Gaucho ***

Meat is the watchword at any Gaucho across London, to be specific Beef. This Argentinian steak house chain restaurant has taken London by storm recently and it now has over a dozen restaurants across London.

When we entered the City branch we knew it was going to be a place oozing quality and decadence as we were whisked in our lift down to basement level to a den of sheer outrageous extravagance. From the outside it looked like a standard City bar with a glass facade and leather dominating proceedings. Housed in the middle of two of the world's largest investment banks in the heart of the City the restaurant was dominated by suited gentlemen discussing business however the decor was immaculate and epitomised class. However there was no charm to the surroundings and it was clear that everything was there to epitomise decadence and futuristic grandeur. It steadily dawned on me that it was going to be a very expensive meal.

In spite of this the food was excellent and whilst the restaurant specialises in beef it also other meat dishes. The spatchcocked chicken was immaculately prepared and the cheese board with malbec chutney was incredibly morish. The desserts were similarly stunning, the cheesecake was in many ways for want of a better phrase the 'icing on the cake'. Each dish was prepared with consideration and oozed quality.

It was however as expected quite an expensive meal with the end total coming to approximately £70 per head including drinks and service. Overall however the food was excellent and the service surprisingly informative and helpful. I would rate this particular branch 3 out of 5.

http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/restaurant.php?id=city