Cavernous and gloriously flash, Gaucho’s Manchester outpost is housed in an old Methodist church (complete with the organ in situ) that’s now a shrine to the conspicuous consumption of Pampas-reared Argentinean beef and much more besides. This luxurious steakhouse is right in the centre of Manchester’s Deansgate, making it easy to get to from public transport links and taxis.
All of the group’s swanky hallmarks are here amid glittering chandeliers, glass-panelled art-deco ceilings and swathes of black-and-white cowhide. Try some refreshing lime ceviches, tiraditos, meaty empanadas and homemade sausages to start. Then move on to the towering meat boards, which are ferried around the room to demonstrate the difference between well-aged cuts such as ancho, lomo, cuadril and churrasco. Level up the delicious steak meal with punchy, garlicky marinades, sauces and chimichurri chips, and round off the whole affairs with indulgent lashings of dulce de leche for afters.
Watch the chefs showcase their expertise in the theatre of the open kitchen, as you delight in some ringside action. Or for the booze enthusiasts, head to the cocktail bar for a round of Ribald Royales featuring ciroc vodka, passoa passion fruit liquer, vanilla syrup, finished with creamed egg whites and Chandon Argentine sparkling wine, among many other fantastic drinks.
The spacious restaurant also offers capacity for exclusive dining and events with two dedicated private rooms and a raised area. The wine room can comfortably fit 11 for an intimate dining occasion otherwise there is another private dining room for 18.
Added attractions include the ‘feast’ menu, the most luxurious affair to be had at Gaucho, and Saturday’s ‘electro brunch’ replete with live music and DJ sets to get the mimosas flowing, while drinkers could get lost for days in the endlessly fascinating all-Argentinean wine list. The verdict? “Glitzy and fun”, raves a local fan.