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. Original proprietors Kevin and Lesley Duff have moved on, but Venue’s El Jefe of food says not to worry, amigos: ‘I’m glad to report that CM may be under new management but they’re very much playing by the old rules. You’ll still find all the familiar tastes and generous hospitality of a fine old Mexican friend.’ A warren of linked, laidback dining areas (leather sofas, fresh flowers, New Mexico colours, wall-wash lights) combine with a bar area at the front, smashing tapas menu, alfresco dining and seriously excellent cocktails. Do try the margaritas. On the rocks. With salt. Preferably by the pitcher.’ Price ALC: £5.50-£9.95/£12.95-£26.95/£4.95. Set party menus for 12+ Wine list Extensive, many individually sourced from small growers in Spain, Mexico & South America, many organic. HW £13.95 btl, £3.85 gls. Excellent cocktails, Mexican beers 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
Anchor Square, BS1 5UH Tel: 0117 927 6233
113 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PB Tel: 0117 973 0730, web: www.iguanas.co.uk
• What started years ago in Bristol is now a multi-million-pound UK chain: 18 branches and counting (including one in Bath). 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 (cachaca is Brazil’s national spirit, and these guys distil their own brand), combined with the finest South American food (a fusion of Latin, African and Portuguese flavours), have made LI a national favourite. ‘There’s a good, well-balanced mix of humanity here,’ said our own lizard king, ‘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, excellent tapas, good fish and vegetarian options, and excellent separate mini-iguanas and gluten-free menus. Set lunch/happy hour deals are always good value – see website for current offers and to sign up for £5 off. Price ALC: £2.90-£5.30/£6.90-£15/£4.20-£5.90. SM (till 6.30pm): 1 £6.90 Wine list Extensive. HW £12.50 btl, £3.20 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!
NEW MISSION BURRITO
62 Park St, BS1 5JN Tel: 0117 927 3339, web: www.missionburritos.co.uk
• A gap was left in Bristol’s Mexican market when Mexican Kitchen quickly opened and closed, but Mission Burrito has arrived to save the day, serving fast, fresh burritos, tacos and fajita burritos at an unstoppable rate. Inspired by the fast-food taquerias of San Francisco’s Mission district, the Mission opened their first eatery in Oxford in 2008 and Bristol is the fourth for this expanding company. Fillings include chicken, steak, carnitas (slow-roasted pork) and vegetarian options, with everything made spanking fresh on the premises. Have them served in a soft-shell burrito, individual tacos, even a salad bowl. Once assembled, the tortilla and its fillings are rolled and fashioned into a neat parcel before being wrapped in foil. Price Dishes £5.45-£5.95 Wine list Mexican btld beers from £3.30 Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thur-Sat 10am-11pm. Disabled access. Takeaway & online ordering.
NEW MY BURRITO
7 Broad Quay, BS1 4DA Tel: 0117 929 7239, web: www.myburrito.co.uk
• The UK’s growing enthusiasm for Mexican food shows no sign of dwindling, with not one, but two fast-food Mexican eateries now operating in the city centre. Similar concept to the Mission Burrito above, where you choose fillings and watch as your burrito is made in front of you using fresh ingredients. Uses local suppliers – some meat comes from farms around Nailsea, Yatton and Kingston Seymour, and the rest from Devon. Two sizes of burrito, and nutritional info online. Venue had it all wrapped up: ‘Inspired by Mexican ‘fire pit’ cooking, proprietors Graham Jones and Esmerelda Martin-Rivera have ensured that the meat used in their burritos has been both smoked and steamed (but not fried). This makes the food both tasty and healthy – a rare combination in a takeaway.’ Breakfasts include coffee and churros. Homemade salsas and guacamole to take home. Price Small £4.75, regular £5.75 Wine list HW £3.50 gls. Mexican btld beers from £2.95 Open Daily 8am-11pm (10pm Sun). Disabled access. Outside catering.
Bath
LAS IGUANAS
12 Seven Dials, Sawclose, BA1 1EN Tel: 01225 336666, web: www.iguanas.co.uk
• Festive Latin American-themed food and a 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 next to the Theatre Royal, with 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 20+ catered for (12 or less on Sat).
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