Nestled on The Hayes in Cardiff’s bustling city centre, Gaucho Cardiff stands out with its sleek black canopies, giving the impression of a high-end boutique. But behind its elegant facade lies an Argentinian steakhouse that brings a sophisticated twist to dining in the Welsh capital. Opened just last year, this is Gaucho’s first venture into Wales, and it has already made a name for itself in Cardiff’s thriving culinary scene.
Gaucho Cardiff, much like other premium restaurants such as Six By Nico, Terra Mare, and The Ivy Asia, offers an experience that goes beyond the plate. It’s about the ambiance, the attentive service, and the story that each dish tells. From the moment you step inside, you’re taken on a culinary journey, guided by the expertise of their staff and the quality of their food.
We visited on a quiet Tuesday evening, eager to experience all that Gaucho had to offer.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and offered the chance to leave our coats in the cloakroom before being swiftly escorted to our table. As first-time visitors, we didn’t quite know what to expect, but our server Simone immediately set the tone by walking us through the enticing options on the menu. We were invited to explore their impressive selection of wines or indulge in one of their handcrafted cocktails or refreshing mocktails — an invitation we eagerly accepted!
Margarita with Chimichurri Salt (£14)—a daring twist on the classic, packed with Latin American flair. This cocktail is a heady mix of tequila and mezcal, blended with a fresh, savoury red bell pepper cordial. The chimichurri salt rim was a real standout, designed to be licked as you take each sip, adding a burst of flavour to every moment. As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of tequila, I was surprised at how subtle it was, letting the refreshing balance of heat and zest shine through. Oh, and I can’t forget the biggest ice cube I’ve ever seen, keeping the drink perfectly cool and impressive!
Alternatively, if you’d prefer a non-alcoholic drink or can’t drink, like my wife, there’s a wonderful selection of refreshing mocktails available. When asking for recommendations, the Kiwi Breeze (£9.50)—a blend of Everleaf Marine, kiwi cordial, and citrus—was the perfect, refreshing choice.
If you’re struggling to choose, don’t worry—just ask your server for a recommendation, and they’ll expertly guide you through the cocktail options. Alternatively, you can dive into their flavour grid, a clever tool that helps you pinpoint your perfect drink, whether you’re craving something sweet, umami, delicate, or bold and intense. It’s a fun way to discover your new favourite!
Here’s what we ordered and our thoughts…
Starters
We began our meal with two starters: Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas (£7 each) and Burrata (£14.50). The empanadas were warm and comforting, packed with flavourful fillings encased in a perfectly golden pastry.
The burrata, however, was the star of the show. Paired with radicchio, orange, fennel, and basil, it offered a delightful balance of creamy, fresh, and zesty flavors. The truffle and focaccia croutons added an extra layer of indulgence. While the radicchio was a bit too bitter, even with the richness of the buffalo mozzarella, the dish as a whole remained a standout.
Mains
One of the unique aspects of Gaucho’s dining experience is how your server will present a platter of steaks for you to inspect before ordering. This is not just a visual feast but an opportunity to ask questions and get personalised recommendations.
Our server, Simone, was particularly helpful, especially when selecting a steak for my pregnant wife. He suggested the Colita de Lomo, a spiral-cut fillet tail, which would be perfect cooked well-done.
I opted for the Churrasco De Lomo (£63 for 350g), a lean spiral cut steak marinated in garlic, parsley, and olive oil. The aroma alone was enough to get my mouth watering, and it didn’t disappoint. Cooked medium to well, it was one of the finest steaks I’ve ever had, tender and packed with flavour. To accompany it, I chose the hand-cut chips seasoned with chimichurri salt. These were a triumph – crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with taste.
My wife’s Colita de Lomo (£48 for 300g), though cooked well-done, was surprisingly tender and packed with rich flavor—a true testament to the quality of the meat and seasoning. Her sides of creamy mashed potatoes and grilled tenderstem broccoli with toasted almonds and a delicious so blanco sauce perfectly complemented the dish. The mashed potatoes were especially stunning, with the blend of milk and cream creating the perfect texture and flavor.
Dessert
After indulging in the rich mains, we took a much-needed break before moving on to dessert. I opted for the chocolate brownie with white chocolate ice cream (£8.50). The brownie was divine – crispy on the outside, gooey and molten in the centre. Every bite was pure indulgence, without being overly sweet.
My wife chose the exotic fruit Mille-feuille (£8), a delicate pastry layered with pineapple, passion fruit, mango, and vanilla mascarpone cream. Light and refreshing, it was the perfect end to the meal, with the mascarpone balancing the sweetness of the fruit.
Conclusion
Gaucho Cardiff isn’t an everyday dining spot, but it is an exceptional choice for a special occasion or when you want to savour a true dining experience. The quality of the food is undeniable, from the expertly prepared steaks to the thoughtfully crafted desserts. While it might be on the pricier side, the atmosphere, service, and culinary experience more than justify the cost.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal in Cardiff, Gaucho should be on your list. View the full menu and book your table online: Gaucho Cardiff.
Location: The Hayes, St Davids Dewi Sant, Cardiff CF10 2EL
