Review: Gaucho’s Sonido Sessions Canary Wharf
Walking through the sky-high towers of Canary Wharf on the weekend, there is an undeniably eerie sense of emptiness. Venture a little further towards the riverfront wharf, however, and you’ll stumble upon a bustling branch of legendary Argentinian steakhouse Gaucho. For a limited eight-week run, Gaucho is hosting Sonido Sessions, free-flowing brunches in partnership with Patrón. For £55, guests can enjoy expertly-mixed cocktails and a special selection of brunch dishes.
Gaucho’s Sonido Sessions Canary Wharf. Image courtesy of Gaucho
The FLO team headed down to sample Sonido Sessions on the Easter bank holiday weekend. We clearly weren’t the only ones with the idea, as every table at the restaurant was packed. In a fitting nod to Gaucho’s cultural heritage, the restaurant’s sleek black interiors were highlighted with statement cowhide walls, with feathers providing additional dramatic touches. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Sonido Sessions are accompanied by a live DJ, whose varied selections brought a touch of Latin flavour to a predominantly house music set.
We kicked things off with a round of Patrón Chimichurri Margaritas which were simultaneously smoky and smooth, served in weighty tumblers with an artful rim of chimichurri salt. Following on from this punchy apéritif, we enjoyed a round of Patrón Palomas to complement the meal. These refreshing highball cocktails hit a sweet spot between sweet and sour, with a citrus blend mixed into the traditional grapefruit flavour. Also available were St-Germain Hugo Spritzes and Bacardi Mango Daiquiris, bringing a tropical twist to the classic drink.
When it came to the food, in spite of Gaucho’s famous reputation for meat, the pescatarian plates were particularly strong. The prawns chicharron and the salmon tartare tacos were two of our standout dishes. The prawns were beautifully crisped with a light batter and infused with an aji amarillo chilli sauce. The sweetness of the sauce was offset by pickled red onions on a bed of fresh leaves that brought a welcome sharpness, with a touch of jalapeño and fresh lime rounding off the dish. The tacos were delightfully crispy on the outside, offering a satisfying crunch, and they were filled with a well-balanced mix of avocado, salmon tartare and mini cubes of mango. We also sampled the wagyu beef empanadas, which were seasoned to perfection. Thanks to the thickness of the crust, the empanadas slightly ventured into British pie territory which was an enjoyable twist.
Gaucho’s Sonido Sessions Canary Wharf. Image courtesy of Gaucho
Steak lovers will not be disappointed, as Gaucho’s iconic steak & eggs, served with chimichurri and chips, is of course on the menu. Looking around, this was definitely the most popular order and the most substantial option (certainly a factor with such plentiful cocktails on offer). We finished off our brunch with the dulce de leche pancakes for a sweet treat: a generous portion of thin crepes coated in a delicate yet potent caramel sauce and adorned with walnuts. Tying it all together was a scoop of subtle banana split flavoured ice cream, replete with mini chocolate flakes for extra texture and taste.
While the drinks were free-flowing, the number of dishes per person was restricted, so we would recommend attending in a group to sample the full selection. Unsurprisingly, vegetarian options were very limited but both meat and fish eaters had plenty of choice. It would be fitting for a special occasion (we spotted a few birthday candles go past) but equally suitable for a catch-up with friends. The generous drinks offerings would also make Sonido Sessions a fun date spot!
Sonido Sessions are priced at £55 per person and run until 2 May 2026 at Gaucho Canary Wharf. They begin at 12pm every Saturday and must be pre-booked in advance on the Gaucho website. All guests must be over the age of 18.
Review by Sofia Carierra-Wham
