Harden's survey result
Summary
These Argentinian steakhouses have strutted their stuff in the capital since 1994 and fans say they remain a “time-proven, meat-eater’s delight”. Their performance in recent years has been very up-and-down, however, with an ongoing pattern of let-downs and concerns that they are “too expensive” puncturing the general mood. This is reflected by their revolving doors management, which has seen CEOs come, go, come back… and go again! The latest move is the late-2024 departure of Martin Williams to head up Evolv Collection, followed by the arrival of new chief executive Baton Berisha (ex-the Wolseley Hospitality Group). Spring 2025 saw the launch of Gaucho Go, its first grab-and-go spinoff, in the new Boxhall City at Liverpool Street station, selling the signature steak and chips, burgers, and a twist on the classic hot dog. Overall, the dozen London branches are generally “popular and reliable”, especially “for business lunches” when someone else is paying. Hampstead is tipped for its “nice outside space and the best kitchen of the chain” and Richmond for its “great situation right on the Thames towpath”.
Summary
Credit is due to this upscale, Latino-inspired steakhouse chain, which has had its ups and downs in recent times as it’s gone through numerous MBOs and behind-the-scenes financial deals; but which has significantly recovered its game since Martin Williams returned to the helm a couple of years ago. Criticism was most notable by its absence this year: “there may be better steak out there for less money, but there’s nothing wrong with the food”, indeed the “excellent steaks” (and the other fare as well) were widely acclaimed for being “reliable” this year, and a more lively atmosphere and better service have returned to their “lovely”, funkily designed branches. The big South American wine list is a consistent draw too. (With 12 branches in London, it’s been in the UK since 1994, but was actually originally founded on the Continent in 1976). Top Top – the Richmond branch has a particularly good waterside location.
Summary
This Argentinian-inspired group celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, now with a dozen branches in London and another seven in provincial cities. In its heyday, it “used to be the best place for a steak”, backed up by a “well-compiled list” of South American wines. But while fans still applaud it for “reliably good” meals (albeit acknowledging it “could do with a few more non-meat options”), critics – and its competition – have multiplied over the years, and there’s a feeling “you can now find better elsewhere”.
Summary
“Expensive but fun” is the upbeat take on this Argentinian steakhouse chain, where imported steaks are matched with an “excellent wine list” (including the largest selection of Argentinian wines outside the country). And the riverside branch in Richmond is a particular “go-to place for a celebration”. On the downside, a worrying proportion of diners find it “overpriced” or plain “disappointing”: “it’s a good steak, but doesn’t match the price tag”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Gaucho Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Had the best Mother's Day lunch here with my wife and our 12 and 10 year old girls. The food was incredible, the girls were blown away by their junior size steaks and everything was of the absolute highest quality. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for and more. Our service was beyond excellent with the waiter adding to our overall experience no end and the atmosphere was simply lovely on a stunningly beautiful spring day overlooking the river. Cost prohibits us from going too often but as an occasional treat it's pretty difficult to beat!"
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Opening hours
Last orders: 10.45 pm
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