In these dark and dreary times it’s nice to go somewhere bright and exuberant.

Vibrant walls of red and amber are toned with rich chocolate brown seating and tables set the scene against a backdrop of fun, brightly lit wall panels. People sup cocktails in the bar area stretching the back wall at Las Iguanas, a Latino restaurant with hip-swaying samba rhythms that create a real carnival atmosphere.

Las Iguanas began as a small independent restaurant in Bristol. Its reputation grew and so expanded to other towns and cities. But don't be fooled into thinking that it's a sterile environment with mass produced food. Nothing could be further than the truth.

The people at Las Iguanas genuinely care about the food, where it's come from, about the sustainability of its source.

They support coffee suppliers in South America and its caipirinha (a traditional spirit a little like tequila) using cachaca, grown on the company's own sugar cane plantation.

And the care and pride is evident in their dishes. The menu extends across a rich palette of flavours – coconut curries from Brazil with a twist of fragrant lime and sweet plantain, sizzling Mexican fahitas and cheese-topped burritos, Columbian steaks and Argentinian pasta paired with tomatoes, sweet peppers with a coriander twist. Dishes are packed with flavour and warmth, perfect for cold winter nights, while the Latin vibe really makes for a fantastic party venue. With so much choice and food envy never far away, one of the best ways to experience Las Iguanas’ new winter menu is to try several tapas dishes.

Generous butterflied prawns cooked in lemon juice with garlic and prawns came with thick bread that tasted homemade, which was perfect for mopping up the juices. Equally, the Chilean Blue mussels, in a sweet smoky tomato and jalepeno sauce were plump and moist, and the sauce had a little kick without being too overpowering. The breaded chicken strips marinated in peri-peri spices packed a punch and the saltcod and potato fritters were really meaty, matched with a lovely dark, sticky balsamic dip. I could have quite happily worked my way through the whole tapas menu with its little morsels of fiery loveliness but there’s also burgers, grilled steaks, simple chillis, meatballs and various takes on tortillas plus everything from paella to creamy saffron laced curries and vibrant salads.

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.

Desserts are as exciting as the mains, many featuring exotic fruits or traditional gooey cajeta (caramel) sauce.

Las Iguanas offers high quality food served with passion in a buzzy, infectiously upbeat atmosphere.

%bull; To book or to enquire about Christmas parties call Las Iguanas at 108-111 East Side Plaze, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth on Tel: 02392 293797 or visit iguanas.co.uk