Dining Out At Gaucho!

As a post matinee supper for my friend and I this weekend I used the OpenTable app to find a restaurant in Soho – my eye was immediately drawn, like a magpie, when one of the many suggestions (which come with ratings for how expensive, clear times available, the type of food, hints for their best reasons to visit and a wealth of reviews) to Gaucho Piccadilly. Just off London’s bustling Regent’s Street, yet tucked away like a little gem to discover off the beaten track, and so close to the theatre, coupled with a historical niggle that I wanted to try this place and we made our booking which was SO easy.

I’ve wanted to dine at Gaucho Piccadilly for years yet haven’t managed to make it there for one reason or another and yesterday was the day – I don’t know much about London Restaurants but friends of ours, who lived on Sackville Street back in the day, used to rave about Gaucho. We were young and penniless at the time and it’s always stuck with me as somewhere to go for a real treat. With a trip to town and one of my best friends for a show this was the decompress of good food and a cocktail we were seeking, oh yes please!

The building is impressive as you arrive and the welcome is warm, fashionable and yet not pretentious. As we were shown to our table on the top floor I was struck by the dark, brooding decor of cow hides on the wall and ambient lighting. It felt rather like being in a 1940s movie and I almost expected a jazz singer to arrive front and centre when we walked into the penthouse where tables were set like in a ballroom. Glorious! All the glamour I’d hoped for and more!

Attentively we were looked after and watered while we perused the extensive cocktail menu. Discarded banana peel vodka, reconstructed lemon juice and other interesting sounding ingredients enticed us before we went for a whisky based cherry highball and a citrus negroni – handily the menu advises which sort of glass each cocktail will be served in using a picture. I wanted a long drink to last me the meal, my friend opted for a cutesy mini coupe.

Onto the food and for starters we decided to opt for the shrimp ceviche followed by a classic burger for me, while my dining companion chose the burrata and steak salad. In all honesty Gaucho is all about the steak and while we were shown the different cuts at our table (and they all looked delicious), we just weren’t feeling that vibe and wanted to try out their other offerings. Having got the greedy big eye of jealousy looking around me at the steak eaters I wouldn’t make this choice again but I did very much enjoy my supper.

Portions weren’t huge but we came away replete and absolutely not in a position to polish off dessert too which would have been nice, but we just couldn’t manage. I tend to choose a starter or sweet instead of all three and judging the concept of being able to nibble on chocolate once home (should I require a sugar hit later on) I had to plump for the starter, shrimp ceviche gets me every time and I didn’t regret my choice at all!

Gaucho Piccadilly is an experience, it feels theatrical and full of character. The food smells divine and invites you inside to enjoy the opulent decor as you dine and this is what Gaucho is all about for me – dramatic vibes and a little bit of luxury. I saw some children eating in the restaurant (we had a table booked for 6pm, so early) and I wondered what my own children would make of such an experience. Perhaps one I shall treat them to soon. While there were families dining, there were also couples holding hands over the table enjoying romantic moments, friends, groups and solo diners. I’d say it was the perfect pre or post theatre supper with it’s theatrical feel to the room and my friend and I were very pleased to have popped our Gaucho cherry!

Finding the right restaurant with OpenTable couldn’t be less tricky! If you’re looking for a restaurant in Soho I highly recommend searching the app and perusing the plethora of ideas which will advise you without bias and assist you making that booking right away.

This post is in collaboration with OpenTable however Gaucho were not aware I would be reviewing our experience.