Restaurante grill El Gaucho Playa del Inglés — Restaurant in San Bartolomé de Tirajana

After a positive experience in the summer, we decided to book dinner at El Gaucho on Christmas Eve. On arriving we were told by a seemingly uncomfortable guy that he couldn’t do anything based on our internet reservation and that they were fully booked, despite us having received a clear confirmation for the table. As the conversation went on, we were told that the “usual” way to book a Christmas table was to drop by in person in leave a cash deposit at the restaurant – Do we haggle for tables now? Due to our protests the gentleman tending the door made an effort and cleared a table for the two of us. We had arrived right in the nick of time, since there were other online reservations that didn't get their reserved tables and that had to be sent off elsewhere over the entire evening. Place was crowded and the waiters were stressed out of their wits, hence not attentive and mostly impolite. We managed to order the Christmas menu as propagated on the homepage (70€, 3 courses, drinks (wine, water, cava) included) and waited for things to unfold. We started off with the goat cheese rolls – which were nice, but nothing too special. Main course: medallions of filet steak in plum and the lamb shoulder. The meat respectively was ok, the side garnishes low level – burnt asparagus, overcooked broccoli, a lonely tomato and convenience style mashed potatoes. The accompanying red wine was ok - after the waiter noticed that glasses were missing from our table since it was cleared for us in a hurry. While eating we were entertained two-fold: the band duo was doing a good job, creating a nice mood for dinner, whereas the waiters drifted off into complete chaos – shifting tables, guests and cutlery around as momentarily necessary and cursing under their breaths, since of course online reservations were still coming in to be seated at some randomly cleared table or to be sent off into the night. Not to mention the deposit reservations. There is no clear system in the waiters’ strategy. Every waiter just randomly takes care of anything at any table, with no idea what happened at the respective table before his arrival. Of course, this puts a lot of stress on the waiters’ shoulders and understandably they were tight on nerves. We progressed to dessert – 2 varieties of chocolate cream with vanilla ice cream & brownie of white chocolate with forest fruit ice cream – none of which arrived at our table. We were served dessert, but both were a dark chocolate brownie severed with vanilla ice creme. So far, no sign of the included cava, neither. We would have liked to share it at the beginning of the meal as aperitif but never had a chance to bother the waiters with that request. We finally decided to order the bill, which we did not receive after having it ordered from three different waiters. Instead, the head waiter arrived and told us just orally that the price was 150€. That would be the price per person, not including taxes, which adds to a final of 75€ per person as was written on a poster outside of the restaurant and just there, which of course he was quick to show us. Fine – but we were still missing the included cava, so possible he could strike that off the bill. We were surprised once again: to circumvent any further debate, the head waiter left and made sure we got the “missing” cava, despite our protests that we were finished and didn’t have any further need for it. Consequently, we decided to “donate” our finally served bottle of cava to the band for their efforts and paid up. Lesson learned. Conclusion: waiters are strained and stressed, which leads to being impolite and inattentive. Even worse the head waiter doesn’t set an example for the others, but quite contrary, is rude and bullies guests into paying for services not received and prices not made transparent on the restaurant’s homepage and/or menu, but only on a billboard posted at an outside corner of the restaurant. We really like to support local businesses on the island, but this now has become one we recommend staying clear of after our...

This was my second visit in as many weeks, and it’s definitely the food that brought me back. The atmosphere is cosy, with booth-style seating perfect for couples or families seeking a romantic or intimate setting, as well as traditional tables suited for larger groups or those wanting a clear view of the live entertainment. Do note that the entertainment, which features tribute acts like Elvis and ABBA throughout the week, can only be directly viewed from the traditional tables. While the music adds to the evening, it may feel disruptive if you're seated near the stage, though most guests there are actively enjoying the performance.

For early dining, you usually don’t need a reservation if you arrive before 8 pm. After that, it gets busier, and I’d recommend booking ahead, especially if you have specific seating preferences.

The menu is extensive, catering to vegetarians, children, and those without dietary restrictions. It offers a variety of dishes ranging from Italian pastas and pizzas to Tex-Mex options, grilled meats and fish, and an impressive steak selection. Prices vary, with main courses outside the steak selection averaging €12–€25. The Chateaubriand, the highlight of our evening, is €25 per person, while some of the premium steaks can go up to over €70, with the cheapest starting at €14.

On this visit, we enjoyed Garlic Bread, Garlic Prawns, Canarian Fried Cheese with Blueberry Compote, and the Chateaubriand. Every dish was flawless. The Chateaubriand was perfectly cooked, with a great taste and texture, complemented by a rich peppercorn sauce and an exceptional Roquefort sauce. The Garlic Prawns were a standout dish, bursting with flavour and not to be missed. The Canarian Fried Cheese was also good value and something I’d order again. The house red Rioja, while decent, felt a bit overpriced for its quality—I’d recommend spending a little more to opt for a premium option.

That said, the service was disappointing and a notable flaw in an otherwise enjoyable evening. On both occasions, the waiter taking our order appeared disinterested, avoided eye contact, failed to explain the specials or promotions, and unfortunately got the order wrong. There was no apology or effort to suggest alternatives when items were unavailable, which was frustrating. The rest of the staff varied—two waiters stood out for their professionalism and effort, but others seemed indifferent, often appearing rude or uninterested.

What was particularly concerning, however, was seeing what appeared to be the owner or manager step outside to light a cigarette, then return directly to the service area of the kitchen, still holding the cigarette. Standing beside the grill, they proceeded to critique dishes waiting for service. This felt unhygienic and unprofessional, especially for a restaurant of this calibre and pricing. It was disappointing to witness and something that should be addressed immediately.

Despite these shortcomings, the food and atmosphere make this restaurant worth visiting. The evening starts quietly and gradually becomes livelier after 8 pm, but even at its busiest, it doesn’t feel chaotic. The decor enhances the cosy, family-friendly vibe, and the live entertainment adds a nice touch.

The restaurant accepts all payment types, and the staff are fluent in Spanish, English, and German. Food takes about 15–25 minutes to arrive, which is reasonable given the quality.

In the end, while the service and management practices could use significant improvement, the excellent food, warm atmosphere, and convenient location make this a spot I’d return to—just go in with managed expectations about the service...

10 of us went in last night, the mains all came at different times so some had finished before others had started. One pasta meal was cold, the spaghetti bolognaise had no meat in it and was cold, the lasagne was lukewarm. 6 of us chose the steak which they finish off in front of you. They brought the veg and chips/potatoes that went with the steak out around 10 minutes before they brought the steaks and left it all at the end of the table opposite an open door which meant it was all cold by the time the steak was ready. When we complained they reheated 2 lots of the potatoes and not the veg and didn’t do anything at all with the other 4 steak meals. 2 asked for the steak to be medium well and it was more rare. Sent the 2 back to be cooked a bit more, 1 of them wasn’t much better and I had to get up myself and take it to the cooking area as the waiters had all disappeaeeed. After complaining the chef just laughed. We complained but it was like they didn’t really care. When we said we weren’t prepared to pay the whole bill because the food was cold they offered to knock €14 off a €270 bill, we said that wasn’t enough and said €200 would be a fairer price. Then an angry men came from the back and started shouting at us, got his phone out and called the police. At no point was any of us rude or roudy, we were all drinking soft drinks. We never refused to pay anything just wasn’t prepared to pay the full amount. We waited for the police, once they arrived I explained what had happened to be told we had to pay the bill and then go to the station to make a complaint. Which the officer basically agreed would be pointless. So after some haggling and under instructions from the officer they agreed to take €240. I’ve been to this restaurant quite a few times over the past few years and although the service has always been slow the food was always good, but after last night we will not be going there again. This was my young sons birthday meal and they ruined it and didn’t seem to care no wonder the place was empty. The previous night we went to Toro Steak House where the food and service were excellent and we were happy to pay the bill which was over €400. I’d rather walk the 5 minutes to Toro and pay more than eat here again and I’d advise anyone to do the same. 3 police cars and 3 bikes turned up which seemed a bit excessive, especially when all your doing is politely complaining about how poor the food and service was. Avoid...