El Gaucho Argentine Grill

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Piece of Argentine History in Oranjestad

El Gaucho Argentine Grill holds a distinction that no other restaurant in Aruba can claim: it was the first Argentine restaurant to open on the island, welcoming its first guests on February 17, 1977. Nearly five decades later, it still operates from the same colonial townhouse on Wilhelminastraat, a setting whose rustic décor pays tribute to the legends of the Argentine cowboy.

The Meat of the Matter

The kitchen's reputation is built on quality Argentine steaks — charcoal-grilled, tender, and juicy. The menu revolves around cuts that have earned loyal followings over the years: the signature 16 oz Gaucho sirloin, a T-bone, veal chop, and the Pincho Torro Caliente, billed as the biggest shishkebab ever served. The Churrasco steak appears on menus across the island, but El Gaucho makes a point of noting that their version is the original. Fresh seafood platters with an Aruban character round out the offering for guests who want something beyond the grill.

The Cellar Behind the Recognition

Wine Spectator recognized El Gaucho with its Award of Excellence, a reflection of the restaurant's well-stocked cellar dedicated to exclusive Argentine wines. Pairing a proper Malbec with a charcoal-grilled steak is, after all, the most natural thing in the world — and here the selection makes it easy to do it well.

Atmosphere and Entertainment

The private dining rooms, dressed in traditional Argentine décor, create a warm and unhurried setting for an evening out. Live music is woven into the experience most nights: the strolling guitarist duo Carlos & Jonathan Sanchez perform romantic tangos and boleros on weekdays, while guitarist Placido Garcia takes over on Sundays. It is the kind of detail that turns a good meal into a full evening.