The RI Food D.
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Five out of five stars doesn’t even begin to do this place justice. My coworkers and I had an extraordinary experience—truly one of the best meals I’ve had in my entire life, and that’s no exaggeration.
We started with their three‑course menu, opening with both the chicken and beef empanadas. The flavors were phenomenal—rich, savory, and just downright delicious. We also added the blackened shrimp, which turned out to be an excellent decision; the seasoning had this bold, smoky depth that made the dish ridiculously good.
The charcuterie board was spot‑on, featuring a selection of cured meats that were clearly high‑quality, robust in flavor, and thoughtfully chosen.
For the main course, we shared the Parrillado Mixta. Wow. The sheer amount of tender, juicy, downright scrumptious meat was impressive, yet somehow we had no trouble polishing it off because every bite—steak, chicken, all of it—was bursting with flavor and cooked perfectly.
The chorizo, though, might have been my personal favorite. It had a beautiful heat to it, incredibly juicy pieces, and a flavor that hit you immediately in the best way possible.
The potatoes were another crowd favorite. The horseradish sauce they came with was balanced—noticeable but not overpowering—and added a delicious, slightly sharp contrast that worked perfectly.
The assortment of sauces they brought out—chimichurri, garlic, red pepper, and more—elevated every dish they touched. The vegetables served with the main course were also excellent, charred just right and full of flavor.
Dessert was a type of poundcake along with a shortbread cookie. My favorite was the cookie which was buttery and had a delicious fruit/chocolate filling inside.
Our drinks were fantastic as well. I ordered the Bushwick cocktail and a Sazerac, both of which were beautifully balanced, aromatic, and incredibly smooth.
The atmosphere at Gaucho sealed the deal. From the moment I walked in, I knew it was going to be a great night. The interior is warm, sophisticated, and intimate without feeling stuffy. Our team sat upstairs near the additional bar, though the downstairs area has an even better vibe.
The staff were wonderful—friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Our server in particular was exceptional, and the restaurant is lucky to have her.
All in all, an unforgettable night. Anyone local absolutely needs to come here. Too bad I live in Rhode Island, but if I’m back in Pittsburgh, I know exactly where I’m going!