Gaucho

Disappointed! I had great expectations on this place walking in. The place is beautiful, trendy, looks awesome. But they served me an appetizer of Argentinian prawns that smelled fishy from 10 feet away even after grilling. Had the courage of trying one and the flesh was mushy, confirming my suspicions. I complained to the waiter an it was taken out of my check. Then it was all down hill from there.
I ordered the churrasco that supposedly its marinated for 48 hours, and it tasted like supermarket meat that you just defrosted in the microwave. That piece if beef has not been in a marinade for more than 48 seconds. That was 500 grams of disappointment.
Service was good reason for the 2 stars, specially the lady behind the bar that was super-​nice. But the main show, the beef was a complete failure.
Update:
I was invited to Gaucho for a second visit by the Manager Nacho Lopez. On my second visit, I had an epic fresh clams risotto and the Ancho steak. It was a world of difference! This is what a world class steak house like Gaucho should feel. I really paid close attention to the short steak cut explanation this time around and that allowed me to choose a cut that much better fits my taste.
Also, the are up front on that their steaks are «wet aged» this means that the flavor is less strong for the steak lover that is used to «dry aged».
Service was impeccable, as before by Eric. Really it felt like I went to a different place. Very happy with this visit. Great customer service by Nacho Lopez. Will come again.

I expected more from this place. The steak was above average, but no wow factor. Maybe the other locations are better?

I reluctantly give this four stars. It’s too good for three, but definitely didn’t live up to expectations, so four is pushing it.
I hate to sound like a broken record, but I love Tango so much, that any steakhouse I go to in Hong Kong will be compared to it. Gaucho had its bright moments, but it still cannot beat Tango.
First the good– they start you off with a roll that I think was pizza dough with a fantastic asiago cheese flavor. It was awesome! The décor is very high end. Leather, cowhide and mirrors with soft candle-​bright lighting. A very impressive place as you walk in. The cut of steak served was very tender and an obvious high grade. It was cooked to my liking.
The not-​so-​good: very slow service, and an uncomfortably warm air temperature. Sides were average at best. And the price was waaaaaay to high for the product. But you know that going in.
So if you want a high end steak experience, you’ll enjoy your meal, but you get more for your money and better sides and service elsewhere.

I am sure Argentines are serious about their beef. They show you the different cuts and how it is prepared when placing your order. As long as the meat is tender then it’s fine. So far so good in HK.
I recall that the Gaucho branch I attended in London served such m a tough cut of meat which the dull knife could not cut. When I asked for a sharper knife I was told that their beef is so tender one does not need a sharp knife.

Ahhhh, who doesn’t love a good steak? Well, I do love it but I usually make it exceptional to go to a steakhouse (not cheap!). I had nothing to celebrate this time but I just hadn’t been to one for a long time. I initially booked for another one, but then realized Gaucho had just opened and didn’t think about it twice. I called but got the answering machine, then emailed but no answer. That was in the morning… so decided to give it another go in the afternoon and I finally got through someone at the restaurant and made a reservation for 7pm.
I had been to two of the outlets in London when I used to live there and it was an experience every time. So, I was really excited about this opening!
When we got there by 7pm there was barely anyone around. The space is very ‘Gaucho’ style… modern, stylish, dark (really dark), fancy (the music was great by the way!). But yeah, let’s just get to the point: the steaks, mmmm. I ordered the ‘Ancho’ (rib eye) medallions (225 grams — 298 HKD) and a side of broccoli (68 HKD). My boyfriend got the ‘Churrasco de Chorizo’ (sirloin), that he ordered rear (300 grams — 318 HKD) and a side of sweet potato mash. They first serve some bread with butter and chimichurri. So good! And they bring the different cuts on a wooden board to explain where each of them come from (they usually ask if you’re vegetarian too…). When the food came there was silence in the table between the two of us almost until the end of the meal. Yeah, it lived up to my expectations. It was just great.
The service was also really good, although you can tell there’s a little bit of work to be done since it’s just been opened. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive and she did a great job explaining everything to us. I’d just wish the staff didn’t push us to have some drinks.
One of the reasons why I picked Gaucho yesterday night over other options in the city was the fame it carries and the price being slightly cheaper. So I can only conclude, amazing value for money: great location, excellent food, good service… gosh I cannot wait until the next one!