This branch of Las Iguanas is a stylish and exciting addition to the O2 Arena in North Greenwich, a venue on which the jury is still out.

The Venue
Las Iguanas have opted for a subtle reflection of their food through the interior design with artistic prints of a typical Brazilian Mardi Gras showgirl and the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. The style has a modest retro chic feel; the restaurant is dominated by deep reds and browns with a collection of elaborate ‘60s-style light fittings. Placed strategically on a number of box shelves against a mirrored wall are various condiments, sauces and crisps to buy separately should you wish to add a Latin spark to your domestic dining.

The Atmosphere
If Justin Timberlake, Prince or Bruce Springsteen happen to be performing two hundred yards rounds the bend, then expect this place to be heaving from the ground floor to the expansive first and creating a wild pre-concert atmosphere accompanied by a variety of Latin beats on the sound system. It is rather quiet on weekday lunchtimes however as it’s a mostly residential area and there aren’t many businesses around.

The Food
For starters, you find the usual Latin suspects such as tapas and tortillas, but an interesting option is the crayfish cocktail, a nicely presented dish with tasty crayfish and diced cucumber under a rich tomato mayonnaise which is given an extra kick by the addition of smoked paprika. A popular main course seems to be the Xinxim, supposedly Pele’s favourite, which is essentially chicken in a peanut sauce; perhaps not the most dazzling dish despite the enigmatic name but the chicken is well cooked and the sauce is of a perfect consistency.

For those of you who prefer a traditional South American feel there are plenty of classic options such as enchiladas, fajitas and chimichangas – which have an excellent vegetarian option containing butternut squash, zucchini and cheese. For dessert, the cheesecake is baked perfectly and comes with a gorgeously tangy mango and lime sauce, and the Aztec chocolate fudge cake is a delightful yet rich offering complimented by raspberries and topped off with a helping of vanilla ice cream.

The Drink
The restaurant has a modest bar at one end providing a variety of smoothies and cocktails, many with a Latin twist, but the cooler menu offers refreshing non-alcoholic options such as citrus and orange and passion fruit.

The Last Word
Despite the slightly clinical feel of the dome which has not vanished during its change of owners, Las Iguanas is a warm and inviting restaurant and perfect for grabbing an unpretentious bite before a show at the O2.

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