Las Iguanas is a Latin focused restaurant with several locations throughout the UK. It’s what I would describe as a better than average safe chain. Safe because you know that you will get good reliable food, good reliable service and it will be clean to a certain standard. In fact, Las Iguanas is more than that.
The menu is split roughly into tapas, Tex-Mex, and Brazilian (roughly representing Spain, Mexico and Brazil I suppose – a good sampling of different Latin food styles). There really is something for everyone, and the labeling is very clear showing which foods are vegetarian, gluten free and which contain nuts. If I was on a gluten free diet, this in itself would probably be enough for me to come back as I know it can be a complete nightmare. The menu has everything from fajitas to a more adventurous goat stew. The décor is slightly cheesy so I wouldn’t recommend it for a corporate lunch unless you were with a close friend but it was perfect for our occasion (a colleague’s birthday). We also sat on the terrace which while still being covered at least gives the impression of being outside.
The food was excellent and a brief poll showed that everyone was extremely happy. The portions were massive and you really don’t need a starter. I had the King Prawn Bobo (a Brazilian style stew containing prawns and cassava) which was brought to our table in a stone bowl sitting on top of a candle to keep it warm. The stew was slightly spicy and not overly rich and came with rice, a fresh salsa, plantain and farofa which looked like bread crumbs and didn’t taste of much. I suppose it was to sprinkle on the food to give it an extra texture. They also had two for one cocktails at lunch which was handy.
The restaurant wasn’t overly busy and the service was excellent. I suppose some people are probably turned off by the slightly cheesy Tex-Mex look to the place which is a shame. I think it’s actually a lot better than some of the other busier choices in the market (Giraffe being one of them) and would heartily recommend it.
Décor: Slightly cheesy Tex-Mex but don’t let that turn you off!
Originally from the prairies and now in Montreal, I love exploring new places, eating great food and modern design. I'm mom of two wild things and paper and cake make me happy.
Photographing your cutie family would make me very happy.
Oooh, looks great. I love mexican food, can’t wait to give this one a try!