LAS IGUANAS ★★★★☆
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. 029 2045 9165.
Following the success of their already well established city centre based restaurant, Las Iguanas have expanded with a stylish, colourful and contemporary new restaurant in Cardiff Bay.
The new open-plan restaurant is large and welcoming, the design is lively and the service friendly. Although we were visiting on a Monday evening, it was a welcome sight to see the restaurant packed with diners. The restaurant remained busy throughout and the atmosphere was relaxed.
Although a chain restaurant, Las Iguanas manage to deliver an exciting menu with great variety. Accommodating for all palates, allergies and flavours, the menu left us reeling with choice. From Brazillian to Peruvian, Mexican and Chilean, the range of dishes on offer was tantalising. Settling on delicious anticuchos to start the meal, and a packed Chimichanga, and flavoursome Xinxim for our main course, the food was balanced with delicious levels of spice. The Brazilian Xinxim contained succulent pieces of lime chicken with a silky crayfish and peanut sauce, while the vegetarian Chimichanga was full of flavour. A delicious warm orange chocolate fudge cake rounded off the meal.
With its emphasis on authentic South American cuisine, Las Iguanas are extremely successful in delivering great variety. Avoiding the restrictions of a typically Mexican-heavy South American-themed menu, Las Iguanas explore the entire region with a great range of dishes. Value for money isn’t something you need to worry about as Las Iguanas certainly don’t skimp on portion size. This was my first visit to Las Iguanas, and I was impressed by its contemporary feel and intriguing menu. I’ll be making a return visit soon. GARETH LUDKIN