Mark and I have always been big fans of Gaucho – it’s hands down one of our favourite places to eat, and we’re lucky to have one right here in Cardiff. As steak lovers (and me being a true carnivore), it’s a match made in heaven. So, when Mark’s birthday weekend rolled around, we knew exactly where we wanted to celebrate.
The St. Dwynwen’s Day Menu
This visit was extra special because we went to try the St. Dwynwen’s Day menu, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Gaucho’s reputation for speciality cocktails, Argentinian dishes, and the best steak in Cardiff is well deserved, and they delivered on every promise. The experience always feels indulgent yet welcoming – a true slice of Argentina in the heart of Wales.
Wine
The wine selection was/is impressive – carefully curated, as expected. Since neither of us considers ourselves wine buffs, and Mark was driving, we opted for the house red, which turned out to be a perfect choice. Light and not too full-bodied, it complemented our meal beautifully without feeling too heavy for an afternoon lunch. The St. Dwynwen’s menu included a bottle of white or red wine chosen by the sommelier, and their selection certainly hit the mark for us.
Cocktails
Had we been in the mood for cocktails, the menu offered tempting choices. The Banana Pecan Old Fashioned and The Alfajores both sounded incredible, blending rich flavours like dark chocolate, roasted pecan, dulce de leche, and whisky. But, with the drive ahead, we sensibly decided to save them for another time.
Mark’s starter – a moreish delight
Mark started with the Black Truffle and Wild Mushroom Fugazzeta – a heavenly combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and rocket salad. Rich, cheesy, and utterly moreish, it was so good he had to stop himself from finishing it all at once! Thankfully, the team at Gaucho was happy to pack up the rest for later.
The star of the show – steak
For the main event, we both chose Tira de Ancho – Gaucho’s signature spiral-cut steak, slow-grilled and topped with chimichurri. This is where Gaucho truly shines. Their Argentinian beef is second to none, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
I asked for my steak blue, and to their credit, it arrived perfectly cooked – a rarity, as many restaurants hesitate to serve steak that rare. But Gaucho knows their beef and serves it with confidence.
Mark paired his steak with creamy mashed potatoes and a chargrilled baby gem Caesar salad, complete with pancetta lardons and parmesan. Meanwhile, I went steak-only – when the meat is this good, I find it doesn’t need anything else. Every bite was absolute heaven.
A sweet ending
Mark’s sweet tooth won out in the end, and he opted for the Strawberry and Raspberry Mille-Feuille. Layers of Chantilly cream, fresh berries, and delicate pastry – it disappeared in record time. His verdict? One of the best desserts he’s ever had.
Why we love Gaucho
It’s not just about the food – it’s the whole experience that makes Gaucho so special.
From the moment we arrived, the team was warm and welcoming, making us feel like our visit truly mattered. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth.
The atmosphere is stunning. We were lucky enough to be seated in one of their cozy leather booths, ideal for a special occasion. The moody lighting added to the ambiance, and the open kitchen allowed us to watch the chefs work their magic.
Adding to the evening’s charm was live music – a talented guitarist and singer performing with a hauntingly beautiful voice. It was the perfect finishing touch.
Taking our time
After dessert, we rounded off our meal with an Americano coffee – though Birchall Tea, Irish Coffee, and Caribbean Coffee were also available.
One thing we appreciated was that we never felt rushed. Both the manager and our server checked in on us just the right amount, ensuring everything was perfect without being overbearing.
Is it worth it?
Without a doubt. Gaucho isn’t somewhere you go for a quick bite or a budget meal, but it’s worth every penny. Dining here is an experience, not just a meal – a place to slow down, savour every mouthful, and enjoy impeccable service in a luxurious setting.
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and at Gaucho, what you get is exceptional.
We’re already counting down the days until our next visit. If you love steak, great service, and a touch of luxury, Gaucho is a must-visit. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Looking Ahead – The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Menu
If you’re planning something special for Valentine’s Day, Gaucho’s Ultimate Valentine’s Sharing Menu promises to be an indulgent experience. Available from 13th to 15th February 2025, this menu features dishes like Black Truffle and Wild Mushroom Fugazzeta, signature sharing steaks, and the decadent Strawberry and Raspberry Mille-Feuille, designed for two to share. At £55 per person, it includes a bottle of wine handpicked by Gaucho’s sommelier, making it the perfect way to celebrate love in style.
Gaucho Cardiff
19 The Hayes
St David’s Dewi Sant
Cardiff CF10 2EL
029 2059 6979
cardiff@gauchorestaurants.com
Opening Times
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 – 23:30
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 23:30
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