Mexican & South American

Bristol

CASA MEXICANA
29-31 Zetland Rd, BS6 7AH
Tel: 0117 924 3901, web: www.casamexicana.co.uk
● A wonderful haven of all things Mexican that’s been ploughing its own furrow since way back in 1986. Rated one of the top five Mexican restaurants in the country by the Guardian, the first Mexican in Bristol is still ahead of the field in terms of quality and authenticity. Proprietors Kevin and Lesley Duff offer excellent food by any standard: good value for both quality and quantity - and in a lovely atmosphere, too. A warren of linked, laidback dining areas (leather sofas, fresh flowers, New Mexico colours and wall-wash lights all add to the overall ambience) combine with a bar area at the front, smashing tapas menu, alfresco dining opportunities and seriously excellent cocktails, making for a very happy dining experience, whatever the occasion. Our Venue reviewer still considers the food here to be the best this side of the border, and particularly enjoys the margaritas. On the rocks. With salt. Sold by the pitcher, if you dare. Price ALC: £2.75-£5.95/£11.50-£13.95/£4.25. Set party menus for 12+ Wine list Extensive: many individually sourced from small growers in Spain, Mexico & South America; many organic. HW £11.50 btl, £3.50 gls. Excellent cocktails, btld beers, draught lager Open Daily 6.30-10pm (last food orders). Good disabled access (ramp at front), but no toilet. Separate rooms for private hire for parties.

LAS IGUANAS
113 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PB Tel: 0117 973 0730
Anchor Square, BS1 5UH Tel: 0117 927 6233, web: www.iguanas.co.uk
● What started years ago in Bristol is now a multi-million-pound UK chain: 18 branches and counting. Yet that original raw passion still shows in the quality of food and service, with a new menu out this spring. Fun, funky and value for money, the cachacaria bars (‘cachaça’ is the national spirit of Brazil, and these guys distil their own brand), combined with some of the finest South American food around (a fusion of Latin, African and Portuguese flavours), have made Las Iguanas a national favourite, so popular in their home town that there are now two branches (and another one just up the road in Bath). ‘Las Iguanas have managed to carve out a nice little corner of Anchor Square for themselves, and very pleasant it is too, with an intelligent use of floor space and lighting,’ said Venue’s own lizard king. ‘There’s a good, well-balanced mix of humanity here, and a good-time feel as a party venue that you can sample in spades, even if there are only two of you.’ Superb cocktails help to keep the party going, while excellent tapas and a good selection of fish, vegetarian options and salads soak it all up in style. Set lunch/happy hour deals are always good value – see website for current offers, and sign up for £5 off your next meal. Excellent kids’ menu. Price ALC: £3.90-£5.30/£7.90-£13.90/£4-£4.60. Tapas £3-£5 (huge sharing platter £11.50). SL/SD (till 7pm): 1 £6.90 Wine list Extensive. Chilean HW £13.80 btl, £2.90 gls. Excellent cocktails & beers Open Mon-Thur 12noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-11.30pm (Harbourside till 12midnight), Sun 12noon-10.30pm. Disabled access, but call individual branch for advice. Private hire, up to 70. Parties welcome - and encouraged!

Bath

LAS IGUANAS
12 Seven Dials, Sawclose, BA1 1EN
Tel: 01225 336666, web: www.iguanas.co.uk
● Authentic Latin American food and a suitably party-on atmosphere from the Bristol-based specialists in the genre, offering a lively blend of striking decor, cool sounds and classy food in a strikingly pretty location adjacent to the Theatre Royal, with the chic but friendly Pulp bar downstairs. Interesting tapas, excellent children’s menus, and gorgeous alfresco courtyard dining. Price/Wine list See Bristol listing Open Mon-Thur 12noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-11.30pm, Sun 12noon-10.30pm. Pulp: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm. Disabled access. Parties of 20+ catered for (12 or less on Sat).

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