The Perfect Bite at Gaucho City of London
You’ve been to the theatre, maybe you’ve even been to dinner theatre, but have you ever been to a dinner theatre show that’s also a murder mystery party, and also an interactive puzzle, and also a spin-off of a blockbuster Netflix franchise? The Perfect Bite at Gaucho, City of London offers precisely this unique blend of entertainment styles, serving up an appealing evening of entertainment that’s as smart as it is stylish.
Set in the universe of the Knives Out whodunnit films, the story takes the form of a juicy murder mystery. The “Salty Six” are a bunch of culinary superstars, chums since university, but with a dark secret: 12 years ago, their friend Noah Johnson died in suspicious circumstances. This curious case is brought to life not on a theatre stage but in the classy dining room at Gaucho, City of London, where the fictional characters join the real-world diners enjoying a sumptuous four-course meal. Each dish brings with it clues to solve, in the form of puzzles, codes, hidden patterns and more, allowing each participant to be the sleuth in their own detective story.
The Perfect Bite will most appeal to fans of escape rooms or murder mystery parties. The puzzles offer a good variety of challenges – anagrams, hidden items, even ultraviolet torches are handed out at one point. It’s undeniably fun to see these games tied into the story of a murder mystery, and it’s particularly entertaining to interact with the cast members throughout the show; as a diner, you really feel as though you’re getting to step into the shoes of a private investigator.
Viewing it purely as a theatre show, the story and characters are certainly on the kitsch side; that’s somewhat unavoidable in dinner theatre as the restrictions of the format (there’s probably only about 30 to 40 minutes of purely scripted scenes) don’t leave much room for sophisticated plot or character development. That’s not the focal point, though; the characters mostly exist to be interactive elements of the game.
The food is certainly upmarket and there are some standout elements – the mushroom cigar second course was delicious and carnivores will appreciate having Gaucho’s steak speciality for the main (a vegan option is available). But the food isn’t meant to be the hero here; it’s good, but it serves more as a prop to add to the atmosphere of chic.
It’s worth noting that as the meal and activities are all included in the ticket price, it’s a bit steeper than your average theatre show. There is a discount for booking a full table of four, which is a good option if you’re a bit shy; if you come alone or as a pair, expect to make friends with your tablemates as you’ll be placed on a team with them.
The Perfect Bite is aimed less at theatre fans and more at enthusiasts of puzzles and escape rooms. But with style, drama and a tasty meal to boot, it’s a crowd pleaser.
Maggie O’Shea
Photos: Courtesy of Gaucho City of London
The Perfect Bite is at Gaucho City of London from 5th June until 30th August 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for The Perfect Bite here:
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