Everyone has been raving about Gaucho for a long time and finally tonight I got the Gauch experience. To my surprise Rehana treated me to tonight’s meal so you could say the experience was even sweeter.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from a steak house and for some reason in my mind I was picturing some sort of chain style restaurant – informal but just happened to be serving good quality steaks. Instead I was very surprised by just how swanky and lush the restaurant was, from the darkened entrance and lobby to the beautifully decorated floor we were directed to. Apparently Gaucho is spread over four floors so it would have been interesting to see if all floors had the same decs as the first. I love how there is cow hide everywhere.

The restaurant was extremely busy when we got there (bookings essential) however even though we were a little bit early they were able to accomodate and pretty much seat us immediately. Service was very friendly and efficient if at times a little too quick. We’d barely finished our starters before they were whisked away and our mains delivered! I almost thought they were trying to railroad us out of the restaurant except for the fact that once we’d finished our shared cheesecake dessert they seemed happy to let us just sit at the table and talk. Its clear at Gaucho that even though high quality food is the draw they are also very concerned with customer service – we were asked at least two times by different managers if we were happy.

I’m very impressed that they show you the cuts of steak and some sample sizes before you choose your meal. This definitely helps with the decision of what size and style to go for (I recommend one of the Churrasco ‘Cuts’ which is a spiral cut and marinated steak and you can choose between sirloin, fillet or rump – 300g was enough) though be warned if you go for a steak you will definitely have to get a side or two to share – all you literally get is the steak!

I couldn’t complain about the meal at all. Our starters of salads (Palmito – Hearts of palm, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, radish, black olives, coriander and sherry vinaigrette – for Rehana and Chopped – Roasted corn, chickpeas, crispy potato, sun blushed tomatoes and crispy shallots on mixed leaves with honey mustard dressing for me) were delicious and a very good size. The steaks (we both went with the Churrasco ‘Cuts’ Lomo which is a fillet) were cooked to perfection and so melt in your mouth that we were able to cut them with our bread knife. In fact I’m sure you could have pulled the meat apart. And our Dulce De Leche Cheesecake was the fitting end to the meal.

If there is one negative at Gaucho it is the price – sides and sauces are very over-priced for what you get though I was impressed with the value of salads we ordered and I guess you should expect to pay the price for good quality steak. Its just scary how a little bit of this and a little bit of that add up to a gigantic bill! (and we didn’t even have any alcohol …)

Gaucho is definitely recommended for a special occasion.