face a dessert or coffee. As I was paying the waitress asked if everything had been OK. My partner told her the meat was tough and cold, we had been rushed and hadn't had a good experience. She came back a few minutes later and offered us a coffee or liqueur on the house. We declined. I've got a well stocked drinks cabinet and brew a mean espresso at home. I also cook a great empanada and steak, even through I'm not an Argentine.
Comment on this reader review

Bermondsey Pleb
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Saturday, May 22, 2010

I invited my boyfriend to empanadas and steak at Constancia in Tanner St.

The empanadas were leathery. The steaks were cold and sinewy.

Staff were gossiping at the bar for the duration of our meal. Service was sloppy.

We complained and were offered a complimentary drink which we declined.

Might as well have been pickpocketed. Shan't be going back.
Comment on this reader review

Helena Ford
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Saturday, May 22, 2010

Surprised at some of the other diners comments here and can only think that Constancia have listened and rectified any problems.

We dined here on a Tuesday evening, you would think that it would be empty - wrong. We arrived around 8.30pm to only find a couple of empty tables in albeit a small establishment.

Attentive server who was kind enough to advise against having two portions of chips to accompany our meal, explaining the portions were rather large! Again, appreciated the servers advise regarding the wine, we had opted for the 'house' red which at £14ish thought reasonable. Whilst the one on the menu wasn't available the recommended substitute was great and offered at the same price.

The traditional little pasties are a perfect way to start - full of obviously fresh ingredients and light pastry. A good selection of steaks to suit anyones appetite and cooked to perfection!

If you can manage a dessert - the Don Pedro is wonderful (if you like whiskey)...a large measure swimming around the ice cream, walnuts and chocolate sauce.

Overall, whilst not the cheapest steak, well worth the price tag. By the time we left there was no free tables - amazing on a weekday evening.

Lovely meal - I will be back very soon.
Comment on this reader review

Loz - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, April 01, 2010

Steak tastes good but as tough as old boots - both of ours were tough and having a quick look around the room we were not the only ones chewing and chewing and chewing ! Service with a smile but thats it - you do everything yourself i.e. hang up your jacket, pour your own beer and wine and move plates to the edge of the table for clearing - Not value for money at all. Will not be going back
Comment on this reader review

Simon
4 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 3
Sunday, November 29, 2009

Have eaten there two weeks ago, Sunday dinner at 7:00pm. The place is nice, got very busy at 8:30pm. Yes, the restaurant has a problem with the smoke of the "parrilla", they put some fans around the dining room to try to sort it out, with no luck unfortunately.

Our waitress was definitely new in the job, she will get better. The food is good, we had "Parrillada Constancia", the meat is good, but not excellent, far from the real thing in Buenos Aires. Tables for two are small when you are being served the full parrillada and two side orders.

Wines are good, the brownie with ice cream is really good as desert.

All in all is an OK experience, if you live in the area, is a nice place. We have spent £105.00, including 2 beers, bottle of wine, 2 side orders, "Parillada Constancia" and one desert to share. However, you can spend a more enjoyable night, better meat quality and much more atmosphere at "Santa Maria del Sur" in Battersea, for a little less money.
Comment on this reader review

Martin R.
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 3
Thursday, October 29, 2009

Another entry in the long, illustrious history of London steakhouses serving shockingly mediocre steak. A freakishly hot and stinky dining room, noisy and distracting music, paper napkins, and utterly absent service. And featuring top-notch London prices! Avoid unless you are staying at the hotel across the street on expenses.
Comment on this reader review

Chuck Farley
4 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4
Thursday, July 30, 2009

Exactly what i like. The restaurant is authentic and rustic, the waiters are friendly, the food fantastic, the prices are reasonable and you leave working out when you're next coming back. Thankfully I live round the corner so will be back!
Comment on this reader review

Nicolas Bradford
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, July 29, 2009