Opting for a “late” dinner by British standards, but just when things are getting going in Buenos Aires, we arrived at La Patagonia in Camden at 9.30 pm on a Thursday night expecting to have the place to ourselves but were pleasantly surprised by a buzzing restaurant filled with lively groups at every table.
La Patagonia bills itself as a “barrio” or neighbourhood joint, and it’s easy to see why, the atmosphere was relaxed and jovial, with everyone chatting happily and taking their time over the delicious menu.
The exposed brickwork, black and white photos and other Argentine paraphenalia hung on the walls gave the place the authentic feel of a real bodegon, but while the menu had everything you’d expect from an Argentine restaurant, we were astonished by the starters: a perfectly light and crispy calamari on a bed of heavenly rattatouille with an exquisite alioli accompaniment, an aubergine, leek and king prawn combination and some of the best empandas i've tasted in London all boded well for the courses to come.
For the main, several cows worth of meat arrived at the table, piled atop the traditional parilla, where it continued to grill slowly. Juicy sirloin, tender bife de chorizo, a deeply flavoursome asado de tira along with chorizo, black pudding, and provoleta, and some fantastic grilled peppers that had we been less well-mannered, we might have ended up fighting over. The accompanying fritas provencal (chips with garlic and parsley) were outstanding too, as were the various sauces on the side, traditional chimichurri, homemade pepper sauce and salsa alioli.
As for the deserts, Mama Mia! The homemade flan, cream caramel, was good, but the warm panqueque (pancake) with dulce de leche was extraordinary and was demolished in under a minute.
We were the last to leave, with a fernet and coke cocktail to help us on our way, one good reason, amongst the many many others why it won’t be long before we’re back for another Argentine feast at La Patagonia.
31 Camden High St, London NW1 7JE
020 7388 9861
