La Pampa Grill

11-01-2009
Leandra Box  0 

Argentinean steak houses have a deservedly good reputation for providing melt in the mouth steak in relaxed surroundings. Unfortunately Pampa Grill was not able to deliver in any great measure on either of these.Whilst I was certainly up for enjoying all that Argentinian cuisine had to offer I found the menu to be a little limited. I was not drawn to any of the appertisers, although was persuaded to taste my date's Chorizo starter. Our steak main courses were fairly well cooked and mine certainly tasted better than average. However I was expecting to be blown away, and instead ended up feeling cheated by the experience. The sides consisted of good saute potatoes and bland vegetable.

Everything was just a little basic (including my chair that wobbled unsteadily throughout).The decor of the place did make me smile throughout the evening, being essentially tacky: stuffed farmyard animals and flashing fairy light in excess. We also did manage to share a laugh over the stern waiting staff who would have been better placed working in a prison camp than a restaurant. Add to all this that the prices were not all that reasonable; a meal for two without wine and dessert came to around £55.

Having said all that, the place was packed, so it must be doing something right! If you like a basic menu, offhand waiting staff and a display of taxidermy, then this is the place for you. My suggestion would be to make sure you go with a good date, as I did, and then at least you can guarantee you will enjoy the experience.

Leandra's profile      Other reviews by Leandra      Places Leandra likes     

22-12-2008
Tim Bofarian  0 

The review a couple down prompted me to write this. Never trust a person who numbers their arguments :) The waiters aren't anything to brag about but I'm a chilled person and I had no problems. The place is nice, good atmosphere with candles and earthy wooden furniture. Very good steak and I'm from NZ where there is plenty. Sides are ordered separately but it's a fairly priced place. Good red wine at decent prices. For people who like their steak, and are in city centre, you should also check out Le Garrick in Covent Garden which is fantastic, and a bargain. Sit downstairs as that's where the character is. There's another La Pampa literally 1 minute walk from this one in Northcote road. I assume same owner. Both are good, this one is more lively, the other is better for a date. Have fun :)

Tim's profile      Other reviews by Tim      Places Tim likes     

26-11-2008
Louise Brown  0 

Great steaks, a must for carnivores of all shapes and sizes. The service comes with little and no frills though so beware.

Louise's profile      Other reviews by Louise      Places Louise likes     

02-10-2008
anonymous

Worst restaurant i have ever been to.Short of writing an essay type review, i will keep this sort and sweet.A group of us went there in August and in a few short words - 1. Do not eat the complimentary bread that is on the table - as it is not complimentary, you have to pay for it but they just dont tell you this2. Rudest waiters and manager i have ever met3. Took ages to order a drink4. We were told to share a portion of chips when we had ordered 25. The small salad and large salad are apparently the same size with a significant price difference. Do not try ask the waiter or manager what the difference is as they just get aggressive and talk over you6. If you order a steak / hamburger (main meal), you also have to order chips/side as the main meals do not come with chips/salad/anything7. When the bill arrives, please check it. We were over charged for two bottles of wine and then they proceeded to argue with us about it.Save your money and go somewhere that appreciates your business.

14-04-2008
peter sharvell

I ate here recently with five friends and it was possibly one of the best steaks I've ever had, and I've spent a lot of time in Argentina, and in Brazil, where the quality of meat is far higher than we generally experience here. Great value. I'm going back there on Wednesday.