London is a city that is world-renowned for its diverse culinary scene, boasting a plethora of varied and vibrant restaurants serving just about every type of cuisine you could imagine. From Michelin-starred fine dining eateries to farm-to-table spots, there is no shortage of notable places to book yourself a table for a memorable night – but sometimes, all you want is a good steak.
Offering the most succulent of steaks to satisfy the cravings of meat enthusiasts, the recently opened Gaucho Covent Garden is fast becoming the obvious choice if that’s the case, and reservations are already filling up well in advance. The first new Gaucho restaurant to open its doors in the capital in over a decade, it brings all the tastes and flavours of modern Argentina to the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Royal Opera House and bustling Piazza, serving up the same prime cuts and mouth-watering flavour that is synonymous with the Gaucho brand. But with side dishes of late night tango, latin DJs and creative cocktails, it’s a unique and undeniably sophisticated spot to get your fix, and a place to see and be seen as much as it is a place to enjoy a truly decadent meal.
The food
A true all-day dining affair, Gaucho Covent Garden opens daily from 8am offering a variety of vibrant and accessible Argentinian-inspired menus, with all culinary creations overseen by executive chef Mike Reid.
Argentina is renowned for its world-class beef, and it’s something that Gaucho has been expertly showcasing in the UK since 1994 – so you know that it’s going to be the star of the show. The art of Argentine steak cooking is admired across the globe, and combined with the finest quality cuts, sourced from carefully selected, grass-fed, and free-range cattle favoured by the brand, you can be certain you’re in for a treat.
The restaurant’s impeccably sourced sustainable steaks from Black-Angus cattle, bred at hand selected farms, are the highlight and impressively, are 100 percent carbon neutral – choose your cut from the day’s top picks, which are brought to your table and talked through by your waiter, with a flavour and texture profile provided on each to make choosing yours easy.
Whatever your cut of choice, you’ll find it here – be it a tender filet, a tasty ribeye, or a richly marbled sirloin. Each steak is expertly aged to enhance its flavor and tenderness, too – and the results are frankly impressive. The speciality churrasco steak, marinated with garlic, parsley and olive oil is a must try – the “asado” (barbecue) technique used to cook it ensures that each steak is succulent, juicy and cooked to perfection, which if it’s your first taste, feels quite simply life-changing.
Of course, a great steak is only as good as the artisan manning the grill, and at Gaucho Covent Garden, the quality is unmatched. The restaurant’s skilled and experienced chefs don’t just know their way around a kitchen, but are true masters of their craft, with a thorough understanding of the complexities of cooking up the perfect steak.
Aside from the steak itself, other dishes include starters of seared diver scallops with ‘nduja butter; shrimp ceviche with picante rojo; and classic empanadas filled with a choice of beef, sweet potato and provolone, chicken and chorizo. And if you’re not a steak person, then alternative mains include whole grilled sea bass served simply with olive oil, lemon and herbs and a marinated pork matambre with Malbec jam.
Offering up a morning menu is a first for the brand, and yet another reason to pay this latest iteration a visit. Featuring a host of breakfast staples sprinkled with Argentinian twists – think summer porridge with zingy berries; halloumi and avocado muffin served with streaks of smoky chipotle BBQ sauce; and classic eggs benedict accompanied by cured Coppa ham – there’s something for everyone, and what better way to fuel yourself for a busy day out in the capital?
The drinks
Any foodie worth their salt knows that an impressive wine pairing can make the difference between a great meal and a thoroughly show-stopping one, even when the steak is already this crazy good. And at Gaucho Covent Garden, the wine list is extensive, featuring one of London’s largest collections of South American wines. There’s an array of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines from across the region alongside sustainable vintages, as well as a selection of other delightful options from across the globe. From a robust and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon to a versatile Malbec or smooth Merlot, the options are endless – and the knowledgeable staff are ever on hand to recommend your perfect match.
If you fancy something a little different or plan on enjoying some pre- or post-dinner drinks, then the theatrical cocktail list is just what you’re looking for. Showcasing an array of signature South American inspired serves such as the La Pasión Del Chocolate with Belvedere vodka, Mozart white chocolate, Passoa, passion fruit, oat milk and the El Niño: Pampero Blanco rum, Bacardi Coconut, mango, gomme, reconstructed lemon juice, coconut espuma, they’re about as creative and as decadent as you can get.
The vibe
The restaurant’s ambiance is stylish and elegant – just as we’ve come to expect from this esteemed brand. Think contemporary decor, plush seating, and dim mood lighting, which together, create an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for romantic evenings, special evenings, and even ‘just because’.
From the Las Pampas estancias and the golden era of Argentina’s art deco tango dance halls, the interiors are inspired by both traditional and modern Argentina. The bold Aztec patterned upholstery, representative of traditional horse blankets, and metal horseshoe detail adorning the staircase complement the sultry colour palette and contemporary furniture, while outside a handful of tables provide the perfect spot for people watching and soaking up the sunshine on warmer days and sunnier evenings.
Unique to this latest opening is the lower-ground late night speakeasy-style club and brand-new Latin-laced breakfast menu – this is Gaucho for a new generation.
As the sun sets on Friday and Saturday nights, that’s when the party really gets started, and guests descend the stairs into a hidden world inspired by the tango halls of 1930’s Buenos Aires. From 10.30pm until the early hours, expect seductive tango performances, vibrant DJ sets and a speakeasy cocktail bar. Perfect for post-theatre punters and late-night London revellers, this new subterranean centre for drinking, dining, and dancing is the capital’s hottest new destination to set sights on after sundown.
Factbox
Address: 8-9 James St, London WC2E 8BT
Phone: 020 7242 2222
Website: gauchorestaurants.com/restaurants/covent-garden/
