Charlie Black / 12 September 2024 / Categories: Food & Drink, Restaurants

Chiquito Mexican Restaurant Chain

Part of Bella Italia, Frankie and Benny’s and Las Iguanas

There aren’t many places in the UK you can get an authentic Mexican experience, not Tex Mex or sweetcorn in everything, (not sure why, never had sweetcorn in Mexico)

I’ve been to Tortilla chain was a loyal

Customer until sadly got food poisoning and I have heard about Chipotle but we don’t have one nearby. I used to go to Chiquita about 10 years ago but the guacamole went from being freshly prepared to cash and carry in a jar which ruined the whole experience for me.

I have returned this week and wished I’d come back sooner. The guacamole and pico de gallo are back freshly prepared and absolutely delicious, made the whole meal. The salsa is still out of a jar but hey you can’t have it all and the very friendly serving staff kept the iced water with extra limes coming and the Margareta (whilst not the potency of a Mexican margarita - was the perfect companion to the super spicy Jack Fruit taco starter.

The main courses are very filling and at between £12 - £16 a plate they do push the bill up but we have found having chips and fresh dips to start and then tacos (also on the starter menu) as a main course, you get plenty of food and the bill stays under £25 for two.

It is not fancy and usually lots of families with kids enjoying sombreros and mariachi music (or on Monday or Tuesday lunchtime you might be the only customer) but if you are looking for somewhere you’ll be greeted with a smile and be served mainly food from scratch.

We polished off everything.

I go to the one in the Meridian Leisure Park, Leicester and I have to say the staff are exceptional. What you don’t get in posh decor or fancy interiors, they make up for with great music and warm genuine vibes.