La Piragua offers decent South American staples on a scruffy stretch of Upper Street in Islington.

The Venue
La Piragua is one big bare cantina type room with wooden tables and chairs and an open bar in the front section. La Piragua can get very cramped and busy, but it has no pretensions to be anything other than a good value Latin American cafe.

The Atmosphere
The restaurant has a really friendly atmosphere and home cooking is served ‘en famille’ in great portions, making it ideal for a group or a family party. There are also has various music and football evenings with the full wide screen experience. La Piragua has built up on its success, as there aren’t too many places on the way to Highbury and Islington station that stay open till 2am and serve tasty food.

The Food
Everything comes in big portions, so it is ideal to share and great value. The kitchen uses fresh ingredients and unusual spicing includes achiote and chipotle peppers. Fried plantains with cheese are a good starter, but the main draw is definitely the Argentinian beef - as good as you get at Gaucho Grill and then some, for a fraction of the price. Seafood stew, green chicken stew and chilli con carne are also on the menu. Some of the stews, like the chicken Sancocho, are acquired tastes, but give them a try and be sure to watch the chilli rating.

The Drink
Bohemia beer is worth trying, and they can mix caipirinhas too. There are some standard Chilean and Agrentinian wines, as well, but nothing on the list is particularly remarkable.

The Last Word
No nonsense, good value Latin American home cooking on a barren stretch of Upper street.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2)