Winner of Time Out's Eating and Drinking Awards 2006: Best Steak Restaurant in London. Time Out said....
"At Gaucho we pride ourselves on the basic philosophy of provenance. To us this means authenticity, assurance and rigorous attention to obtain the finest quality ingredients at source. This dedication ensures that every time you visit us, you experience the true essence of Argentine life. Its food, its wine, its culture and importantly the passion of the people... The steaks – rump, sirloin, fillet, ribeye and churrasco de lomo (a fillet that is cut open and turned out, the better to soak up its olive oil and garlic marinade) – are just fabulous: flavoursome and so tender you could cut them with a spoon (no steak knives were even offered). We also enjoyed great thin chips, spicy sweetcorn, steaming balls of cheese bread, tangy hake and prawn ceviche, and a bottle of the pocket-friendly malbec."
The Gaucho Piccadilly occupies the former three-storey site, previously Destino, in the culinary haven of Swallow Street, off Regent Street W1. The ever-expanding and hugely popular Gaucho brand showcases a natural evolution, representing the many multi-faceted aspects of Argentinean life. A first for London.
Wine Boutique and Bar
This beautiful and historic Latin building houses three distinct areas which can be sampled individually or collectively. On the ground floor there is a 'wine boutique' selling the UK’s, if not Europe's, largest collection of over 150 Argentine wines, many of which are exclusive to Gaucho. Visitors are able to taste the wines in-store as well as enjoying unique vintages by the glass in a relaxed 'cavas' like space. At night, the shop converts into a highly atmospheric private dining area where an extensive wine based set-menu is served, with the whole experienced overseen and orchestrated by one of Gaucho’s top sommeliers. South American grazing and tapas dishes are available in the adjoining wine bar which opens all day and continuing late into the evening where the full a la carte menu is also available.
Cellars
The original wine cellars of this wonderful old building are incorporated into this new multi-dimensional concept as an events venue, where the cavernous subterranean space with its vaulted ceilings and dramatic ambience are available to hire for a wide range of corporate and private events. An events management team are on hand to ensure that each and every occasion is unique and extraordinary.
Main Restaurant
The first floor 120 cover restaurant explores the concept further serving the famous 'grass fed' steak and many other selected Latin dishes from celebrated executive chef Douglas Rodriguez. The Gaucho beef comes only from young steers that have feasted on the lush, rich grasses of the Argentine pampas. Their meat is so tender it has been liked to something between veal and beef as the journey from pampas to table allows the meat to age for four to six weeks, a process that makes it even tender still. In the restaurant, the meat is cut to order, salt and chimichurri oil are added before It is flash grilled - locking in the flavour. Argentine Beef is considered the best in the world due to its reduced fat, increased moisture content, mild climate, rich soil and vast terrain on which the Aberdeen Angus cattle graze. The steaks are cooked in the traditional Argentine way too, by only turning the cut once there is a greater caremelisation which seals the meat, enhancing the flavour, as the rich juices cannot escape.
Supper Lounge
The top floor of Gaucho Piccadilly is home to the rhythmic and avant-garde supper lounge. This space is transformed into an informal, vibrant late night venue where patrons enjoy the traditional Gaucho dining experience with an added twist, where Latin artists perform live until the space is gradually and subtly transformed to recreate the throbbing tango-inspired heart of Buenos Aires night-life. This is the perfect place to meet, have dinner, be entertained until the early hours, and escape to the cultural heart of Argentina.
Gaucho Piccadilly is designed and conceived by Conceptualise with inspiration from both the potent sophistication of Buenos Aires and the rustic charm of the Estancia. Dark wood and cowhide are juxtaposed with marble, glass and black chandeliers to create an elegant, stylish space with a modern twist. The final culinary experience is right at home with Swallow Street's trend-setters, while adding a new dimension to Gaucho and London dining.