Gaucho (Hampstead)

Gaucho first timer, will definitely return but a few things to take into account on my next visit:

The starters, I had the Empanadas in chicken and cheese....2 round pastries which were tasteless but nothing else on the starter menu took my fancy as it was mainly chorizo or fish which i like neither so next time i wont be having a starter.

The little complimentary sweet breads they give you before your starter were nice but it was cheesy bread and the other was normal wholemeal.....not sure what's argentenian about that?

Mains was gorgeous, i had sirloin steak cooked to perfection with bernaise sauce which was like a sweet buttery mayonnaise sauce on the side. I ordered spiced sweet potato puree which is basically mashed sweet potato slightly spiced - ive never tasted anything like this in my life, light and fluffy, love sweet potato but this was different, definately recommend this.

The chips however were skinny and too salty, tasted like ready salted crisps - wouldnt have these again.

My sister had the squid for starter - £10 for a very small dish, she said it was amazing but dissapointing there wasnt more. Mains, she had the gaucho burger, which the meat tasted very nice but the chutney mayo and some other sauce in it was a bit off key and didnt compliment the burger so she left some of it.

we didnt have desserts but next time i probably will give that a go instead of having a starter.

The decor was very dark but fancy hampstead style, was kept waiting 15 minutes for our table but wasnt fussed, staff very polite, always asking if we wanted anything, were we happy etc. When paying our £92 bill (4 soft drinks, 2 starters, 2 mains with 2 sides) i was given the bill with a piece of paper and pen stating how much i wanted to pay altogether...basically did i want to tip and how much.... I think it would have been more appropriate if they used a card machine that gives customers the option on there to leave a tip. From what i remember there is a 10/12% service charge anyways included on the bill.

Expensive but as first timers we were pleased, will definitely go back again and have more of an idea whats a hit and miss.
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Harding87
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Monday, February 06, 2012

A nice, glamorous space but painfully expensive, and cheeky too. We asked for two glasses of prosseco only to find they'd charged us for premium champagne on the bill. Steaks not as good as Hawksmoor et al, and the service is a bit OTT. Of course, everyone knows there are no good restaurants in Hampstead so this will probably kick on until the recession kicks in...
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rosieaway - View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Excellent - apart from the price.

As long as you're minted before you come here, you won't have a problem. But if you're planning to push the boat out, you won't be shocked either. I do have a problem with such high prices in what are essentially steakhouses, though. It's a hunk of meat, after all.

The food is truly excellent, however, and every mouthful makes you want more. And the staff are certainly attentive. They even wrote down the name of the wine for me because I made a comment that I liked it.

They've gone for a dark and foreboding decor, which works quite well for me. I've always wanted to come here and I'm glad I have.

I recommend this restaurant.
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Alan Ingham - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Sunday, June 26, 2011

Not impressed with the food quality.. steak was fatty, chewy, and not at all worth the high price tag!

On the plus side, the service was attentive and the decor pleasant.
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5 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Been here twice,. The steaks really are exceptionally good, chips are done well and you can taste them fresh. Service need to gear up I was not served drinks until asked twice, the only issue is it’s a bit over priced place but for the quality of steak I will definitely be returning.

You will see me soon
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dton - View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Monday, March 07, 2011

I'm not going to make it an essay but I was a little disappointed. The steak was not done as well as I had hoped, though I think they sit behind the great decor and atmosphere; but it is just not enough.

I don't mind paying lots for a steak but they need to fulfill their side of the bargain. Service was fine but the steak meat may not have been the best.
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Lproof - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 4
Friday, January 28, 2011

First things first, I am a regular at Gaucho and I will constantly be returning so my criticisms are only observations of what I believe to be minor problems that could improve a fantastic restaurant.

A great grey area between fine dining and a top notch steak house. The steaks are consistently some of the best I have had. My regular being the fillet steak medium rare has always been cooked correctly and has always been excellent. The sides though quite simple complement the fantastic meat on the menu.

Over the years the starters have changed and I am afraid to say do not stand out. There are a lot of confused flavours where it seems they are trying to make up in creativity for the simplistic stake menu. Saying that I have enjoyed them (especially the sweet breads) but not found them excellent.

Service does vary, it has never really been bad ,apart from when they kept me waiting an hour for a pre-booked table on my sisters birthday (received a large discount off the bill from the polite manager). It does depend who serves you as the more seasoned servers will glide through the service with a smile but some, even though polite and welcoming seem to be rushed or slightly too personal and casual seem to plod along.

The first thing to note is that this restaurant is almost ALWAYS busy so book in advance. Another thing to mention is that even though it is at capacity the quality of food or service seldom suffers. There is a need for a sommelier as I and most of my friends do not have a great knowledge of South American wines and vintages and the waiting staff, although briefed, do not offer much assistance in the wine selection.

Yes it is slightly expensive but after dinning there I always feel I have got value for what I have had. Gaucho is perfect for a date, a birthday, a get together or just a nice place to grab a few drinks and a steak. I recommend Gaucho constantly to any one who will listen and have had no complaints over the years.

The fact that every evening the tables are practically full speaks volumes for what this Argentinian steak house has achieved in Hampstead where there are many choices for dining. I will be returning some time soon.
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G.Davis
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, December 19, 2010

Walked to Hampstead and thought we'd try the old favourite. Been many times and the Gaucho experience can vary......

So, the good points: 1. Friendly front of house/greeter, 2. Steak was very good, 3. Chips were good, 4. Patagonian pinot noir reserva (£37) was excellent, 5. The place was full and the atmosphere was good, 6. Beetroot cress on tuna tartare starter - tasty and unusual, 7. Asked if we'd like a cab booked at the end - a nice touch, 8. Didn't charge for two coffees after my don pedro was forgotten

And the bad....1. Waitresses ignored us at the start - I had to be very proactive to get service., 2. When we only only ordered two steaks and two sides, our waitress looked unimpressed - as in "I'm not going to make much from these two" kind of way - she lacked charm, 3. The same waitress forgot my dessert order, 4. Tuna tartare starter was £9.50 (but it was good, so not really a bad point exactly), Overall, £113. Had some Frangelico's waiting for the cab (drank 5, charged for 2). With a little more polish to the service, the night would have been near perfect.

Staff could smile more (excluding girls on the front desk - who are naturals).

Will go back without hesitation.
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Coops
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, May 04, 2009