I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of Las Iguanas Swansea last month. It is Phil’s favourite restaurant (we’ve been to the Mill Lane branch in Cardiff plenty of times!) so needless to say, he was very excited to be my dining partner once again.
Situated in the brand new Castle Quarter development, the restaurant is a perfect location for a party, special occasion or for when you fancy a couple of pre-drinks before hitting the nightclubs a few doors down.
Inside the restaurant, the decor consists of warm sunshine colours, bright and comfy banquette seating and twinkling lights. The restaurant also features an open kitchen to enjoy the hustle and bustle of your food being cooked and if you fancy some fresh air, you can always sip a caipirinha (or two!) outside on the terrace.
The cuisine is South American with a fusion of Latin American Indian, Spanish, Portuguese and African influences. There’s lots of choice on the main menu but it’s worth noting that there are plenty of options on the separate vegetarian and gluten-free menus too.
To start, Phil chose the lamb empanadas – two crispy pasties with tender lamb, tomato and chipotle. I picked the gambas which were butterflied shell-on prawns cooked in a garlic, lemon and chilli sauce, served with ciabatta. The prawns were so tasty that I could have happily eaten a few more platefuls!
Next, the main course. Phil chose the XinXim, which is chicken and crayfish in a creamy lime and peanut sauce with spring onion and garlic rice, fine green beans, coconut farofa and sweet plantains. According to Phil, it was really tasty and he’d definitely order it again. On reflection, I’m surprised that I didn’t order this myself – lime, peanuts, coconut and plantain are all right up my street!
I chose the Cordero dish which was succulent pieces of pan-fried boneless rack of lamb in a sweet orange & tamarind glaze with a tangerine, chilli & herb salsa. The lamb was lovely and tender but I wasn’t wholly fussed on the orange glaze. I really enjoyed the garlic and chilli mash that it was served with though!
Although we were pretty full, we couldn’t resist dessert. I went for the creamy caramel cake which was layers of soaked sponge and caramelised cream drizzled with dulce de leche topped with caramelised cream and blueberries. It was honestly one of the best desserts I’ve ever had! Try it, you won’t be disappointed.
Phil had the cinnamon-dusted churros with chocolate ganache, which were hot, sweet and perfectly crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. A perfect end to a superb meal.
Overall, Las Iguanas Swansea was excellent. The service was very good, the atmosphere was buzzing and the food was fab! Phil and I have already been back twice since this review and we plan on going again and again!
* Please note that I was invited to dine here and the meal was complimentary.
Las Iguanas, Castle Quarter , 1-4 Castle Square, City Centre, Swansea, SA1 1DN. Tel: 01792 930 565