Santa Maria del Sur

Santa Maria del Sur, an Argentine grill and bar made famous by Gordon Ramsay’s show, “The F Word.” Nestled in Battersea, this restaurant has built a reputation for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings, and I was eager to experience it first-hand. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a cosy interior filled with charming decor and a pleasant buzz from fellow diners. The background music added to the inviting ambiance, making it a perfect spot for lunch. Also, £10 for a steak lunch in London? Incredible.

As I perused the extensive menu, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the variety of options available, particularly their lunchtime offerings, which boast fantastic value. I decided to order a seven-ounce premium Argentine lump steak with chips and a selection of empanadas—beef, chicken, and ham and cheese. My dining companion opted for a chicken sandwich with red pepper, provolone, and lettuce. Although the service was a bit tentative, the staff were friendly, and the restaurant was buzzing with customers right from the start.

When our empanadas arrived, they were hot out of the oven, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. I started with the ham and cheese variety, which was moist and packed with smoky flavours. The beef empanada followed, juicy and peppery, offering a delightful combination of tastes. But it was the chicken empanada that truly stole the show for me, with its perfectly seasoned filling and a hint of heat from the red peppers—it was, without a doubt, the best of the trio.

After a small hiccup with my initial order, I changed gears and went for the chorizo sandwich instead. The presentation was impressive, and when I bit into it, I was greeted by the smoky flavour of the chorizo, perfectly complemented by the light focaccia bread. The combination of flavours was refreshing, and I couldn’t help but appreciate how well everything was prepared.
For my main course, I savoured the rump steak, cooked medium-rare to perfection. The charcoal flavour from the grill really shone through, especially with the addition of the zingy chimichurri sauce. The triple-cooked fries added a lovely crunch, making for a satisfying meal.

As I finished up, I found myself feeling truly satisfied, even though I had to skip dessert due to sheer fullness. The meal came to a total of £35, including a 12.5% service charge, which I felt was reasonable for the quality I received.

In conclusion, I would rate Santa Maria del Sur an 8.5 out of 10. The lunchtime offerings are not only generous but also full of flavour. While my steak was slightly more medium than medium-rare, the experience overall was delightful. I wholeheartedly recommend trying the chicken empanada when you visit. If you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to check it out—I promise you won’t be disappointed!