Restaurants

After a fire destroyed the old restaurant in spring 2007, La Fiesta moved a few doors along Golders Green Road. The new premises are less inviting, with the air of an unappealing café. At the front is a takeaway area, furnished with green plastic chairs and serving burgers or baguettes stuffed with beef. Argentinian specialities are dished up in a windowless area at the back that’s kitted out with chunky, gaucho-style furniture. Though there are a couple of fish choices, this is a place for serious meat eaters. Only a nod is given to tradition; there’s chicken soup, but it’s slightly peppery. You’d do well to start with a mushroom empanada, saving your appetite for a steak grilled over hot coals. For rare meat, the best choice is a thick cut shared between two. Just remember it continues to cook on the sizzling brazier at the table. Lamb cutlets, chorizo and asado ribs were all chargrilled and succulent, and chips, green salad and little pots of ketchup and mustard were brought swiftly. Nevertheless, the experience is sadly lacking – maybe a move back to the old space and some white tablecloths would do the trick.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008