Five of the Best Latin restaurants
Hankering after a taste of Latin American sun in Wales? The weather has been nice after all, but it could be better… Joel Day rounds up the best places for a Latin American-style barbeque.
VIVO LATINO
Located just 10 minutes’ walk from Cardiff city centre, Vivo Latino’s menu bursts to the seam with authentic Latin American dishes. Often infused with Indian and African influences, Vivo Latino is for those who like an exotic meal out that won’t break the bank.
Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff
Info: 029 2002 0636 / www.vivolatino.co.uk
CANAIMA COFFEE
While technically a café, Canaima Coffee still offers an array of excellent South American cuisine, in this case from Venezuela, which mixes European, Native American and African influences into a smorgasbord of various exotic fruits, savoury pastries, desserts, and of course, coffee. One of the more unique offerings in Cardiff.
Albany Road, Cardiff
Info: 029 2048 8655 / www.canaimacoffee.co.uk
TAURUS CHURRASCARIA
Sat just behind the multi-award-winning Rock And Fountain in Penhow, Taurus Churrascaria is a meat lover’s paradise. Its walls are lined with mahogany house bricks in a scene straight from a Borges novel. Taurus could convince you Sunday roasts were Latin American. There’s no menus at the new restaurant – instead, you’re brought a selection of meats, all marinated and cooked to the Latin American tune, to your table.
Llanvaches Road, Penhow, Newport
Info: 01633 400297 / facebook.com/tauruspenhow
VIVA BRAZIL
Known for its mammoth portions, Viva Brazil presents you with 14 different cuts of meat to get your Brazilian-style dining experience started. Although expensive, the portions and variety of food will leave you feeling like you’ve made a good investment in curing your hunger. The chic building wouldn’t pass as anything South American with its glaucous architecture, but once inside, the red hue of the hanging lights instils a fiery Latino passion into anyone dining there.
St Mary Street, Cardiff.
Info: 029 2022 0255 / www.vivabrazilrestaurants.com
MOKOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Authenticity is what Mokos prides itself on. A family-run restaurant teeming with nodes of tequila, tapas and Quesadillas, Mokos’ reputation has forced its name to be passed in whispers across south Wales. Their signature fish dishes add a taste of Mexico to otherwise indifferent flavours – Mokos is one to visit if you find yourself in Monmouth.
Church Street, Monmouth.
Info: 01600 712001 / www.mokosmex.com