LOCATIONA couple of kilometres north of the Melbourne Museum and the Exhibition Centre.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAA spell of robust herbs and delicious, smoky flavours lure the diners back to this Nicholson Street grillhouse for seconds and thirds. Chefs Fabio Robles and Eugene Roldan man the charcoal and serve up authentic Argentinian dishes that are fresh and rich with turmeric, cumin and parsley, in a down-to-earth and modest family restaurant atmosphere. The Argentinian cuisine has been influenced more by Italian and Spanish immigration to the country than its Latin American neighbours, and the piquant vinegar and red wine flavours that smother El Gaucho’s scrumptious barbecued lamb is evidence of this. Argentina is well known for its love of beef and this eatery certainly “meats” expectations, offering an amazing asado completo – an overflowing, all-you-can-eat barbecue selection – delivered right to your table. Simple, traditional desserts, such as an Argentinian-style creme caramel, put an exclamation point on this culinary experience, or alternatively choose from the pleasant selection of Spanish wines to finish the evening.
El Gaucho’s versatile space, which includes a semi-private dining room in the back area, makes it a perfect option for large groups or corporate functions, while small groups or couples can still feel cosy in the more intimate front section. Main courses at El Gaucho range from $18 to $35.
Frank Trimboli