Las Iguanas

Hadn't been for ages but found myself here for a work party. Was a so-so experience that didn't mark the venue out as a place to return to.

I was weary of the somewhat dubious previous comments on here about the food, but thought it was better than stated, if unremarkable. I shared some nachos (pub standard dortito-esque) to start, then had some calamari (good to see whole mini squids being battered rather than just 'squid rings'). I though about the goat for mains but have had mixed previous experiences when eating it so ducked out and went with the steak. It was well cooked (rare) and came with some ok sweet potato and some sweet little vine tomatoes. The aioli that came with it was a slighlt alarming pink colour (or was that just the lighting!?) and lacked a proper garlic hit. I skipped pudding. Some of my friends had the more typical Mexican-style offering like enchilladas and tortillas and thought them reasonable. Prices were competitive and we arrived early to take advantage of the bogof cocktail offer before 7pm.

On a negative I would look towards the very average/poor cocktails (particularly my Pisco Sour which was probably one of the worst I've had), the long intial wait at the bar to get drinks.

Joe B (Unverified), 08/02/10

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We decided to go to Las Iguanas because of the "buy one get one free fajitas" offer. The place itself is nice, very modern and clean with a good atmosphere and friendly staff.

The food, on the other hand, was pretty dire for the prices they were charging - £9 for the tiniest burrito I've ever seen, filled mostly with rice and sitting on a huge plate of salad; £8 for a skinny enchilada on a bed of clearly microwaved rice and watery refried beans.

We went home hungry and feeling that frankly, even the £4.50 we each paid with the BOGOF offer was far too expensive for what they were serving.

J (Unverified), 30/05/09

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I've eaten there twice and the Peri Peri chicken is awful. My friend's tuna was overcooked and disappointing last time as well, and our chicken was so overcooked we could hardly cut it, let alone chew it! They just pour an indifferent sauce over it, so I won't be going there again, because the waitress was in a mood when we complained, and it spoiled the atmosphere. This was after waiting for over an hour for our meal, when it wasn't busy.

ExtraSpesh (DI User), 24/09/08

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I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone...
Been there a few times, great food, for anyone who likes mediterranean food...
Might not be exactly the same as if you were in Portugal, Brazil or Columbia etc. But every time I get in there I feel like home..
Also great for a romantic evening..
Try it..
;)

latina (Unverified), 24/06/08

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The location is great but the food is indifferent (they seem to use standard sauces for all dishes) and the margaritas are weak with the ice still in to give the illusion you have a glass full.

asia (Unverified), 13/10/07

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Had my hen night here on a Saturday at the end of June as had been before with a friend and really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. We arrived at 7 for 2 for 1 cocktails which were great. We sat down at 7.30ish and ordered from the party menu by 8pm (there were 15 of us). At 8.30 we were given some tortillas and dip on the house because of the delay. The starters arrived by about 9pm which were good but by 9.45 when we still hadn't received the main courses we said that we would leave unless we got served - it was meant to be a party and we were keen to move on by this time. The food eventually arrived just after 10pm and was very good. Needless to say our bill was greatly reduced. There was another party table and they too had a huge wait whilst smaller tables came and went throughout the night. A great place, great atmosphere and food and nice staff but they need to improve their service for big parties.

Teresa (Unverified), 12/09/07

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I have eaten here now a number of times with my wife since they opened in late May and we really enjoy the flavor of the food, the atmosphere, and the outside seating along the canal when the weather allows 8-).

I took my family here recently for #2 son's birthday and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The really pleasant thing is that one of my sons and my daughter are both vegetarian and they were spoiled for choices. This may not be fine dining and it is not intended to be. What it is, is a enjoyable place for a real good choice of Latino food with a wide variety of drinks. The service also is excellent and the price is right.

I usual stick to beer or wine when eating out, but could not resist trying some of their 2-4-1 margaritas which were as good as I have had in the SW United States.

Since we are now retired we tend to eat out in Oxford 2-3 times a week and Las Iguanas is a welcome addition to the food scene and a place high on our list for repeat visits!

Mike H (Unverified), 21/06/07

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Had noticed this new place recently so decided to check it out for some al freso lunch recently on a warm weekday. Even though I presume it is part of a chain (possibly foreign?), I was impressed with the overall experience and level of service.
Me and a friend ordered drinks to start with at the bar. The bar-tender was keen to point out the bogof offer cocktails (though it only extended to the 'Classic' list) but instead I went for a bottle of lager and my friend for an orange juice.
We then were seated outside overlooking the canal by a very friendly waitress (all the staff seem to very friendly and of latin origin). The menu looked appetising with some interesting Brazilian(?) specials on there but we both went for the lunch time meal deal of a starter and main from a limited but tasty list for £7.50. My starter of Tortilla chips with chilli mushrooms was ok for this sort of price but I would have felt agrieved to have paid full price for it (about £4). My main of Chicken Peri-Peri was much better with the right balance between heat and flavour. In addition to these offers, you can add a glass of wine or San Miguel on for £1.50 or a soft drink for £1.
Very pleasant experience overall and will almost certainly return to try one the the more adventurous main dishes.

Joe B (Unverified), 14/06/07

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A group of us went for cocktails and food on a Friday and took advantage of the special offers for early evenings - two for one cocktails and a specially priced menu.

For drinks you can sit outside by the canal which is nice. Cocktails were quite good, and you can get jugs as well as glasses of some. I particularly recommend the caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink.

The service was mostly very good. The staff seem to be enthusiastic and we suspected that as it is a new place they were particularly told to attend to people carefully, as they were very helpful. For example, when ordering two cocktails they would offer to bring you the other one later, and would actually remember to do so!

Some of us abandoned the special early evening/lunch offer menu as we were tempted by other things. Starters were good all round - especially the Calamari which I had, and was absolutely excellent. Mains were good although my friend's steak was not done to her instructions - when she told them, however, they whisked it away and brought her one cooked correctly quite quickly. A couple of us had the Xinxim which is a Brazilian dish, quite unusual, chicken cooked in a creamy peanut sauce with crayfish, served in a clay pot. Puddings were also good - you can get pastries from a separate list - which works out cheaper as well.

It is not 'fine dining' but the food was definitely good and fresh.

The place was buzzing with people and has obviously taken off well. Had a very good atmosphere. Good level of furnishing and decor.

You can also buy South American food there.

Kath East Oxford (DI User), 12/06/07

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