Nestled in the heart of Deansgate, the vibrant centre of Manchester, lies Gaucho - an Argentinean steakhouse ensconced within the walls of a converted church. This unique setting, featuring an original church organ as the centrepiece of its stunning, split-level dining room, is nothing short of a culinary sanctuary. Our recent visit to Gaucho Manchester was a delightful revelation, reaffirming the brand's unassailable reputation for delivering not just a meal, but a veritable dining experience. In this review, we'll delve into our gastronomic journey, replete with exquisite cocktails, sumptuous steaks, and impeccable service.
To review our evening at Gaucho Manchester, we began our adventure with a journey through their cocktail menu. I found myself irresistibly drawn to the Argentinian Siesta, a cocktail that promised a symphony of flavours. This cocktail, skilfully concocted with Chilli-infused El Jimador Blanco tequila, Pampele grapefruit, aperitivo, passion fruit, reconstructed lemon juice, and agave. This was a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tart. Its invigorating tang whetted our appetites, setting the stage for the culinary delights that awaited us.
My partner, ever the enthusiast for creative cocktails, chose the Citrus Negroni, a sophisticated elixir that marries 11 Tanqueray TEN, Nectarine aperitivo, Campari, reconstructed lemon juice, gomme, and tangerine espuma. The cocktail's medley of citrus notes provided a zesty counterpoint to the classic bitterness of the Negroni, creating an enchanting sensory experience. With our palates primed and spirits uplifted, we were poised for the main event.
"If you seek not just a meal but a culinary revelation, Gaucho Manchester should undoubtedly be one for you to consider."
In the spirit of exploration, we decided to forgo the customary starters and proceed directly to the pièce de résistance. After much contemplation, I opted for the 400g Ancho Ribeye, a cut renowned for its delicate marbling and resulting in a full-bodied flavour that Gaucho executes to perfection. The steak was, quite simply, sublime. Cooked to my exacting brief, it was a testament to the precision and artistry that defines Gaucho's approach to grilling. To enhance this culinary masterpiece, I went for their peppercorn sauce, which complemented the meat's richness impeccably. For an extra indulgence, I added the Grilled Argentine gambas, a choice that brought a delightful seafood dimension to the meal, perfectly harmonising with the ribeye's robust flavour. This was also accompanied by their creamed potatoes, which completed my choice wonderfully.
My partner, meanwhile, ventured into the realm of specialty cuts, selecting the 300g Colita de Lomo, a cut lovingly marinated in garlic, parsley, and olive oil. The tenderness of this cut was extraordinary, and the marriage of flavours from the marinade made every bite an exquisite revelation. The Firecracker chimichurri provided a tantalising contrast, igniting the palate with its vibrant combination of spices. As with my dish, Grilled Argentine gambas graced this plate, alongside hand-cut chips.
We also decided to add a couple of delectable sides. The Sauteed Broccoli, infused with confit garlic, roasted almond, and lemon zest, provided a refreshing crunch and a harmonious balance to the savoury richness of the steaks. The Confit Mushrooms, served with citrus and pepper emulsion, mushrooms, and butter, transported us to a realm of umami and indulgence that was nothing short of extraordinary.
To complement our feast, we selected a South African Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Shiraz from Stellenbosch, a wine that elegantly underscored the flavours of our meal. Its deep, rich tones and velvety texture made for an ideal pairing with the steak, enhancing the overall dining experience. This wine was yet another testament to Gaucho's dedication to quality and their skill in curating a diverse wine list.
Throughout the evening, Gaucho Manchester demonstrated an unwavering commitment to impeccable service. The staff's knowledge of the menu, attentiveness to our needs, and the genuine passion they exhibited in sharing their expertise added an essential layer to our dining experience. This review would be incomplete without acknowledging the dedication and professionalism of the team, who transformed a mere meal into a memorable culinary journey.
Gaucho Manchester stands as a superlative example of what a steakhouse should be. From its awe-inspiring setting in a converted church to the expertly crafted cocktails, and, most importantly, the faultless execution of the food, every element of our experience at Gaucho was exemplary. This review underscores the fact that Gaucho Manchester continues to deliver on its promise of a superlative dining experience, firmly establishing itself as a destination for connoisseurs of fine food, exquisite cocktails, and unparalleled service. If you seek not just a meal but a culinary revelation, Gaucho Manchester should undoubtedly be one for you to consider.
The Bill: £64 per head
