Moo Cantina Argentina

I went here for a work leaving lunch and really enjoyed it. They had a option — flank steak, fries and salad for £12.95 and the steak really was yummy. I followed this up with a chocolate brownie which was a perfect level of gooey and dulche de leche ice cream.
Tucked away in an odd party of the city I imagine this place isn’t as buzzing in the evening so one of their other branches might be a better bet. The music, if just a little too loud, combined with the décor give it a great funky vibe.

Moo Cantina is a small Argentinian chain scattered around different areas of London. This particular branch in Middlesex Street is not a place you’ll usually find yourself looking for a restaurant unless you live or work in the area. Located near the back of Aldgate Station, the street was pretty empty in the evening and so it was not a surprise that we were first in the restaurant at around 6pm on a weekday.
The décor here was pretty standard compared to their other branches which had a bit more colour to it. They went for the casual wooden bar look with dim comfortable lighting.
Service was friendly and smiley which made us feel more welcomed in the empty restaurant.
For food we went for the following:
Argentina chorizo
The meal started with the chorizo which was lovely and juicy, full of bounce and flavour unlike the supermarket ones you get. It was dressed with a slice of sweet red pepper which added a nice contrast of softness and drizzled over with chimichurri which added some tanginess from the vinegar and depth of flavour moving away from the red spices and to another variety of herbs that includes parsley and oregano.
Provolone cheese
A lovely rich cheese seasoned with spices before being grilled till it melted. They did however over salted it which made it hard to consume in large amounts, even with the accompanied toast.
Fried beef empanadas
Sometimes I still get cravings for their beef empanadas as its one of the best I’ve had. The pastry was crispy yet doughy and filled with a generous amount of minced beef, packed full of flavour and sweetness with the addition of vegetables and herbs used. Very juicy too.
Baked sweet potato empanadas.
Even more surprisingly was how good the sweet potato empanadas was. Soft velvety creamed sweet potato consistency in a more thin and delicate pastry. I really enjoyed the sensation of it all melting inside my mouth.
Lomito Porteño
I had to order their speciality dish, the Argentinian sandwich, similar to a panini being grilled too. We chose one with a rib eye steak in between and it was cooked medium rare as requested. It was good but I have had sweeter better seasoned steak. It was however saved by the other flavours. The salty provolone cheese gave it depth and seasoning whereas the addition of rocket and pepper add not only texture but a lighter refreshing taste.
Napolitana lomito
I much preferred this lomito. The beef being deep fried with a lovely herby batter gave the sandwich a greater flavour. The addition of ham made it more exciting and the mozzarella added bounce and helped wrapped everything together. All was finished nicely with the tomatoes and lettuce which gave it the moisture and lighter element it needed.
Revuelto gramajo.
What a great side to have. It was so moreish it was almost gone in an instant. Scrambled eggs with onions, peas and fries. It was fluffy, eggy, fragrant and warm. The ultimate comfort food. Highly recommended!
Olivier salad
Sadly this was disappointing. The dish consisted of potatoes, peas and carrots in mayo that tasted like it came out of a can. The peas didn’t taste fresh and the mayonnaise was poor quality, lacking that rich eggy taste it needed. It was all under seasoned too.
So overall the experience was good with some dishes really hitting the spot like the empanadas. For a chain it does well with reasonable prices. Although saying that they have made cuts, like their sandwiches no longer comes with fries. Just don’t expect Wagyu steak and you can get a reasonable meal.

Really nice staff and amazing cocktails. There’s no pressure to eat here, you can just have a couple of drinks and soak in the lively atmosphere. Porn star martinis were pretty good too.

We went here with a group of people for Friday lunch. Food took over an hour to get to our tables, and one of us didn’t even get a dish. The food was not particularly good as well, the steak was not tasty, only the appetizers and french fries were ok. Would avoid solely based on the fact that the food took so long to prepare.

This is a nice place, I was torn between rating this place 3 or 4. I visited quite a few times because it was convenient, the food is okay, the empanadas need work, I ordered them during two of my visits, but they were inconsistent. The staff was very friendly, however you can easily be forgotten as they can get caught up talking amongst themselves. I think there’s opportunity for improvement. Management — you’re working with a little treasure there– step it up.

Very attentive staff. Told them I have a bad cough and they offered teas and coffee at dinner when not on the menu.
The steak was awesome. Had a 200g sirloin. And chips.
Had the bread and chimi for starters. Wow — just as good as the steak this sauce.
Surprisingly few people there on the Saturday night in spite of all these good things going for the place. Must be the winter setting in.
Finally, I topped it off with a Panqueque which is an Argentinian crêpe. In keeping with the tendency of ordering something from the menu you have no idea about when going to a place with a new cuisine.
And that was toffee heaven.
Note: though the grills are 100g prices, should order 200g to fill your tummy.
Total Bill for 1: £32 incl service charge.

The new Moo is as good as the smaller, cosier old one around the corner!
Fancy snazzy new premises but same epic friendly service and wonderful food. The only problem I foresee is that it’s going to be full in no time and impossible to ever get a seat, much like the original smaller branch!
Well done guys :)