Age: Must be about a decade. We do remember a fish restaurant in the same location, too.
Where exactly is it? In The Square, the atmospheric little side street with a clutch of good quality operators, from Coffeeology to the excellent Tap Tavern directly behind (for more on this read our Richmond feature here).
OK. So what goes on there? Well quite obviously Argentinian steak. It’s from grass-fed cattle, reared in the fertile lowlands of Las Pampas, a vast farming region ten times the size of the UK. And it should suit most budgets too, with the cheapest 8oz cut, the rump, being £13.95 (which includes fries or salad), and the most pricey being an 11oz fillet at £34.95. Yikes.
What should I eat? We recommend the 8oz sirloin: 220 grams is enough red meat for anyone, and it clocks in at a reasonable £16.75. Sauces are £2 extra: the creamy, fiery peppercorn is recommended. The meat comes criss-cross charred, its edges caramelized, the flesh rosy with lots of flavour. Chips are crisp-yet-fluffy, a side salad a little basic. A starter of crispy squid proved tender, too.
The interior: discuss. Sexy, dark and with an Argentinian deli at the front which somehow creates more authenticity. The vaulted ceiling makes it feel like a warehouse, with burgundy banquettes and close tables to create a buzzy neighbourhood vibe. You’d never know it’s one of a small Surrey/West London chain of five restaurants, in places like Chiswick and Reigate.
And what do I drink? Our decent Malbec – is there another choice for meat? – came in at £23.95.
What’s the service like? Nice, friendly, and offering good advice to order the meat ‘under’ as it can always be thrown on the grill if it’s too rare. True.
Do say: ‘It’s the best steak in Richmond.’
Don’t say: ‘Ah, but is it Hawksmoor?’
Meal for two around £60+, Buenos Aires, open daily at 13-19 The Square, Richmond TW9
Main image: Buenos Aires
