At the Rochusmarkt in the third district, in the middle of the urban Landstraße neighbourhood (Grätzl), El Gaucho has established itself as one of the top addresses for steak in Vienna. The brand, whose original restaurant is in the Josefsbad in Baden, runs two venues in Vienna: at the Rochusmarkt and in the Design Tower. The editorial team visited the Rochusmarkt location, unannounced and without revealing itself as a publication.
The eveningNo table without a reservation
As soon as you walk in it is clear that a reservation is no formality here: the venue was packed to the last seat. Without booking in advance, no table would have been available that evening. What is remarkable is what did not happen despite the full house: waiting times, hectic rushing, forgotten requests. The service team worked with a professionalism that gave every single table the feeling of getting full attention.
What we ateFillet steak and ribeye
We ordered a fillet steak and a ribeye steak, with fries and mixed mushrooms as sides. Both steaks impressed. There was also a pepper cream sauce that went very well.
According to El Gaucho, only its own premium beef from selected Argentine breeding and domestic dry-aged beef, matured for at least 21 days, goes on the grill. If you want to elevate your steak, you can have it topped with foie gras, soft-shell crab or truffle.
After dinnerAn evening that lasts longer
It didn't stop at the meal. After the main course the evening moved on to drinks, and a dinner turned into about two hours. The house is geared up for this: besides a large selection of wines from international winemakers, there is a well-kept beer culture, a spirits trolley with a large choice of rum, and a bar on the ground floor that is open until late at night.
Dining room and wine wall at the Rochusmarkt.
Good to knowLunchtime, after work, on Monday
If you'd like to get to know El Gaucho at other times, there are several offers: from Monday to Friday between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm there is a three-course lunch box, from Monday to Saturday between 5 and 6 pm the “After Work Steak”, and on Mondays the “Gin & Burger Day” with house gin and the El Gaucho burger with fries for €24.
El Gaucho at the Rochusmarkt proves that a full house is no reason to cut corners. Outstanding steaks and service that does justice to every guest even under full load. Add an atmosphere that invites you to stay. Rightly number 1 on our steakhouse list.
What convinced us
- Fillet steak and ribeye at a high level
- Professional service even in a full house
- Harmonious atmosphere with a bar for afterwards
Good to know
- Definitely book, often full in the evening
- Grill open Mon–Sat until 10:30 pm
- Bar open Mon–Sat until 1 am
- Lunch box Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm
The editorial team tested unannounced and incognito. Photos: El Gaucho (elgaucho.at).