Las Iguanas

Menus with more spice

Las Iguanas offers a brand experience that blends bold visual identity with Latin American flair. Stopping in for lunch on a sunny day, the restaurant was understandably quiet, which slightly dulled the typically vibrant South American atmosphere the brand is known for. That said, the wall graphics did add some energy with patterns and colour palettes delivering a stronger sense of personality, more so than the menus themselves. The menu design, while clean and functional, leaned heavily on flat pastel colours and silhouette illustrations; it was a shame not to see them with vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and a stronger connection to nature.

The newly released menu carries some fresh dishes with flavourful twists, clearly striving to keep the brand feeling current. However, the use of the term “cantina”, which loosely translates to “canteen”, may not resonate fully with English speakers and risks underselling the warmth and vibrancy of Latin American dining culture. While the menu’s visual styling is minimal and easy to navigate, it misses an opportunity to use rich textures and colour. Fortunately, clear shout-outs to offers and deals help boost engagement, with lunchtime promotions making it feel like good value for money.

The service was friendly and efficient, and the staff helped point out the day’s deals. They also handled the quiet shift well. Ice-cold drinks were a welcome touch on a hot day. However, the dining experience was slightly let down by the presence of cleaning products visible in the dining area, an issue that could easily be solved with more thoughtful storage. Overall, while acknowledging that an evening mealtime would help generate more buzz, the menu design could use a boost; however, Las Iguanas still offers a decent brand experience and food for a reasonable price point.