DINING OUT: A little slice of Mexico

We had a great time on our Mexico adventure and really enjoyed the culture, friendly, laid-back atmosphere and the food.

I’ve been saying for a long time that Northampton needs a Mexican restaurant. I’m not aware of any others in the town, although there are takeaways.

So it was with great delight when I heard that Chiquito - part of a chain - was opening just down the road at Sixfields.

We booked for a Friday night just two weeks after it opened.

We weren’t able to book online but they managed to find us a table when we called so always worth checking.

It was a bit of a struggle on the phone so I wasn’t surprised upon arrival that the table was booked in completely the wrong name.

The table wasn’t quite ready so we were asked to go to the bar and wait.

We’re always happy to head to the bar but it became clear we weren’t going to be served quickly.

It was absolutely packed and with all the lovely-looking cocktails being made, the bar staff were rushed off their feet.

Around 15 minutes later we were still waiting but the table was ready so we decided to order drinks from there instead.

Table service was the complete opposite – speedy, friendly and efficient.

Drinks were ordered but still didn’t arrive until during the starters due to the backlog in the bar.

They were very apologetic and topped up my prosecco which had arrived half empty.

With those niggles out the way, all was well.

Our waitress was very friendly and attentive and was always popping back to ask if everything was OK.

It was tough deciding what to eat because there was so much to choose from and make sure you arrive hungry as portions are generous.

For starters we tucked into the quesadilla bites, filled with chicken, chorizo and sweetcorn, topped with cheese.

We also had the halloumi salad which came on a skewer with onions, peppers and served with a cranberry salsa.

The plate was filled with colour and the halloumi was perfectly cooked and not too salty, although there could have been a little more of it.

For mains we tucked into barbecue chicken fajitas and barbecue pulled pork quesadillas.

I’m quite often disappointed by fajitas in restaurants but these were the best I’ve had.

The tortillas were quite hard to unwrap but the fillings were delicious and plentiful.

Staff were happy to top up the little side portions of cheese, salsa, sour cream and guacamole too.

The quesadilla were oozing with cheese on the top and filled with Mexican spied rice and pulled pork.

All the different flavours mixed together were superb and the ultimate comfort food.

Full but determined to try the whole experience we shared a churros for pudding.

Best described as doughnut sticks, the churros are covered in cinnamon sugar, served with strawberries and a pot of chocolate sauce.

Very indulgent but perfect to share and incredibly tasty.

Prosecco, beer and a couple of glasses of wine were also enjoyed so I think the total cost of the bill is very reasonable.

The atmosphere in Chiquito is brilliant and the decor blends traditional Mexican furnishings with a modern day restaurant.

It’s not the kind of place for a quiet romantic meal but great for dinner with friends, celebrations and fun date nights.

It may be located within the middle of a car park in Sixfields but at least for a few hours we could pretend we were back in sunny Mexico.

Chiquito

Walter Tull Way

Northampton

NN5 5QJ

01604 756294

Value: Very good

Food: Excellent

Service: Good

Disabled access: Good

Parking: Free spaces in car park outside

TOTAL COST: £61

STAR RATING: 8/10