Margarita Loca - Battersea, London

We'd seen this place a few times and always said we'd give it a go. Maybe it was the colourful decor or party atmosphere that drew us in on a cold Monday night. It was empty, the music was loud so we weren't off to a rockin' start. I can appreciate what the owners were trying to create when they opened this place, a restaurant come bar with a party atmosphere. In reality though it is a little garish (this fact compounded by the large sombrero hats that are on each table). I can imagine people do put them on after having a few too many Caribbean Peach cocktails (£5.95).

This is certainly not a place you'd go to for a romantic dinner, more a lads or girly night out. This fact was realised when I saw that Tuesday is Señorita cocktail night, Sunday is a BBQ fun day, Friday & Saturday a late cocktail night, and on Thursdays happy hour is extended to 8.30pm.

The food was good though. Having read a few reviews before going we decided not to get two mains because of the large portion sizes. So we opted for Beef Nachos (£4.95) followed by a Chicken Chimichanga (£8.95). The Nachos came with a generous amount of Sour Cream and Guacamole, but no coriander to be seen. The Chimichanga came with rice and salad. We also asked for some extra hot sauce, Chipotle based, rather good, and free. All in all the meal was fairly priced, and yes the portion sizes were relatively generous but not overwhelmingly huge. I'd be hard pushed to say the food at Margarita Loca was authentic. It's Mexican and Cuban inspired for sure, but more Mexican-American or Tex-Mex.

The service also left a little to be desired. We had to wait for some time to get our bill, which was confusing as no other customers were in there.

Margarita Loca

6/10 for atmosphere, 7/10 for food

517-519 Battersea Park Road
London SW11 3BN
0207 924 2772

View Larger Map