Gaucho at The O2 offers an exclusive sanctuary from the bustle of the legendary O2 arena with its stunning interior providing a haven of luxury amid the excitement at Greenwich Peninsula. Spread across three spectacular floors, the restaurant is a show-stopping combination of unique spaces. While the beautiful sunken seating area in the cocktail bar is the perfect setting for a pre-show drink, the opulent balcony lounge is an unbeatable place to soak up the energy of this iconic venue.

At Gaucho the beef is exclusively sourced solely from the Pampas, an area of Argentine lowlands famous for its fertile soil and home to rivers flowing from the Andes and seventeen types of grass. The Pampas is the perfect terroir for rearing this distinctive beef with every one of Gaucho’s steaks coming from Aberdeen-Angus cattle reared on this luscious grassland so guests will always experience the true taste of Argentina.

To ensure the highest quality meat, Gaucho remains closely involved with the cows throughout the farming process with their team of experts on the ground in Argentina having built strong relationships with some of the most accomplished beef farmers in the Pampas region who now produce livestock exclusively for Gaucho.

The farmers use modern technology, influenced by 150 years of farming history, and specific feeding stipulations. The cows they breed enjoy an organic and free-range lifestyle; roaming and feeding on the grassy plains of the Pampas.

Every cut of beef can be traced back to the farmer that reared the cow, so Gaucho know exactly where all the meat has come from. This commitment to quality allows the restaurant to produce the finest Argentine steak.

Gaucho at The O2 is located in the main O2 arena. As you arrive you can sit downstairs for a pre-dinner drink or just to sample delicious Gaucho cocktails with a friend. We were lucky enough to be dining so we jumped in the lift and made our way to the restaurant on the first floor.

The first thing you are shown upon arrival is the beautiful meat board showcasing the size and style of meat you will be trying if you are a steak lover.

As we settled in we ordered a fruity non-alcoholic drink and a whisky based cocktail called White Walker made from Roe & Co Irish whiskey, RumChata cream liqueur and Frangelico hazelnut liqueur – the perfect combination to satisfy my sweet tooth.

To start we tried the Cured Patagonian Red Prawn Tiradito with pickled cucumber, salsa verde and whipped crème fraîche. This starter is superb the raw prawns are tender and the natural sweetness explodes in your mouth with every bite. A light starter but one that is simple and well put together.

Another light dish well worth trying is the Seared Scallops which are served in the shell with blood pudding, spiced orange butter, charred orange, chorizo crumble and nasturtium. The texture and flavour of the scallops works well with the blood pudding and is not overwhelmed by the chorizo crumble.

We also tried the Buttermilk Fried Mollejas – sweetbreads coated in ají amarillo batter, pickled Guindilla chilli and a sweet and spicy saffron sauce. This dish was a real surprise the sweetbreads came as a generous size and tasted sublime. The saffron sauce with the chilli kick adds another dimension to this must-try dish.

For the main event we tried the Glazed Pork Belly with Pickled cabbage, celeriac, cider jus and crackling. As you would expect Gaucho really knows how to cook its meat. The pork was soft and tender and the cracking snapped in the mouth with firm texture but with ease.

My dining companion had the Tira De Ancho – a spiral-cut slow-grilled piece of beef steak with chimichurri. This piece of beef straight from Argentina is not just a special cut but a special treat. Soft and tender packed with flavour you won’t be disappointed.

For those looking for an indulgent treat, the Mac and Cheese with Spanish chorizo and ‘nduja is the perfect accompaniment to any main dish. The mac is soft but firm in texture and the meaty chorizo adds a delicate hint of flavour that will keep you coming back for more.

We highly recommend heading to Gaucho for your next steak fix to experience the true taste of Argentina right here in the capital!

Gaucho at The O2
Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
020 8858 7711
www.gauchorestaurants.com
@gauchogroup