La Vaca Sheffield Review

Location: Glossop Road,  Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 2QE
Website: http://www.lavaca-restaurant.co.uk/
Good For: South American Steaks 
Average Price Per Person: Depends on the steak size! £20 - £30
ITG Rating: 4/5 
Visit: August 2013

A colleague at work had plenty of good things to say and some juicy photos after visiting La Vaca for his birthday. Having not really experienced much South American (anything), and keen to find the best place to eat in Sheffield, I booked a table for myself and my girlfriend.

To get down to business, La Vaca do 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, 24oz and a mammoth 30oz steak.

We were seated straight away at a nice candle lit wooden table. The grill to the side of the restaurant looked quite impressive and was kicking out some heat when you walked past it. The only down side is that the restaurant door was open to let some air in and smoke out. We were quite chilly and glad to see it closed.

At the table we were served quite quickly by friendly staff and already had some bread and a nice tomato and garlic dip to enjoy. There was a good selection of beers, but it is a shame it cost £4.00 for a pint of Estrella Damm (which is a nice lager from Barcelona).

We ordered some olives and some garlic prawns to share as a starter. These were delicious and a good sign of what was to come.

The challenge of a 30oz steak was tempting, but we decided to share "Parillada" - 2 x 8oz sirloin steaks, chorizo sausage, morcilla (black pudding), pork ribs and chips.

The main - shown above was great. It was served on a metal plate over a small fire pit pot - to keep it warm. Everything seemed to be served already seasoned - but I quite like my salt and pepper. The chips were better than the chips served at Rick Steins fish and chip shop (sorry Rick!) and went very well with my medium steak. My girlfriend had her steak rare and says it was "melting in her mouth".

I don't like black pudding - so ended up leaving that and some chips - I was full on some great food!

Somehow... we managed to find room for dessert and went for the strawberry cheesecake, my girlfriend had the creme brulee. No complaints and a nice end to the meal!

I think it was good value for money considering the quality of the food in a laid back atmosphere. The only downsides being the draft from the open door and the missing lock on the gents bathroom door. A lot has been achieved in a small space and has earned a 4/5 rating. It is certainly one of the best restaurants we have been to in Sheffield and would happily return.