Restaurant review: Gaucho Leeds
After spotting some logos on the way up Park Row we were delighted to find what were looking for. Gaucho Leeds – the restaurant recently listed among the 100 Best Restaurants in the UK.
But it was only after we walked past the restaurant itself and noticed that we had to go downstairs.
My companion and I entered through the doors and were kindly greeted by staff who surprisingly-but-pleasantly, took our coats to store in another room.
We were seated in a plush bar area on what seemed like cowhide fabrics. And as we waited for our drinks, we couldn’t help but notice the furry cow print on the walls.
We needed to drive home, so that meant we couldn’t really go all-out on the many fine wines or beverages Gaucho had to offer, so we responsibly opted for lemonades. A friendly bartender served us, and we were later led towards the dining area.
“This is what I like. When you can see the food being prepared right in front of you,” my companion told me as we walked down.
In a comfortable distance, chefs could be seen preparing meals. The atmosphere of the dining area was calm and relaxing. There was a good choice of music, and at one point I wanted to dance (we didn’t drink – promise).
We had trouble understanding some of the dishes on the main menu, but a delightful waiter helped us out, before bringing a cut of raw meats on a giant board and talking through them before we ordered.
I opted for the pork matambre, which was acorn fed Iberico pork with sweet potato, confit lemon and coriander salad. The pork was definitely the highlight of the dish and cooked to perfection. The carrots were nicely done and the lemon was tangy.
The choice of options was limited for vegetarians so my companion ordered a risotto of wild mushrooms as a main – probably as he had no other option to. I finished my dish before him, but he had more on his plate and described his meal as well-prepared and very filling.
Upon finishing our main we both ordered the tempting orange and apple crumble, which we agreed was the most satisfying dish of the night. I thought I was full, but along the course of the night I found out I had an extra stomach.
Our bill, for a 3-course meal excluding drinks, came around the £30-£40 mark. But for such a price in Leeds city centre we expected as much.
The staff were extremely friendly, the food was quality and the atmosphere was second to none.
That said, this might not be the first choice for vegetarians or people who prefer to eat out with a budget, but if you like fine cuisine with a meaty Argentinean twist, Gaucho Leeds would be the place for you.
Gaucho Leeds, 21-22 Park Row, Leeds West Yorkshire, LS1 5JF. Telephone: 0113 246 1777. Click here for map and directions.
Written by a Yorkshire Standard reviewer.
