Pampa Kitchen and Grill sits in what used to be a village home, giving it an intimate, slightly tucked-away atmosphere. With only a few tables, it is easy to see why locals treat it like a bit of a hidden gem. It is family-run, which adds to the warmth, but it also means things get lively quickly. Once the rooms fill, the noise rises with it, so this is more of a chatty dinner spot than a quiet one on busy days. The outdoor space looked perfect for the sunny seasons, but it was not when we visited.
Their menu leans into Argentine flavours with Mediterranean touches. Steak lovers will feel right at home thanks to premium Argentine beef from grass-fed cattle, but there is plenty beyond that. Tapas, salads and a few vegetarian options, including a Beyond Meat burger, keep things varied enough for different tastes.
We started with the crispy squid with aioli, which was one of the highlights. Light, crisp and properly seasoned, it was the kind of dish you could happily order again. The two chorizo dishes landed differently. Chorizo al Vino had great flavour and a nice warmth, while the Chorizo Mariposa felt a bit underpowered. The only real disappointment was the grilled white asparagus, which tasted tinned and had definitely not seen a grill. Once we mentioned it, the team took it off the bill straightaway, which was appreciated.
The ribeye was the standout of the night. Tender, full of flavour and cooked as ordered, it showed why so many regulars rave about Pampa’s steaks. The fries were excellent, too. Golden, crisp, and generous, they were easily among the best we have had recently and paired perfectly with the steak. Some of the other dishes were fine but not especially memorable, which did not spoil the meal but left a softer impression.
Dessert was a return to form. The Tarta de Límon was zesty and satisfying. It is definitely worth saving room for. The drinks list looked solid with enough variety, but we couldn’t properly explore it as we had a drive ahead of us.
Service was friendly in a relaxed, family-run way. Staff took their time checking in on tables without hovering and handled small issues with ease. It suits the size and nature of the restaurant.
Would we go back? Yes. Pampa was intimate, lively and good fun. The steak and fries alone are worth a return visit, and the overall vibe had an easiness about it. Not every dish hits the same high note, but there is enough here to enjoy. The two-course lunch at £19.50 is especially tempting, and on a sunny day, the outside area would make it even better.
Pampa Kitchen & Grill
1 Broad Street, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, RH17 5LJ
pampakitchen.co.uk
