Not only is the South American-inspired food top-notch, but the service is excellent, and the restaurant is conveniently located just a five-minute drive from Rosarito Beach Hotel. 

The Story

El Gaucho is owned by Gerardo and Flavia Marquiz. Gerardo hails from Mexico, and Flavia is from the U.S. If you’re wondering why Gerardo and Flavia decided to open a South American restaurant in the heart of touristy Baja rather than one that focused on popular coastal dishes like fish tacos and ceviche,  look no further than Flavia’s father, who is from Argentina. Flavia’s father loved cooking, and many of the restaurant’s best recipes were handed down from him. 

The story of El Gaucho Argentino restaurant is a story of humble beginnings. This wildly popular Rosarito restaurant started out as a beach-side food stand whose specialty was lomito, an Argentinian steak sandwich made from thinly sliced filet mignon served on a fresh bread roll and topped with items like chimichurri, cheese, and tomatoes. El Gaucho Argentino built such a strong reputation on hospitable service and delicious Argentinian street food that they opened a brick-and-mortar space on the main drag of Rosarito not long after the food stand took off. The restaurant has since moved a short distance away but maintains the loyal customer base that made El Gaucho Argentino one of the best restaurants in Rosarito. 

The Ambiance

El Gaucho Argentino is a family-friendly restaurant with a simple, modern interior. Calming neutral colors, light wood floors, and contemporary wall art create a relaxed ambiance. The famous Argentinian grill is built right into one of the dining room walls, and you can see the chefs working in the partially-open kitchen. 

The Menu-Style 

A perfect 5-star review on Yelp is pretty rare for a restaurant these days, but once you try the authentic Argentinian food at El Gaucho Argentino, you will understand why the restaurant can maintain this enviable position among both the visiting and local clientele. 

The Famous Steak

Meat lovers will absolutely adore the menu at El Gaucho Argentino. The star of the menu is, naturally, traditional Argentinian BBQ. The cuts of meat are cooked to perfection on the grill, filling the restaurant with the smell of fragrant sizzling steaks. You will find everything from sharable tomahawks to lamb chops and Argentine sausage. But, the highlight of the menu, and why so many choose this restaurant over the others in the Rosarito area, is the aptly named ‘Argentinian Barbeque.’ This sensational selection includes: a strip of roast, chorizo, beef gizzard, flank steak, sweet bread, and a salad. This vast spread of meat is priced at a very reasonable $80 USD if you can believe it.

Other Food Options

If you find yourself at El Gaucho and you’re not really in the mood for the legendary steak, have no fear. There are tons, and we mean tons, of excellent options. You can start with lightly fried empanadas filled with different cheeses, mushrooms, corn, spinach, or ham. If you want to go lighter, you will find a slew of salad options. The Gaucho Salad is one of the most popular options. This veggie-filled salad is made with crispy Romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes, lightly grilled chicken breast, creamy avocado, kalamata olives, and mozzarella cheese.

El Gaucho Argentino’s roots as a local food stand are on display with sandwiches like The Tenderloin, a filet mignon sandwich served on a soft roll with zippy chimichurri, onion, lettuce, and gratin cheese. Or, try the Chicken Milanese sandwich.

Milanese-style dishes are a popular feature. Diners can enjoy Milanese on Horseback, something you almost never see on a US restaurant menu. While Milanese may lead you to think this is an Italian-themed dish, it’s actually from Argentina! Milanesa a Caballo, as it’s known in Argentina, is a piece of thinly pounded, breaded, and fried chicken or meat that is topped with two fried eggs and accompanied by a side of hot French fries. 

Closing Thoughts

There are so many reasons to visit Rosarito in Baja, Mexico: the beautiful beaches, the warm ocean water, and the vibrant culture. If you’re looking for one more reason to visit this popular tourist destination, El Gaucho Argentino should be at the top of your list.

Like the other diners who rated the restaurant on Trip Advisor and Yelp, we also give the restaurant a solid five stars. Great find. Great food. Great location. And great people.

If you want to see what all of the hype around El Gaucho is about, the restaurant is located at Blvd. Popotla 104, Playas de Rosarito, cp 22710, BC.