Las Iguanas Southampton review: cocktails, food and stylish interior

Las Iguanas in Harbour Parade may only have opened on Monday (November 29), but is already capable of serving up a night to remember.

Now, a quick disclaimer, I am a sucker for Mexican food, which is what this eatery specialises in as well as Brazilian and Latin dishes. So before I'd even parked up, I had high hopes.

The first thing that strikes you about Las Iguanas is the interior.

The walls are adorned with artwork and there are flashes of neon signage in every direction.

Tropical green plants are scattered amongst the tables, and before you've even sat down, you've been transported to a sunny paradise. This was lovely in my case, as it was three degrees and rainy outside.

The place was bustling with customers, but a waitress came over to us at the door in no time, and showed us to our seats in a very friendly manner.

After helpfully explaining the menu, she left us to decide what to eat and drink.

The beverages were a no-brainer - this place does two-for-one cocktails all day, every day. Yes, you read that right.

Reporter Sam Hatherley at the new Las Iguanas in Southampton

We went for a watermelon margarita each, which was stunning, and also a pina colada. In the words of my girlfriend, it was the "best I've ever had". I wish she'd speak as nicely about me...

The food was a more difficult choice, however, as there are so many options.

Now, you'll probably judge the amount that we ordered, but we were hungry, okay?

To start, we had the nachos, topped with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and jalapenos. Don't worry, they're easy to peel off if you're like me and can't handle too much spice.

Nachos at the new Las Iguanas in Southampton

We then had crispy cheese squares with a chilli jam as dip, which were to die for. They definitely have a name, but in my ignorantly uncultured way, I've forgotten it.

For the main, we both went for a burrito bowl, which was essentially a deconstructed burrito – chicken, rice, black beans, cheese, and veg.

It was delicious, and suitable for me. I was wearing a white top and would've without doubt dropped an actual burrito all over myself.

Just before leaving I managed to spark up a chat with the manager, who although was swept off his feet, told me that the staff were doing incredibly.

They had only been trained over a two week period, but were already smashing it. They couldn't do enough for us, and were so friendly.

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself booked in!

• Want your restaurant reviewing? Send an email to sam.hatherley@dailyecho.co.uk.