Leeds Guide – Reviewed in February 2010

Top Ten! Your one stop guide to Leeds' best places to eat, drink & be merry...

Las Iguanas is a visual and culinary Latin experience. With a lunch menu that won't leave you thinking you could eat it all again; and a happy hour with two for one cocktails between twelve and seven every evening; there's no better reason to indulge Latin style.

Get Bracknell – Reviewed in December 2009

There's little better than going into a restaurant for a food review and it’s already heaving with happy dinners – you know you’re in for a positive experience.

Las Iguanas opened in the old Bar Med site in June and, judging by its popularity, it’s here to stay. The idea is South American-inspired soul food with tapas, Brazilian dishes and Latin ‘street food’ like fajitas and burritos all served in a carnival atmosphere.

For autumn/winter some new dishes have shimmied onto its menu like the Albondigas (£5, Patagonian-style lamb meatballs braised in tomato and chilli sauce) and Fideos (£6.90, pasta the Argentinian way with chicken or vegetables in chipotle sauce). These are on its lunch menu.

A goat virgin, I opted for one of its new evening mains, Ensopado de Carne (£8.90, goat in coconut milk, tomatoes, carrots and cassava served with coriander rice and sweet plantain). It tasted quite beefy and there were one too many fatty bits for my liking rather than decent chunks of meat, but the curry was flavoursome and sweet plantain a tasty accompaniment.

My guest had Puerto Rican Paella (£8.90 for vegetarian version or £10.50 for chicken, chorizo, squid, salmon, prawns and mussels). They went for the latter and we were both pleased by the generous portion and yummy rice. Here is now a health warning. Servings are pleasingly considerable – certainly on the dishes we selected – so should you order starters too make sure you haven’t had any lunch or just don’t care about your waistline.

We enjoyed our mains but struggled to finish them after having a couple of lip-smacking starters. We chose from the tapas selections the Peri-Peri Pollo (£4.90), chicken breast coated in crumbed cassava in a garlic, chilli and lemon sauce – absolutely divine – and Calamares (£4.90), sliced whole baby squid in cassava crumb with aioli – pleasingly un-rubbery.

Las Iguanas’ tapas deals are three dishes for £12 or five dishes for £20 but this is only available until 7pm every day and all day Sunday and Monday. Delights include Lamb Empanada, Saltcod and Potato Fritters and Rioja Chorizo. We also nibbled on Totopos (£2), tortilla chips dusted in spices and served with salsa, guacamole or sour cream. The salsa with fresh tomatoes was delicious.

The chain has also put on a seasonal version of its Caipirinha – a winter berry mix (£5.60). I was expecting something sweeter but its bitter aftertaste was a bit off-putting so I ordered one of its very pleasant white wines later.

The restaurant has also introduced new smaller 125ml wine measures for all its wines by the glass and increased its number of fruit non-alcoholic coolers during happy hour. Las Iguanas’ excellent happy hour deal on cocktails (which happily goes on for many hours) is two-for-one on selected cocktails and pitchers.

I would definitely eat here again if only for the fun dishes on the menu. I also recommend the Xinxim (£10), Brazilian lime chicken in crayfish and peanut sauce with rice, green beans, quinoa and sweet plantain, and the Moqueca (£8.90 for the vegetable version), coconut curry with peppers, tomato, rice, plantain and crunchy coconut farofa (toasted manioc flour) to sprinkle over.

Eating at Las Iguanas feels like one big celebration – but remember to book at this popular venue unless you want to twiddle your thumbs for 45 minutes.

simonseeks.com – Reviewed in November 2009

Despite nationwide success, their head office remains in Bristol and they have two Bristol venues on trendy Whiteladies Road and Millennium Square. The South American-themed food always tastes fresh, with predominantly locally-sourced ingredients, and is great value for money. Up until 7pm every day, you can get two courses from the set menu and a beer or wine for a credit-crunch-defying £9.40, and they don't skimp on the main-course portions either.

Recommended by Simonseeks.com – Travel Guides

Leicester Mercury – Reviewed in October 2009

Feel good South American restaurant with an infectiously upbeat atmosphers. Good for the soul as well as the tum.

Boyz – Reviewed in September 2009

We all love a bit of Latin -food that is- and there's no better place to get your South American fix than at Las Iguanas on Dean Street in Soho. Even thought it's part of a chain of over 20, the Soho branch still manages to pull off personal character and buzzy flair. As soon as you walk in you're wrapped up in a festive atmosphere, with people supping caipirinhas by the bar (especially during their happy hour), a samba band playing and animated diners chatting as they chomp.

The menu is massive, spanning spicy Mexican fajitas and South American tapas to unfamiliar Latin street food and traditional Brazilian dishes. After a cool cocktail or two we ordered three tapas to get us started: gambas, bolinhos and some calamares. With eyes bigger than our bellies and keen to be adventurous, we took our Brazilian waiter's suggestions (the staff hree are super friendly btw), going for Xinxim and the delicious Puerto Rican paella. And all this washed down with a suave and smooth Spanish Rioja Tinto.

Las Iguanas have aimed to create an oasis in the heart of Soho and hve pulled it off with aplomb.

Venue – Reviewed in September 2009

Bristol's very own dollop of Latin America. Salsa beats, funky decor, legendary cocktails. Their signature caipirinhas are brilliant.

Bristol Evening Post – Reviewed in July 2009

Banksy and Massive Attack may be the first names that spring to mind when thinking about Bristol’s biggest exports, but they have some serious competition.

Las Iguanas now has 22 restaurants across the country but, like Banksy and Massive Attack, it all started in a seedy Bristol side street.

Started in 1991, the first Las Iguanas restaurant was in St Nicholas Street.

A small, nocturnal sort of place where you would go for killer cocktails, great music and authentic Mexican and Brazilian street food, it was one of the Bristol’s coolest hang-outs back when the likes of the aforementioned Massive Attack and Banksy were still graffitying walls around the corner.

Eighteen years on and Las Iguanas is one of the biggest independent restaurant chains with branches all over the country but it is still independent, still based in Bristol and still essentially run by the same people who launched it.

And it’s this hands-on approach that makes this hugely successful chain so different from many of its corporate contemporaries.

There may be more than 20 of them around Britain but it’s a fair bet that the meal you have in Las Iguanas Bristol will be of the same quality as one in the Sheffield branch, which is quite a trick to pull off.

The original St Nicholas Market site has long gone but the long-established Whiteladies Road Las Iguanas was joined a few years ago by one in Harbourside, overlooking Anchor Square.

In an area that has seen restaurants come and go with alarming regularity, it occupies a cracking corner site opposite Explore and the water fountains and is always busy.

The large, covered terrace area is especially popular in the summer and tables can often be at a premium inside and out.

No visit to Las Iguanas is complete without trying the signature Caipirinha cocktails. Made with cachaça, sugar and lime, it is the essence of South America and is as refreshing as it is invigorating. I ordered one, only to be given two as it was happy hour and ‘buy one, get one free’, which certainly got me in the mood for a late lunch.

As well as great cocktails and a decent wine list, there is also an interesting range of beers from South America, including Cusquena from Peru and Negra Modelo from Mexico.

The menu is big, bold and full of Latin delights that shout ‘pick me’ – fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, paella, grilled meats, salads and Brazilian classics such as Xinxim (lime chicken in creamy crayfish and peanut sauce with rice, fine green beans and sweet plantain – a dish reputed to be Pele’s favourite).

There is also a tempting tapas menu and it was from this that I took advantage of the ‘3 dishes for £12’ offer (I was in a bargain-hunting mood for a change).

I wasn’t sure if three would be enough and the ‘5 dishes for £20’ section was winking at me, but I held my nerve and bit my lip.

I needn’t have worried for the tapas that arrived was generous in the extreme and three dishes turned out to be ample, especially after a couple of cocktails.

A new dish on the menu, lamb empanada (normally £4.90) arrived as two crisp pastry parcels packed with tiny chunks of tender lamb with a background flavour of smoked chilli and garlic. They were accompanied by a fruity, vibrant salsa in which fresh mint and sweet papaya jostled for the spotlight. I could have eaten a bowl of it.

An old favourite, Pato Taquito (£4.90) hit the spot, too. Three large tortillas stuffed with shredded roast duck and served with a fiery chilli sauce, it was a Latin take on the much maligned Chinese classic.

Equally sizeable was the Rioja Chorizo (£4.80) comprising a bowl of sliced chorizo braised in red wine and onions. It was rustic, hearty and indecently rich – the sort of dish that really demands a rough red wine to slice through the oiliness.

To finish, one of the new desserts on the menu – mango and passion fruit cheesecake with mango and Caipirinha sauce (£4.50), a light, fluffy cheesecake with plenty of passion fruit flavour and a sumptuous mango coulis. I had a very similar dessert in a Michelin star restaurant last week and I have to say Las Iguanas wins hands down.

A fun place for parties, family meals, post-work cocktails or lunch tapas, Las Iguanas is the sort of restaurant that has hit upon a winning formula and is very hard to fault, which coming from somebody who hates restaurant chains is high praise indeed.

Like Banksy and Massive Attack, its enormous success makes me feel proud to be a Bristolian.

MARK TAYLOR

Leicester Mercury – Reviewed in May 2009

This is the sort of place that will get you in the party spirit. I was in a bad mood the night I went, but it didn’t last long after walking through the door – and that wasn’t just because of a 20-girl hen party on the next table.

Yes, there’s the recession, and we’ve all heard about how we should be scared of swine flu, but I defy anyone to visit this huge Belvoir Street restaurant and not come away feeling in better spirits. Staff are friendly, the food is simple and tasty and the diners look like they’re enjoying themselves, which in my book helps a lot.

We went to Las Iguanas on a Saturday night. It was almost full but there’s room for more than 100 guests and there was a real party atmosphere. As long as you haven’t come for a peaceful romantic dinner for two you should feel the same way.

I’m not altogether sure how to describe the food. It’s billed as “Latin” so there are lots of fajitas and burritos and enchiladas. But there is also Puerto Rican paella; moqueca, which is a Brazilian curry; and Cordero, a posh South American lamb chop. I dived in with a lamb empanada (£4.90), which I was assured is a popular street food throughout the South American continent. I’ve never been, I don’t know. It was delicious and quite spicy in its garlic and chilli marinade with papaya and mint salsa. My friend ate bolinhos (£.4.50) – posh fish cakes really, balls of flaky white fish mashed up with potato and parsley and they went down a treat.

It struck me that this had very high cooking standards, which is unusual in such a mass-market restaurant, but what really sticks out are the smiling waiters and waitresses who quite clearly care whether you’re having a good time.For the main course I chose a chicken enchilada (£8.90) which consisted of spiced chicken, bell peppers and cheese. It was full of flavour and something I’d choose again. My friend had the flame grilled sirloin steak fajita with horseradish guacamole and salsa Criollo (£13.50) which was tasty and huge. No wonder she didn’t have room for pudding.

I made sure I did though. The chocolate banoffi pie (£4.50) – gooey and drizzled with toffee sauce – was probably the only disappointing aspect of the night. Slightly too much chocolate and not enough banana for my liking, although to be honest I’m nitpicking. Washed down with a £13 bottle of wine, this isn’t the cheapest meal you can get in Leicester but it’s certainly good value. The hen party staggered out about 11pm and we were close behind – feeling considerably happier than when we went in.

Read the review here

yngldn.co.uk – Reviewed in May 2009

tasteofmanchester.com – Reviewed in April 2009

Las Iguanas has been on Deansgate since November last year in the space where Sofa Workshop used to be. It seems to have found a great home, surrounded by The Living Room, Cafe Rouge and the like. Offering a riot of Latin food, with a huge menu featuring all kinds of options, it was a fantastic place to wind down for the Easter break.

The restaurant has just launched its spring menu of fresh food, which it says is always cooked to order with quality ingredients. New additions that had tempted me through the doors included: whole seabass roasted with caperberry, black olive and lemon salsa (£13.50), Cordero lamb rump with a parsley and coriander rub served with papaya and mint salsa (£12.50) and beetroot and quinoa salad tossed with a fresh orange and basil leaf dressing (£7.50).

There is a tapas menu, which also serves as starters, and it offers three dishes for £12, or five for £20. We went for starters, and the Lamb Empanada (£4.90) was new to the menu, and the two homemade pasties were a great appetiser. Filled with braised lamb, and flavoured with smoky chilli and garlic, these parcels are popular street food in South America, and came with a deliciously fresh papaya and mint salsa which gave a really unusual flavour to the lamb.

Meanwhile, the Rioja pork and garlic chorizo (£4.80) was braised in rich Faustino Rioja and then served with bread to mop it all up. This also tasted really fresh, with a deep juicy red wine flavour to bring out the meaty goodness.

The mains menu was almost overwhelming but my choice of Gourmet fajitas was a good one, although it was hard to then choose from Shitake, portobello and oyster mushrooms, chicken breast, flame-grilled sirloin steak or Barbary duck breast. Steak (£13.50) won as my meal, and arrived with horseradish guacamole, salsa criollo, soured cream and a big dish of jalapeno chillis. This picnic of food was so large I couldn't finish it all, but thoroughly enjoyed the contrasting flavours, all held together with a warm fajita.

Across the table, the Half slow roast farm assured spring chicken (£8.50, pictured) was flame-grilled and deliciously tender and smoky. Served with big chunky sweet potato, which were ever so slightly undercooked, salad and dips, this was a fresh simple dish.

The vast amount of food was washed down with a bottle of bottle of Graffigna Argentinan Pinot Grigio (£14), which was just one of a great selection of good-priced Latin wines, from South America and Spain. As a finale to the end of the meal, I tried a Las Iguanas Magnifica Cachaca (£2.80), which was made by the restaurant's own sugar cane plantation near Rio. It tasted a little like whiskey and was just too strong for me, but the waitress whipped it away and brought it back as a Cairpirinha, which is a classic Brazilian cocktail, where the spirit is muddled with lime, sugar and lots of ice. This was really refreshing and was a lot easier to drink.

Although it was a large restaurant, it felt very cosy because there were a lot of booths, and the lighting was kept very low. The decor was quite classic, mixed with some really kitsch pieces like the glowing religious imagery set back into the wall in front of where we were sitting. Even though this is a chain restaurant, it felt very individual and our waitress was so friendly I felt like I knew her by the end of the evening.

There is also a Las Iguanas at the Trafford Centre.

Carolyn Hughes    http://www.tasteofmanchester.com/taste.php

walesonline.co.uk – Reviewed in March 2009

DON’T let the fact it’s a chain restaurant put you off a visit to Las Iguanas. While so many restaurants and bars have come and gone almost overnight in the city, the lively Las Iguanas group is privately owned and the Cardiff branch has been a stalwart in Cardiff for well over 10 years.

There’s a real carnival vibe as soon as you arrive – the fact that their fabulous deal of two for one on lots of cocktails is honoured until 9pm, even on Friday and Saturday nights is likely to contribute to the party! Fiery orange and sunny yellow decor with tropical lizard logos indicate this is definitely not the place to go for a quiet and intimate night out, though there’s a good mix of restaurant tables for different sized groups and booths in the elevated bar area.

The lighting is low and intimate, which, though unlikely, sits well with the carnival tunes. The menu is a lengthy list of Latin American dishes with strong Spanish and Portugese influences as well as African and Indian touches. The lunchtime set menu of two courses and a drink from £8.90 doesn’t finish until 7pm every day, which is refreshing when some restaurants deals aren’t valid at all at weekends. Mains on this section include salads, wraps, enchiladas and burgers, which are £6.90. You can add a starter (mushrooms with tortillas, butternet squash and coconut soup or crayfish cocktail) for £1 and a soft drink for another £1 or your first glass of wine of bottle of San Miguel beer for £1.50. We were impressed, but still mixed and matched with the a la carte menu.

We built up an appetite with two for one glasses of sangria – perfectly spiced and iced – and two refreshing but potent Long Island ice teas. Cocktails are a Las Iguanas speciality, particularly those made with cachaca, Brazil’s national spirit, which they restaurant ships in from its own sugar cane plantation in Rio. I can also highly recommend the mojitos and many visitors to Las Iguanas pop in just for the lively bar area. We shared a bowl of chilli nachos. These are also available as part of a three tapas for £12 promotion. There was plenty to share and they were prettily presented with a separate ramekin of piping hot and meaty chilli. The tortillas themselves were smothered in melted cheese and fiery jalapeno slices, then dollops of sour cream, chunky guacamole and spicy tomato salsa. Alternatives to the chilli include mixed mushrooms, refried beans, chorizo or chicken. We then tucked into chicken enchilada from the lunch / early evening menu and Ximxim, a beautiful lime chicken and crayfish dish, rumoured to be footballer Pele’s favourite. Neither of us managed to finish – the enchilada came with a carb-overload of garlic and coriander rice, in a tortilla and with chilli and tomato sauce and melted cheese. Although it was a tasty medley of flavours with plenty of tender chicken strips, the Ximxim was in a different league. Served in a terracotta pot over a tealight heater, the rice and green beans were welcome accompaniments to absorb the moreish and peanut-flavoured green sauce. I skipped the small pot of toasted coconut flakes and while the two slices of crispy sweet plantain were interesting, they were not really to my taste.

The fajitas on the next table were a sizzling platter needing a bit of DIY assembly, which seemed to add to the experience and the street food favourite empanadas on the starters / tapas menu (£4.50) also looked lovely with the added twist of being filled with brie and mango or spicy prawns, mussels, haddock and salmon. Lovers of mild foods might struggle at Las Iguanas, but we were in our element. There’s a small but hip nightclub area downstairs here, where you can finish off a great night dancing the night away. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options are clearly marked on the menu and smaller portions at half price are available for children as well as free organic baby food. In summer, tables and chairs here spill onto the terrace of Cardiff’s lively Mill Lane, which will be back to its former glory when all the building work is complete on St David’s Two.

For an informal, upbeat evening with a warm welcome and bright and busy dishes bursting with robust flavours and plenty of spice, Las Iguanas is an oldie but a goldie in the city’s bar scene.
Read it here

viewmanchester.co.uk – Reviewed in January 2009

For food and fun with a Latin flavour, hot-foot it to Las Iguanas. Que aproveches (that’s bon appetit)!

The Venue
Located in the row of swanky bars and restaurants at the ‘footballer’ end of Deansgate, you certainly won’t miss Las Iguanas with its bright frontage and funky lizard iconography. By contrast, once through the doors, the lighting is low and intimate, and the décor is modern. You’re led past the bar, with its slouchy sofas and skyscraper stools, and into the restaurant area that opens up at the rear. Here, you’re greeted by a giant mural of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue and a stunning collection of kitsch Virgin Mary artefacts. The venue is much bigger than you anticipate, but it manages to feel warm and cosy thanks to a split-level area, plenty of dark wood and some fabulous lampshades. There’s a good mix of different-sized tables and comfy booths and banquettes, and the arrangement is such that you find yourself near enough other diners to feel part of the experience, but at a distance that you’re not constantly ear wigging on conversations.

The Atmosphere
Even early on during the week, the bar area is well inhabited and the restaurant busy. There’s a pleasant hum of activity and a feeling of fun being had by both customers and staff. A wide, brightly lit hatch into the kitchen gives an authentic atmosphere to the place, and the Latin music soundtrack adds to the buzz. The orangey hue of the lights makes you feel instantly at ease, and the staff, while extremely efficient, attentive and knowledgeable, retain a level of friendliness that also keeps the mood relaxed. It’s not snobby or pretentious, despite its location, and you don’t feel you’re here to see or be seen.

The Food
The menu offers a comprehensive choice of Latin American food, with strong influences from other parts of the world including Spain, Portugal, Africa and India. The ingredients are fresh, with all dishes made to order, and the menu is changed seasonally. The starters can be picked like tapas, with three dishes costing £12 and five for £20, and that’s definitely worth doing with such quality offerings. Forget your usual chewy batter-bathed stuff, the calamares (£4.80) here is melt-in-the-mouth fresh baby squid, tentacles and all, lightly covered in a well-seasoned breadcrumb coating, giving it a lovely crunchy texture, and it’s set off by a herby aioli. The street food-inspired empanadas (£4.50) are also made from scratch, with succulent chilli-flavoured prawns, mussels and fish wrapped in a gorgeously light shortcrust pastry and served with a fresh onion and tomato garnish and a spicy brown sauce (like a foodie’s HP!).

For mains, there is a selection of Brazilian specials, including Las Iguanas’ signature dish Xinxim, a lime-flavoured chicken number (£10), plus various salads and a clutch of dishes made to order on the char grill. The fresh sirloin steak from Uruguay (£14.50) is cooked to perfection, exactly as ordered (which is not that common if you prefer your meat well done but without a nasty scorched taste). You get to select a vegetable accompaniment and a dip: the horseradish guacamole is pleasantly creamy although it could be hotter, while the roasted squash and sweet potatoes have a tingly cumin edge, but might work better as mash. If you want a hands-on experience, the fajitas are quite a DIY commitment. Delivered on a sizzling platter not unlike a chicken tikka, the sliced chicken breast version (£12.30) is stir-fried with plentiful bright veg, including crispy green peppers and sweet, almost caramelised onions, and is served with little pots of sliced chillies, sour cream, chunky guacamole and home-made salsa, plus a lidded dish of warm wraps with which to create your own combinations.

For pudding, the Ipanema Mess (£3.90) with sweet guava sounds divine, but unfortunately the cheesecake (£4.30), with a too-soft biscuit base and heavy cheesy cream, errs on the side of disappointing.

The Drink
The red house wine is an uncomplicated Chilean number, Valle Andino Merlot 2008, but a half-glass in and it’s perfectly quaffable (and you can’t really go wrong at just £13 a bottle or £9.50 during happy hour). White wines include Chenin and Chardonnay, and the beer is San Miguel. If you fancy a liqueur after your meal, try the Cachaça – uniquely, Las Iguanas has a sugarcane plantation in Brazil and this rum-like spirit is made using their own crop. It makes a good match for the Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee from the Ipanema Estate in Brazil and the barman also uses it to rustle up some mean Caipirinhas (£5 each, also available on a 2-4-1 happy hour offer. This runs each day until 9pm, and all day on Sunday and Monday.

The Last Word
The quality and pricing of the food at Las Iguanas is excellent, especially in the context of the location and the fact that the restaurant is part of a fairly big chain. The atmosphere and venue are also bang on, and it suits both group outings and intimate dates.

London Planner – Reviewed in January 2009

Really funky Latin American joint with great panache. The tapas dishes are a fusion of native, Latin and African and start at £4.70. They also have great cocktails. Warning, the mojito packs a punch! (Las Iguanas Spitalfields)

Liverpool Confidential – Reviewed in January 2009

It sounded great on paper. In reality it was not much of a looker, but on further deep inspection I was left groaning with pleasure. No, I'm not talking about my first date with Pauline, but the chicken, sweet bell pepper and cheese enchilada (£8.50) that persuaded me into Las Iguanas. “Eat Latin, drink Latin” is the motto, and I was certainly talking in tongues by the time I left. A filled, rolled tortilla, smothered in red chilli sauce, melted cheese and soured cream nestled above rice and a plate of refried beans. Just the thing to set you up for a night on the rank.

The company might have been iffy and a couple of people sneered when it arrived but it was seriously good. Everything fresh as a daisy with lots of good flavours mingling too. Healthy in my book too. So much so, I ordered another one.

Read this review here

Nottingham Journal – Reviewed in December 2008

THERE’S more to Latin cuisine than just Tapas, and Las Iguanas are confidently flying the flag for the best that South American food and drink has to offer. Despite an impressive location, right on the city-facing corner of Chapel Quarter’s illustrious row, this colourful melting pot of Latin culture and flavour often falls under the radar of most city diners.

The decor amounts to little more than a spruced up Nandos, but there’s something about the warm ambient lighting, winding seating areas and ‘illusion-of-space’ glass front that make the interior more than the sum of its parts.

The menu represents more South American nations than your average World Cup and the flexibility of choice allows you to order anything from a standard three-course dinner to a mish-mash of starters, Tapas, sharing platters and side dishes - perfect for getting stuck in and your fingers messy.

The Bolinhos starter - Brazilian style fish cakes served with a hot chilli salsa - are a great introduction to what any diner can expect from their meal and a nice deviation from the countless meat options of the main course. Peri Peri Pollo should also prick the ears of anyone looking for a simple yet fiery chicken appetiser.

The main course menu is where the real fun starts. The Gourmet Fajitas make the perfect Latin experience as you are brought a selection of ready-to-make wraps, dips, chilli, cheeses and a sizzling choice of lemon and paprika Chicken Fillet, Sirloin Steak strips or a vegetarian ensemble. DIY dining has never been so enjoyable - just don’t get sauce all over your shirt!

The menu even has a Brazilian section fusing unique ingredients such as coconut, sugar snap peas, fresh seafood and chorizo into warm nourishing delights but proceed with caution as the results aren’t to everyone’s tastes.

The bar offers a delightful range of South American wines and Cachaca cocktails, whilst if all else fails, the dessert menu boasts simply the best chocolate fudge cake in town.

Las Iguanas don’t beat about the bush. You wouldn’t attend a thrash metal gig if you’re an opera buff, and there’s little here to change the mind of those unenthused by Latin cuisine.But they preach to the converted with passion and imaginative style and should pop up on the radar of Latin food fans sooner rather than later.

Food Magazine – Reviewed in November 2008

food file: Alan Craine of Las Iguanas

Ay Caramba! The world has gone mad for Las Iguana's South American food.
The restaurant chain, which started in St Nick's, has spread to Bristol harbourside, Bath's Seven Dials and 16 other locations around the country. But unusually, the company has stayed independent and the food remains freshly cooked to order. Jo Rees met the man behind the manioc: executive chef Alan Craine.

 Tell us about the food of your childhood
I'm originally from Manchester and the family food was stuff like hotpots and stews. Food was important in that it meant that we all sat down and ate together.

What took you into the food industry?
I was into home economics as a kid and when I was about 12 I saw a poster at school which was advertising a week at a catering college in France. I really wanted to go and phoned my uncle who was head chef at a restaurant on Bristol's Park Street and asked him to give me a job during the summer holidays to earn the money to go. I went and then used to go and work with my uncle every summer. In addition to that I had two bakery jobs when I was at school and then I went to the local college and did two years full time. A week after finishing I went to The Masons Arms in Branscombe in Devon as a commis chef. I worked around for a bit and then got the job as head chef at Las Iguanas.

Do you have to do much travel in your role at Las Iguanas?
It has a South American theme as opposed to Mexican, which makes it quite unusual, and in the past 18 years I've done a fair bit of travel as research. I went to Brazil this year and made contact with couple of chefs out there. One chef called Edinho who really impressed me has a restaurant right on the sea in Salvador, Brazil and is mixing traditional Brazilian dishes with contemporary style and presentation. It's fantastic, and I met up with him with a couple of months ago again when he came over here. It's important to do the research because although we have lots of Las Iguanas now, we want to keep the quality up. That's why we employ chefs and cook fresh food cooked to order.

What sort of Brazilian culinary ideas did you find that you'll be bringing over here?
There's so much good stuff there, and lots of it is typical peasant food. One of the things that Edinho was doing was taking the classic sun-dried beef with manioc mash and adding banana. There is a possibility we could be doing that soon, although it's not easy. There was also a dish called married shrimp, with two shrimp, facing opposite ways to each other, split down the middle and stuffed with farofa - which is dried cassava - and then dipped in tapioca batter and deep fried. Very coastal Brazilian and a bit weird!

Where do you rate locally?
I like to go to The Olive Shed in Bristol now and then, and also a great tucked-away pub called the Wheelrights Arms near Bath which is in a lovely setting.

What would you have for your last meal on earth?
A nice pint of cold cider, and I'm into fresh fruit, plus some local cheeses; nothing too heavy.

What's on your list of places you'd like to eat at?
I fancy El Buli, and The French Laundry, and other than that I'd like to go to a pie and mash shop; I've never been but like the idea.

What does the future hold?
Our immediate plans are to expand into Reading or maybe Swindon. We're in the middle of opening in Soho, Liverpool and Manchester.

What should people be eating and drinking at las Iguanas this autumn?
Our Brazilian dish xinxim, which is made from shrimp, peanut and lime and is a staple on our menu, and a new dish called ensopado which is a winter beef casserole which is also made with beef chorizo. As for drinks it has to be the cocktails - we have our own sugar cane plantation just outside Rio so we make our own cachaça. Then of course there are the caipirinhas - from the classics to the spiced ginger or watermelon types. We also have some wines from Brazil, Uruguay and Mexico, and they are a lot better than you might imagine.

See the article here

The Leeds Guide – Reviewed in November 2008

FOOD & DRINK TOP TEN; Leeds' Best Places to Eat, Drink and be Merry

Las Iguanas bring their Latin American feel to Leeds with their delicious range of enchiladas, fajitas and tapas dishes. There's a range of grills and salads and a dessert menu to make your mouth water.

thisislondon.co.uk – Reviewed in October 2008

In the heart of Soho, the latest branch of Las Iguanas to open in London should help you maintain that post theatre buzz. The Latin American atmosphere comes alive thanks to colourful decor and friendly service and the authentic food is delicious.

Nachos are a popular sharing option for starters but it is good to sample something new. In which case, try the Quesadilla. This dish consists of char-grilled tortilla filled with portobello mushroom and melted brie, with home-made tomato, garlic and coriander salsa. If you are in the mood for fish go for the Gambas; four split tiger prawns cooked in lemon and chilli butter. But make sure you leave room for the other courses.

For main course the gourmet fajitas are sizzling. Platters of bell peppers and onions come with soured cream, pickled jalapenos and warm tortillas with a choice of fillings. The Moqueca offers an alternative taste of Brazil. It's a light coconut curry of peppers, tomatoes, garlic and palm oil served with rice, sweet plantain, coconut farofa and hit chilli salsa.

If there's still space for dessert the Aztec chocolate fudge cake and vanilla ice cream is scrumptious but a little filling. A trio of sorbets might be a more sensible choice.

If none of the above sound appealing, the menu is an extensive one so you should find something to satisfy those tastebuds. The 'Drink Latin' menu allows things to slip down nicely too. Again, there's a great range of drinks on offer. Las Iguanas is the only restaurant to produce cahaca from their own sugar cane plantation near Rio so the Las Iguanas Magnifica Cahaca is worth a try. But don't rule out the non-alcoholic selection. The rasberry cooler is delicious.

Everything down to the design of the toilets in the Dean Street Branch is vibrant. So be it a quick snack and drink or three course dinner, if you're looking for a restaurant with a lively ambience, bear Las Iguanas in mind.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/events/article-23579694-details/A+Night+Out+in+London%3A+La+Clique+and+Las+Iguanas/article.do

Cardiff Life – Reviewed in October 2008

One fine day when they finish all that building work between Mil Lane and Custom House Street, the pavement terraces of Cardiff’s cafe quarter will offer one of the best locations in the city for soaking up the watery Welsh sun.

As it is, it’s a bit noisy for dining al fresco, and given the decidedly autumnal nip in the air, the cousin and I dived unhesitatingly into the warmth of Las iguanas’ interior

And very pleasant it is too. There’s a glamorous cocktail bar, or cachacaria - named after cachaca, the national drink of Brazil, which is apparently drunk everywhere from the favelas to the clubs of Ipanema. So essential is it to the authentic Latin experience, in fact, that Las Iguanas import the stuff in vast quantities from their own production plant outside Rio.

Even if you aren’t indulging in a caipirinha or three, (and even the Cardiff Life diehards tend to refrain at lunchtime), the decor instantly transports you to sultrier climes. Brazilian wood mosaics, curvy booths and funky lighting all create an authentic style without lapsing into cliché, while the atmosphere is revved up by non-cheesy salsa on the soundtrack. And the staff have the sunniest smiles this side of the Atlantic.

Although we rarely review the chains, we’d heard so much about the food here that greed won out over editorial policy; besides the business started off just over the Severn Bridge in Bristol, which makes it practically local, and the Cardiff branch has been established in the city for donkey’s years. Indeed the cousin, who generally gets around to doing things before me, being so much older, remembers attending its opening 13 years ago.

The menu was a surprise. I’d expected the usual pleasant but unmemorable Tex-Mex fusion offered by most south-of-the-border eateries, but it’s far more interesting than that; sure, you’ll find a great range of tapas here, available both as individual portions and platters for sharing, but there are also dishes drawn from all over the South American continent, from Mexican fajitas to Chilean pescado con coco to creamy Brazilian xinxim and moqueca. A fusion of Latin American Indian, Portuguese, Spanish and African influences has made this one of the most colourful and diverse cuisines in the world, with each country favouring different spices. Las Iguanas’ pan-continental menu is thus immensely rich and varied, with even familiar favourites such as chimichangas and empanadas being given a refreshingly original twist , offering fillings such as brie and mango, or roast butternut and zucchini.

The wide choice (we wanted everything), along with the compulsion to exchange family chit-chat meant that we waved the waitress away three times before reaching a decision. She was patience personified.

We pick’n’mixed from the tapas, starters and main courses, choosing for the whole selection to be served at the same time; shortly the table was covered in a colourful Latin feast. The split tiger prawns were gigantic, succulent and sweet, and dripping with a lemony chilli butter that I was not allowed to mop up with bread (by the diet that is, not the staff; the latter probably wouldn’t bat an eyelid if you executed a spontaneous tango up and down the bar). I was similarly prevented from trying the brie and mango empanadas- good news for Lynne as she was allowed to gloat undisturbed over these crispy parcels which she described as “fruity, fresh and light”.

Rioja chorizo was a rich garlicky, peppery pork sausage braised with onions in wine; we also shared some crispy fried calamares with chilli aioli and some peri-peri pollo crisp breaded chicken in a hot garlic sauce. Best of all though was the xinxim- a Brazilian dish of tender lime chicken in a rich, creamy crayfish and peanut sauce. A pair of silky smooth Chilean merlots were also downed with indecent haste.

Lynne finished the meal with a suitably gooey banana in cachaca and butterscotch sauce; presumably the spoonful I stole has now rendered the diet null and void and I may as well have yielded to the siren call of the toffee stuffed black figs after all.

All a far cry from the standard, anglicised Latinfest then; refritos and guacamole make a predictable appearance on the menu they’re very far from being the raison d’être of this excellent restaurant, which probably offers the closest thing to a dining out experience in Sao Paulo that you can get in Cardiff

Liverpool Echo – Reviewed in October 2008

And so it was on from the 21st century vision of leisure time to Las Iguanas, a genuine Latin American restaurant experience in the middle of Merseyside.

This place overlooked the park, the docks and the Mersey; it was great, the food was tasty, the view was superb and the atmosphere was as suitably Latin American as it’s ever going to get in the north west.

Sheffield Telegraph – Reviewed in September 2008

Taste of Latin American Sun at any time of the year- Lesley Draper

With all the colour, verve and timing of a Latin American dancer, Las Iguanas has sashayed back on to the Sheffield restaurant scene just in time to remind us all what summer should be.

The revamped venue is the perfect antidote for the rain-lashed city dwellers who have all but forgotten the pleasures of sultry heat, lively tempo and food that sets tastebuds tangoing.

OK so it's not San Paolo's DOM but it doesn't make any pretension towards haute cuisine. But it's vibrant, it's fun and for those who yearn for a taste of sunshine it's probably the next best thing...

The new winter manu is now available. The a la carte darts lizard like from Argentinean burgers, Mexican enchiladas and fajitas to Brazilian moqueca, spicy beef casserole and salads. There's also the ubiquitous patatas bravas, bread and nibbles and a whole range of tapas. Cocktails are a speciality particularly those made with cachaca produced at the company's own sugar cane plantation in Rio. But one of us has to drive home so we opt for a bottle of fruity Chilean merlot at a top value £9.50 a bottle, because it's happy hour.

...My fajitas were served texas-style, with a sizzling skillet of duck breast, peppers and onions, little pots of spiced plum salsa, soured cream, pickles and guacamole and a basket of warm tortillas.. It's fun food, tasty, sociable and free from pretension.

Desserts have improved since our last visit and we tucked in to manjar and brevas black figs stuffed with sticky toffee, like an inside-out toffee apple.

Verdict: Shimmy on down for a leisurely meal and a taste of Latin American Sunshine at any time of the year.

Itchy Guide - Sheffield – Reviewed in September 2008

There's no need to leave the country to experience authentic Latin food; simply take your taste buds on holiday to Las Iguanas. The warm and lively atmosphere alone is enough to convince you that you're on the other side of the Atlantic, so God help you when you've downed a few too many of the 2 for 1 happy hour drinks. The tasty food is mind-blowingly good and Iguanas' famous Cachaças is produced by their own Brazillian sugar cane plantation – a great excuse for sampling more than one

London Lite – Reviewed in September 2008

South American sass is one key ingredient at Las Iguanas - the other is cachaça. The Brazilian spirit flows freely through this bar, set in plum position facing out to the river at the end of the Royal Festival Hall's Festival Terrace. But if cachaça doesn't get you going then crack open a bottle of beer and get into the Latino vibe with Argentinian sounds a plenty. This place gets pretty sweaty at weekends with Latin lovers busting their salsa moves but there's a real carnival atmosphere, so get involved.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/bars/article-23551448-details/Best+bars+on+South+Bank/article.do

viewlondon.co.uk – Reviewed in July 2008

The Venue
The Las Iguanas chain seems to be going from strength to strength, and this Spitalfields location serves up much of what makes it such a popular option. There’s more than a hint of authenticity, even if it does offer the expectation rather than the reality of Latin culture. However, only a pedant would argue that the mosaic slate resembling the Copacabana sidewalk; the plethora of flora; the wall length prints of Rio or the random smatterings of Brazilian bamboo don’t instil at least a taste of South America.

They’ve used the space well, with the downstairs boasting a long bar flanked by seating and a spiral staircase that leads to an impressive first floor, complete with a large balcony that offers splendid views over the busy market. There’s a cocktail bar upstairs too, as well as an area that could be just about deemed big enough for a dancefloor ensuring that should the mood - or the caipirinhas - take you, a little boogie isn’t out of the question.

The Atmosphere
There’s real effort to offer a genuine Latin experience at Las Iguanas with loose-hipped waiters, funky samba sounds and a nicely relaxed ambience fostered by a bubbly workforce. Obviously not everyone who visits will subscribe to the ethos, so don’t be too shocked to see stiffs in suits looking uncomfortable with their after work beers. However, the majority of visitors will be swept along with it, so you can expect to see them enjoying themselves, especially at the weekend when the hustle and bustle of the area makes everything feel especially vibrant.

The Drink
There’s an extensive selection of authentic Latin options at Las Iguanas, with cocktails certainly worth a go. The caipirinhas are good, as they should be, and benefit from decent quality cachaca that’s produced by the chain from their own sugar plantation in Brazil. The watermelon variety is particularly good, with the lightness of the fruit being nicely matched with the strength of the alcohol and the sweetness of the sugar. There’s a veritable feast of other cocktail options, including a very well made cuba libre available in pitchers.

If beer is your thing then there’s a good range of authentic options available, such as Brahma, Corona, Negra Modelo and the Peruvian Cusquena.

There’s a solid wine list, too, with some great options from Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, and the prices are pretty reasonable, offering you the chance to try some good quality bins without breaking the bank. The Argentinean Graffigna Pinot Grigio is certainly worth sampling thanks to a deliciously light and peachy tone.

Metro – Reviewed in July 2008

Las Iguanas adds a dash of South America to the Spitalfields mix when its third London branch opens on Friday. I don't normally big up chains but this Latino-lite lot's Caipirinhas, using cachaça made from sugar cane from their own plantation outside Rio, are a steal at two for £5.80 between 5pm and 7pm. Wines from Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina, Brahma and Cusqueña, and an alfresco terrace are further reasons to salsa on down.

Keith Barker-Main

viewleicester.co.uk – Reviewed in June 2008

Latin food, music and tropical cocktails in an exotic environment. Yes, believe it or not, you can get all of these in Leicester - in Las Iguanas.

The Venue
This Leicester outpost is a particularly nice outlet of the national chain. It's smaller than average but this helps it look busier and gives it more soul.

Different furniture is mixed together and it works surprisingly well. Straw chairs, dark armchairs made of bent bamboo, modern couches in woven fabric, stripy wood and tall chairs of different shapes and colours - it's all been thrown together to create a mish-mash that somehow works. Private booths in front of the bar are joined together by a bent bench which stretches out like a ribbon. Orange light panels and retro arched standing lamps with fishbowl shades create a subdued lighting effect that makes Las Iguanas feel warm and cosy.

Dark wood covers the ceiling while mosaics and tiles of different sizes cover the floor. At the back, towards the dining area, there's a skylight and in parts the room looks like an exotic greenhouse thanks to a number of leafy plants. With its warm decor, foreign foliage and the aroma of Latin food drifting from the kitchen, Las Iguanas brings a bit of sunshine to the Midlands.

The People
At lunch Las Iguanas is popular with people of all ages but it's dominated by twenty and and thirtysometings in the evenings. Some are well-heeled girls and guys wearing a special outfit for the night, but most are just dressed casually. Many are couples but there are several groups of friends as well. The music is, predictably, Latin. The selection is very varied, though, and easy to enjoy.

The Food
There's a separate menu for lunch and dinner. Until 6.30pm everyday you can eat cheaply for £6.90 or £7.90 for two courses (add a glass of wine or a beer bottle for only £1.50), choosing from a selection of mains and a couple of starters.

During the same hours, you can pick from the tapas selection (£4.20 to £5.50 each, £12.60 for three or £21 for five). Pato Taquito is a chargrilled tortilla filled with shredded duck and caramelized onion with sweet chilli jam, while Bolinhos is a Brazilian-style fish, with potato and parsley fritters and hot chilli salsa. New Seviche, seared yellowfin tuna, salmon and crayfish in a fresh mango, ginger and citrus marinade, is also a flavour worth trying.

For dinner, you have a choice of main courses priced from £8.50 to £13.50. These include a selection of gourmet fajitas, enchilada, chilli con carne and chimichanga, which is crisp tortilla parcel served with salsa, guacamole and either meat or vegetables. They also serve the Brazilian Moqueca, a coconut curry rich in exotic ingredients like sweet plantain and coconut farofa (£8.50 to £10.50) and Xinxim, lime chicken in creamy crayfish and peanut sauce. Fish dishes go for £10.50 to £13.50, and regional specialities are £8.90 to £18.50 and include the Puerto can Paella and the Cordero Asado, roast lamb rump. For something lighter, pick from the salads priced at £6.90 to £8.50 or the sides for £2.70.

The Drink
Las Iguanas is just as well-known as a bar as it is a restaurant. Cocktails are one of the main attractions and they're all inspired by Latin America but there are plenty of different flavours to choose from. The menu is quite a paradise for Mojito lovers. You can choose from the Mojito Especial topped with Cava, the Berry Mojito with fresh blackberries and blueberries or the Spiced Mojito with spiced rum (all £5.50 to £5.90). The selection of Caipirinhas is just as good. They serve a pomegranate version with pomegranate seeds and a tropical mix with fresh pineapple and Malibu. Within the classics (£4.20 to £5.90) you can pick Sangria, passion fruit Margarita, Pisco Sour and many others.

To make the deal cheaper, drop by during the happy hours (noon to 7.30pm) and lots of them are two for one. The beer selection is also a paradise for those with Spanish tastes. They stock Cusquena, Brahma, Corona, Negra Modelo and San Miguel (£3 to £3.30). The wine list is just as interesting (£13 to £17.50 a bottle, £3.10 to £3.80 for a small glass, £4.40 to £5.40 for a large one). All the bottles are imported from Argentina, Chile, Spain and the less common Brazil, Uruguay and Mexico.

The Last Word
Las Iguanas is central, exotic and fulfils different eating and drinking needs in a perfectly designed location. You can't go wrong here

http://www.viewleicester.co.uk/restaurants/las-iguanas-review-50554.html

In Oxford – Reviewed in June 2008

Although it would be unrealistic of me to even try and convince you that my family and I felt like we were in another country, the riverside setting and cool Latin tunes certainly set a relaxed mood away from the hum drum of the city Las Iguanas finds itself at the centre of.

I seriously love this restaurant, curly fries are tops! said Edward on his second bowl, Tina had her best paella in years and Abi, not one for her outpouring of generous comment, gave Las Iguanas ten out of ten.

Although Las Iguanas has been in Oxford for well over a year now, I had never been in the tardis like restaurant. To be honest, I didn't realise it was so family friendly. Not only is it huge and tremendously spacious inside, not that I condone kids' relay races in restaurants, but it is fantastically warm and inviting.

We were greeted by Bekki's warm smile and were looked after brilliantly by all of the staff as soon as we walked in.

So what did we have?

Abi had the Chilli Con Carne with curly fries and Ed had the Shredded Chicken and Cheese Chimichanga, to which he added extra cheese, curly fries, yet more cheese and more curly fries!

Tina had the Gambas to start, four split tiger prawns cooked in lemon and chilli butter, served with freshly baked bread. Have you seen the film "Gone in Sixty Seconds"? I had the Pato Taquito, a chargrilled tortilla filled with shredded duck and caramelized onion, with sweet chilli jam. Delightful.

For our mains, Tina chose the Puerto Rican Paella and I plunged for the Gourmet Chicken Fajitas. We know how Tina felt about her Paella and my Fajitas were as good as any I have had. Top marks to the chef.

Surely we couldn't even contemplate one last course?

Abi had been beaten, she was just happy colouring in the menu, well I hope it was the menu. Ed went for the ice cream, telling us it was "the best I have ever had", although I think he was slightly intoxicated by this time on a powerful cocktail of curly fries, cheese and coke, which will forever after be referred to as the "dreaded three c's"!

I convinced Tina to go for the Chocolate Banoffi Pie, my favourite, but I just couldn?t summon the courage to order it myself after such indulgence. "Two spoons please Bekki!" If you want to die happy, have this dessert every day for the rest of your life, naughty, very, very, very naughty, but nice!

Thanks to Las Iguanas, a perfect family restaurant.

Richard, Tina, Ed and Abi

http://www.inoxfordmag.co.uk/reviews/las_iguanas.html

Destination Milton Keynes – Reviewed in May 2008

Express & Star (Midlands) – Reviewed in May 2008

Eating Out West (Venue) – Reviewed in April 2008

Fun, funky and value for money, the cachacaria bars (cachaca being the national spirit of Brazil, and these guys distil their own brand), combines with some of the finest South American food around have made Las Iguanas a national favourite, so popular in its home town that there are now two branches (and another one just up the road in Bath). 'Las Iguanas has managed to carve out a nice little corner of Anchor Square for itself and very pleasant it is too, with an intelligent use of floorspace andlighting,' said Venue's own lizard king of the new branch. 'There's a good, well balanced mix of humanity here and a goodtime feel as a party venue which you can sample in spades even if there's 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.

Exposed, Sheffield – Reviewed in March 2008

Time Out – Reviewed in October 2007

This great Latin American bar and restaurant even boasts a cachacaria where you can sip superb caipirinhas made with cachaca from Las Iguanas' very own sugar plantation in Rio.

Leeds Guide - Food & Drink Top Ten – Reviewed in September 2007

This bustling restaurant and bar provides a perfect mix of tasty and authentic Latin food. Wash it down with a tangy margarita for the perfect Brazilian getaway.

London Lite – Reviewed in August 2007

Drink Tonight...Caipirinhas. The popular Southbank party venue now has a new branch in The O2 arena, with the same playful atmosphere and styling. Las Iguanas source their own cachaca from Brazil to make a solid classic cocktail muddled with lime and sugar.

Time Out – Reviewed in August 2007

Las Iguanas, The O2. Attractive South American restaurant, currently best choice of the selection in the Dome's mall like interior

(The Food & Drink 50; Time Out's 'essential chart of the capital's best restaurants and bars, old and new' )

Time Out – Reviewed in June 2007

Bringing a touch of Latin America to Southbank Centre, Las Iguanas serves up a zesty blend of Brazilian tapas, tortillas, steaks and chimichangas. Although the seasoned meatballs, cusquinha and steak fajitas are well worth working up an appetite for, the big draw of Las Iguanas is the Cachaçaria which serves up some of the most authentic caipirinhas in London.

Sunday Telegraph – Reviewed in April 2007

MORE LATIN LOVELIES...Las Iguanas, Anchor Square, Bristol. The rich flavours of South America, Portugal and Africa are united in the signature dish, xinxim - a Brazilian chicken recipe with a creamy crayfish and peanut sauce, rice, fine beans and sweet plantain

Redbrick - Birmingham University – Reviewed in March 2007

Las Iguanas is a great place to eat; you can have a great evening out with a taste of Latin America without actually making the journey. You can have a fresh and delicious meal before a night out, or even just prop up the bar sipping cocktails and enjoying some tapas after a heavy shopping stint at the Bullring.

This restaurant is a hidden jewel and worthy of a five star rating.

The Brighton Source – Reviewed in March 2007

The Place. Las Iguanas is the airy Latin fusion chain opposite the library. Like Carpoocchios it sprang up when they rebuilt the block and plies brisk trade. Unabashedly modern, it has warm, dark red hues, comfy sofas around the edge and one end dedicated to a large bar which leaks lively Latin atmosphere.The Meal. We’re crazy for fusion tonight. Bypassing tapas options we go for queso fritos and bocatilla quesos, roasted goats cheese and jam, particularly scrummy. Next we opt for butternut squash and zucchini chimichanga and their signature Puerto Rican Paella…In the event both mains are delicious. Perhaps the chimi has the edge with the right crispness to the tortilla, a puddle of beautifully-made black bean sauce and the obligatory guac and salsa on top. The Verdict. Finding food from the Americas is a struggle in Brighton. However Las Iguanas deftly side steps the battle by venturing in to authentic corners of the Latin diaspora. Service is smart and posh, the lunch menu looks enticing – and they even run their own estate near Rio, to brew precious cachaça. Despite Las Iguanas being a chain, and probably dreadful news for indie Latin cafes around the UK, it’s tough to fault.

Sheffield Steel Press – Reviewed in October 2006

Las Iguanas, tucked away in the West One complex, is a piece of Latino lovliness... I will certainly be dining there again - the food is delicious, the drink goes down well and the atmosphere is buzzing yet chilled, with friendly staff who look like they are enjoying themselves as much as the guests are.

Itchy Guide London – Reviewed in October 2006

Very reasonable prices, cosy booths and universal appeal make it a decent bet for most get togethers, and the outdoor seating overlooking the river is glorious...

Bristol Evening Post – Reviewed in July 2006

...my companion smacked his chops and gloated over his choice of black tiger prawn fajitas with lemon and coriander which had gradually assembled itself on our table as the fleet of waiting staff ferried its various elements from the kitchen; a covered dish of hot tortilla pancakes to the final sizzling platter of seafood heaped on soft and caramelised onions and sliced green peppers, a finger bowl and so on. This was a coup de theatre, and theatre certainly has its place in a good restaurant- after all part of the pleasure comes in the anticipation of tasty food. Fortunately for my companion, the fajitas were every bit as good as their flamboyant entrance.

South Wales Echo – Reviewed in February 2006

It's the place to be in the summer when Mill Lane is buzzing and the shutters are thrown wide open. But in the middle of winter it's equally cosy... An interesting mix of native Latin American Indian, Spanish, Portuguese and African food... Fast service, good choice, just what you need in a lunch hour.

Itchy Guide Leeds – Reviewed in January 2006

One for the Latin lovers out there, this. The hungry among you can sample the regional South American food, including Xinxim, and for those of you who like the odd Mojito, head for the Cachacaria, (named after Brazil's National Drink). Grab yourself one of the cocktails, plonk yourself down amongst the mosaic tabletops and Latin artefacts and, but for the fact that it's probably raining, you could just as easily be in Sao Paulo as Leeds.

Andrew Kay, Latest 7, Brighton – Reviewed in December 2005

…I was rather impressed, it was certainly more exciting than I had expected, and some gigantic prawns were really very good indeed. Spicy, crisp chicken was piquant and duck tortillas juicy and sweet.

Xinxim chicken comes in a rich and creamy sauce made, I am told, with lime, peanuts, crayfish and palm oil. It’s certainly rib-sticking stuff and despite being pretty full I couldn’t help but keep returning to it. It had an addictive flavour that made me suspect that they might be adding something else from South America – but I am sure that they would not be so naughty.

A plate of Cordero was amongst the best cooked lamb I have tasted in a while and as tender as can be. Had I not already eaten enough for three I might have made more of an impression on the roasted vegetables and sweet potatoes that lay beneath.

I rather like Las Iguanas. It’s fun food without the pretensions and it arrives in good quantities and piping hot. I didn’t allow Gloria a chance to bring dessert, that really would have been a course too far, but I guess we will return and do the tapas and caipirinha thing again. In fact a few days later I popped in with a colleague and we had an excellent £7 set lunch, two courses and of course two caipirinhas…

Itchy Guide Brighton – Reviewed in November 2005

There’s a time and a place for everything, and when it’s time to eat like a Latino, this place hits the spot. It’s unusual in that, while they serve all the Mexican favourites, Las Iguanas tends to focus on Brazilian dishes you’ve never heard of. That's not a bad thing though, which you'll realise once you’ve tried a couple. Whether you fancy munchin’ on a luncheon of tapas, taking refuge in the bar for cocktails or having a full on chilli-out, these guys know the score

http://www.itchybrighton.co.uk/review.cfm/3/183275/Brighton-City-Guide/review/Las-Iguanas

The Leeds Guide – Reviewed in August 2005

Las Iguanas seems to have quickly established itself as the ideal after work venue to escape the city. In here the atmosphere is permanently revved up by samba rhythms and a chattering crowd loosened by dozens of the zesty cocktails offered at the bar — or cachaçaria as they prefer to call it. Once sat down you can almost make believe that you’ve spent the day playing volleyball outside the Copacabana before heading for the town centre in search of a decent party.

The restaurant is keen to remain true to the Latin spirit, which obliges them to keep it informal with a selection of tapas, sides and fiery cuisine to warm up those rainy grey days on Cloth Hall Street. Huge palm trees did lead us to expect fast food joint style dishes and prices, so the menu was slightly more expensive then anticipated. And though, the service may have been swift, the ambitious food was far superior to what we had bargained on. Throughout the meal we spent a lot of time enviously eyeing each other’s plates and pleading to be able to try just a bit more! For starters my dinner companion tried out their ‘queso frito’, a crispy tortilla parcel filled with fresh brie and mango served with mango, ginger and coriander salsa, which had some pretty stunning flavours and textures going on. For mains my companion went for a hot sizzling platter of chicken strips with lemon and coriander, which were folded into the accompanying warmed floury tortillas. I decided to be a bit more adventurous and ordered the sweet potato ‘moqueca’, a Brazilian style coconut curry of peppers, tomatoes, garlic and ginger with saffron rice, which is cooked fresh to order (and is also huge by the way). According to the menu the moqueca is a national favourite and combines African, Portuguese and native Brazilian flavours. Although rather spicy the coconut ensures that it’s not too hot to handle. All the same, one of their citrus coolers with crushed fresh lime and lemon topped with lemonade and ice is ideal for cooling those tingling taste buds.

A thoroughly enjoyable experience, and at approximately £50 for a three course meal for two including sides and a bottle of white wine, it’s not over-priced either.

24-7 – Reviewed in June 2005

Las Iguanas is one of those magical places that can transport your imagination half a world away and leave you thinking it’s high time you treated yourself to a much deserved holiday somewhere hot, sultry and always within earshot of a samba beat.

Las Iguanas offers the chance to dine out in style, or if you prefer, to enjoy a quick tapas break in your busy schedule or to sink a couple of ice cold beers on a sweltering summer’s day. Whatever kind of dining experience you’re after, though, you’re guaranteed a blend of cool, smart décor, intoxicating Latin beats and fresh, tasty and authentic food boasting a truly delightful fusion of native Latin American Indian, Spanish, Portuguese and African influences.

Las Iguanas is an experience to return to time and again.

Metro Midlands – Reviewed in June 2005

Las Iguanas sources its own cachaca (the national tipple of Brazil,  a wonderfully underrated, subtle spirit) then has its bartenders work their magic, adding sugar and limes to create what must be the best Caipirinhas in Birmingham.

Metro – Reviewed in January 2005

Below the hub of Latin American restaurant Las Iguanas (to which it belongs), Pulp (Bath) has a formidable reputation as one of the best free-pour bars in town. Of the 25 varieties of cocktail on offer, the Cana Royale - a blend of cachaça, raspberry liqueur, elderflower and champagne is fabulously regal; while Pulp's trademark tipple, Caipirinha, is mixed with the restaurant's own brand of cachaça, harvested from its sugar cane plantation outside Rio.

69 Magazine – Reviewed in November 2004

Las Iguanas is a venue for most occasions that is as tasty as the food. There is no question that if you are bored of the flat atmosphere in many of the city's other restaurants and want to dine somewhere that leaves you feeling as zingy as the décor, you're sure to love Las Iguanas.

Independent on Sunday – Reviewed in August 2004

Iguanas must be the rabbits of Brazil - there are now seven across Britain. The formula is infectious: a modern space, loud salsa and non-stop caipirinhas made with Las Iguanas's own cachaca, brewed near Rio. The menu runs like a stunned lizard, from Mexican nachos and fajitas to Brazilian swordfish moqueca and ribeye in an Argentinian churrasco rub.

Restaurant Magazine – Reviewed in October 2003

Informal, bright Latin fun.

Leicester Mercury – Reviewed in October 2003

While some new venues creep into the city and hang back shyly waiting to be noticed, that cannot be said of Las Iguanas. Hundreds of guests crammed into the restaurant and cachaçaria's sizable Belvoir Street home for the opening night bash, with more queueing outside, all keen to taste the South American food and cocktails, swing to the salsa and drink up the lively atmosphere.

Las Iguanas's reputation, it seems, goes before it. The Leicester branch is far from being the first but the menu, interior and atmosphere have none of the tired predictability we so often moan about when reviewing chain venues.

The abundance of wood, stone and mosaic and the colour scheme of rich browns and reds help conjure the atmosphere of a hot, laid-back evening in Rio. It is a vibrant alternative to the minimal, sometimes anaemic décor new bars seem so fond of.

Snuggle into a booth near the bar and nibble tapas, which are reasonably priced, fresh and tasty, well-proportioned and highly recommended after shopping. Or you can people-watch while sipping cocktails based on Cachaça, the Brazilian sugar-cane based spirit.

The menu, if you fancy a more substantial meal, is mouthwatering. It is clear from what we have seen on our many visits (we had to go back for more cocktails) that older couples feel as comfortable here as gaggles of girls, families and business folk.

We are particularly excited about the fact that finally there is a place in the city where there is a fair chance you will find yourself listening to Joao Gilberto as you sip your Caipirinhas. Fabulous.

Guardian Unlimited – Reviewed in September 2003

In a city where the locals are desperate to believe they are really in the Mediterranean, Las Iguanas on the Whiteladies Road in Bristol comes close to fulfilling their dreams. The café's tables spill ubiquitously onto the pavement of what is now known as the Golden Mile, so you can sit nibbling on your fresh boquerones and watch combat-trousered locals pass by.

The patatas bravas are fiery hot while fat green olives come with a plentiful supply of very fresh bread. The albondigas slip down well with a glass of chilled cava at only £3 per glass. They mix a fine margarita and if you get there before 7:30 you get two for the price of one. Add to this atmosphere a rousing salsa soundtrack and charmingly friendly bar staff (a bit of a rarity in Bristol) and you have the perfect place to forget that you won't be on holiday for a long time yet.

Sheffield Telegraph – Reviewed in August 2003

Sleek, modern and vibrant. The atmosphere is electrifying. The sultry salsa beat sets the pace from the moment of entry and the first impression is just how different this restaurant is from anywhere else around.

Venue – Reviewed in March 2003

Welcome to modern-day Latin America. The flavours are as loud and proud as Joaquin Cortez's Cuban heels, as intense as Antonio Banderas's gaze, as brazenly sumptuous as J-Lo's curves.