El Gaucho

We ordered many types of steaks and they were all done well. Unfortunately they come with less-​than-​average fries and the salads we ordered were also not amazing. Prices are on-​par-​plus with what you get. You are in Chelsea after all.

Dropped by for dinner here on a weeknight. At 6:30 pm I was the only customer, although a few more drifted in later.
Service was attentive. I ordered the ribeye steak, medium rare. Probably should have ordered medium, since it was pretty bloody. Rather gristly, too. I guess I should have expected no better for the price, which is relatively economical.

I used to be a Groupon/​Livingsocial admit but I have reformed since. When I saw the offer for El Gaucho, I thought I was getting a real steal for Gaucho. Like most offers you do have to book well ahead.
It feels a little strange walking into the market in the evening, it feels a little bit like you’re trespassing. I’m sure it would be nicer to go during the day time.
I thought the steak was pretty decent. Doesn’t knock your socks off but it was pretty good value, and I really liked the chips. Definitely give it a go if you see an offer for this place.

Mmmhmm, steak! Or at least that’s what I was expecting to say once the meat arrived at El Gaucho. Sadly, it was not meant to be. Warning: El Gaucho is much different from Gaucho so don’t be fooled!
The restaurant has a cool look given that it’s attempting to be a ranch house in the middle of Chelsea Garden Markets. An interesting choice but then wood and fire always do seem to go well with a thick steak. Du Hy T and I had a LivingSocial voucher so we thought why not?
We were given menus and only after having spent about 10 minutes arguing over the merits of each steak were we informed that the basic sirloin was the only thing allowed for the deal. No big problem as that’s what I was going to order, but could have saved us some tummy-​rumbling time with a quick work at the beginning. The place was empty except for one family half way through their meal so it wasn’t like we were going to be taking away his time better served on others.
The steaks arrived about 15 minutes later, and although we had ordered rare, I think it would more appropriately be considered well done. Not a good way to start. In all fairness, the meat was decent and the salt and pepper seasoning all it needed. I would have just preferred to got my bloody steak as ordered so I could enjoy more of the juices. A steakhouse that prides itself on its meat but doesn’t know how to cook it is just wrong.
The bowl of chips was generous and strangely crispy yet not oily. Not sure how they did that (maybe some form of oven baking and grilling?) but I’m a fan. The mixed green salad was likewise massive and a meal in itself. The house red was perfectly suitable for a steak and quite easy going so I can see it appealing to most red wine drinkers.
Pricewise, steaks (sirloin or ribeye only) will run you from £20−28 depending on if you want bacon and fried eggs with it. Salad was £6, and sides £2−5. No idea about the wine list but I imagine it was similarly affordable.
Location is a bit of a pain to get to with the nearest tube being South Kensington. For cyclists, there aren’t any convenient bike stands but there is a small tree outside that does the job if it’s not busy. A bit random, but it has a TV showing the football which is a first for a steakhouse in London, but maybe it’s standard in Argentina.
Overall, probably won’t go back. While it’s affordable (especially given the area), I’d rather sear my own steak or splurge and go out to the Hawksmoor.

Great cuts of perfectly cooked beef. ‘Nuff said. I often ask for medium and get anything but. Their baked potatoes are grilled and come with a generous dallop of sour cream and butter. Yum.
The food is reasonably priced and it’s the best steak I’ve had since moving to London.

I really liked this place. I love that it is quite small, not very noisy, they have great steaks and very friendly staff. Perfect for groups (it was ten of us) or a casual dinner when you don’t want anything fancy, just good food, great atmosphere and nice wine.
Come early. They close their kitchen quite early. I believe it was 9:30pm, but double check.
(not to be confused with the other Gaucho’s in London, make sure you look for El Gaucho).

This atmospheric restaurant, a tiny rustic gem hidden inside Chelsea Farmers Market, is a great spot for all seasons — in the winter, the wooden shed is beyond cozy with low ceilings and country furniture; on warmer days, a handful of tables outside make for perfect garden-​like dining (and people-​watching).
Despite the service which suffers horribly when the place is crowded, I prefer El Gaucho on summer days. The restaurant inside is a bit too claustrophobic for my tastes, and it’s hard to beat a plate of grilled cheese, some bread and a jug of sangria alfresco when the sun is shining.