The iconic Gaucho brand is making a grand return to London with its latest opening in Covent Garden, marking the first new Gaucho restaurant in over a decade. Situated a short walk from the Royal Opera House and the bustling Piazza, Gaucho Covent Garden promises to blend vibrant Argentinian dining with an immersive late-night experience, offering a fresh take on the Gaucho legacy.
Tango Nights and Latin Beats
Gaucho Covent Garden introduces a distinctive feature: a subterranean speakeasy-style club that brings the spirit of Buenos Aires to London. From 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, guests can descend into a 1930s-inspired tango hall, where they will be treated to sultry tango performances, dynamic DJ sets, and an elegant cocktail bar. This new venue aims to captivate post-theatre patrons and nocturnal Londoners alike, establishing itself as a must-visit destination for late-night revelry.
All-Day Argentinian Dining
The restaurant opens daily at 8am, offering a diverse range of Argentinian-inspired dishes throughout the day. Overseen by Executive Chef Mike Reid, the menu features inventive breakfast options, including summer porridge with berries, halloumi and avocado muffins with smoky chipotle BBQ sauce, and classic eggs benedict with cured Coppa ham.
The lunch and dinner offerings include a set lunch menu priced at £30 for three courses and a selection of pre-theatre dining options. The highlight of the menu is Gaucho’s carbon-neutral steaks, sourced from sustainably farmed Black-Angus cattle in Argentina. Diners can choose from a variety of cuts, including ribeye, sirloin, fillet, and the marinated churrasco steaks. For those indecisive about their choice, the Gaucho Sampler offers four different cuts to enjoy.
Additional dishes include starters such as seared diver scallops with ‘nduja butter, shrimp ceviche with picante rojo, and traditional empanadas. Main courses feature whole grilled sea bass with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, and marinated pork matambre with Malbec jam.
A Toast to South American Spirits
The drinks menu boasts one of London’s most extensive collections of South American wines, featuring a range of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling options. The cocktail list is equally impressive, with creative concoctions inspired by South American flavours. Highlights include the La Pasión Del Chocolate, combining Belvedere vodka with Mozart white chocolate, Passoa, passion fruit, and oat milk, and the El Niño, a blend of Pampero Blanco rum, Bacardi Coconut, mango, gomme, reconstructed lemon juice, and coconut espuma.
Elegant and Contemporary Interiors
Reflecting both traditional and modern Argentinian aesthetics, the restaurant’s interiors are inspired by the estancias of Las Pampas and the art deco tango dance halls of Buenos Aires. The design features bold Aztec-patterned upholstery reminiscent of traditional horse blankets and metal horseshoe details on the staircase. The sultry colour palette and contemporary furniture create a sophisticated ambiance, while a few outdoor tables offer a pleasant setting for people-watching and enjoying the sunshine.
Gaucho Covent Garden’s opening marks a significant revival for the brand, promising an exciting fusion of culinary excellence, lively entertainment, and stylish décor in the heart of London.