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Santa Maria del Sur is modelled on Hackney’s Buen Ayre , from which it split in early 2007 – but it’s a bit posher, to suit its Battersea clientele. Located on a rather desolate stretch of Queenstown Road, it’s not that convenient unless you live locally – though the welcome you receive compensates. It’s not just the warmth of the coals (the grill is cannily placed in the window to tempt passers-by). The staff, from the cheery waiters to the grill chefs, have time for a ‘¿cómo estás?’ and, Argentinian natives all, are happy to show off their wines and national dishes. The food is classic: steaming hot meat empanadas; sweet Spanish-style blood sausage; excellent bife de chorizo (with rump steak from Argentina); and sides of thick, well-tanned chips (ask for the garlic-laced option) and crisp salad. Non-carnivores can indulge in giant mushrooms or a grilled slab of tuna. The wine list is extensive: from £15 basic reds to a Catena rarity costing a ton; the £20 malbec reservas are outstanding. Dessert after such a meat-fest is excessive, but the Don Pedro (an ice-cream, walnut and whisky creation) usually goes down easily enough.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
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My boyfriend and I were excited to go to santa maria del buen ayre as we'd read fantastic reviews about the restaurant. The restaurant boasts and extensive wine list, but is heavily let down by the staff's lack of knowledge about the wines. We ordered a bottle of the Syrah, only to be given a Shiraz. When we queried this, the waitress was adamant that a Syrah is the same as a Shiraz, which it obviously isn't! It actually turns out they don't have stock of Syrah. Our suggestion to take it off the wine list as it's not available was met with a very defying look from the waitress who went on to say that a Syrah is 'synonymous' with a Shiraz! The food was good, but overpriced. Overall, a mediocre experience, and will unfortunately not return.
Ambience was great! The Service really good and the food outstanding!