That is, both parties need to appreciate there’ll be a degree of neglecting cutlery and shoving tacos into your mouth in a less than delicate manner.
It may not be the most refined of foods, but tacos have a special place in my heart and if I’m in a Mexican restaurant, there is no other option.
When La Taqueria closed during lockdown, I walked past it most days and said a quick prayer to the taco gods that it’d soon return.
Fortunately it’s back with bells on and on a rainy Wednesday night, was busy with hungry diners.
Sitting close to the kitchen pass, it’s a compact restaurant but one where you don’t feel so close to your neighbouring diners that you could eat their dinner as well.
La Taqueria, Ormeau Road, Belfast
It’s not a large menu but if dishes are done well, it doesn’t need to be.
My friend and I opted for the sharing portion of guacamole from the starter menu, but asked for it to come with our tacos.
Presented in an attractive bowl, the guacamole (I am not cool enough to call it ‘guac’) is a generous size for two and served with blue and regular tortilla chips. Do I feel more decadent when choosing the blue chips? Yes I do.
Topped with tiny chunks of tomato and herbs, it’s a soothing, creamy addition to the meal.
Other starters include corn in a cup (esquites) and refried black beans spread over a tostada (tostada de frijoles). There’s even a ceviche if you fancy it.
My friend ordered the chicken tacos while I opted for the fish version. When they arrive on a wooden board, flat and waiting for you to roll them up — perhaps with some of that fresh guacamole — then it’s game on.
Papitas fritas at La Taqueria
The chicken served in my friend’s tacos is cooked with onion in a crema (sour cream) and garlic, herb and chilli marinade. Topped with cheese and spring onions, it’s a pleasant sight on a cool evening. Quickly rolled and eaten, they get the thumbs up.
My fish is cooked in a light beer batter and served with cabbage, spring onion and a hot árbol salsa, the latter of which is really only for those who can tolerate the spicier things in life. I cannot but I didn’t feel hard done by.
The fish was pleasantly light, the batter crunchy, and the remaining ingredients both crisp and soft — an ideal mix of textures.
We shared a portion of the papitas fritas (fried potatoes) which came to the table piping hot. Let’s face it: we might be ordering Mexican food but we aren’t going to forego potatoes.
Fish tacos at La Taqueria
The crispy cubes are massaged with chipotle mayo and crema and topped with spring onion. There’s also the option of adding chorizo for an additional £1.
La Taqueria has other branches in the city and is a very welcome place, particularly on an inclement night. Though we didn’t opt for dessert — the only thing available are churros but they’re excellent — a mint tea each rounded off what was an enjoyable midweek dinner.
Tortilla chips and guacamole at La Taqueria
The food
Total £51.95
The rating
La Taqueria 274 Ormeau Road, Belfast Tel: 028 9064 4477