Chino Latino            
Riverbank Park Plaza, 18 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London
Telephone:  0871-474-6181           
           

Chino Latino is a funky fusion of a Latin bar scene and a modern, Japanese-driven dining experience. In terms of design, Chino Latino Brasserie Bar & Lounge features a modern finish of granite slab floors, contrasted with warm orange and cool grey glass panels, screens and partitions. A dramatic, backlit bar sets the scene in the Bar & Lounge area and guests are welcomed into the Brasserie by the smell of freshly baked Mediterranean breads, prepared in the wood burning oven.

The atmosphere is very un-stuffy and almost laid back. The service although perfectly adequate and not overbearing but perhaps a bit too relaxed at times. The waiter seemed a bit pre-occupied at times. Perhaps it was coming to the end of his shift.

The food is tasty and comes in abundance. rather than fajitas and enchiladas as the name Chino Latino might suggest, it serves up mouth watering East Asian food and splendid cocktails to quench the spices. The wine list is relatively small but the cocktails more than make up for this. If you are thinking of wine you won’t need to pay more than £20 for a good bottle of South American Pinot Noir.

 For a great pre starter nibble you should try the soy beans. Usually served straight up or with chilli flakes, these come with a delicious twist of black bean sauce. This is the first time I’ve come across them served like this but it was definitely a pleasant discovery.

If you’re a sushi fanatic you’ll have plenty to chose from here. The fresh tuna Nigri was my favourite. Simple but perfectly executed. Not too dry with perfect redy pink tuna as fresh as you like. Served as it should be with wasabi , soy sauce and pickled ginger.

People who don't like missing out on anything should try one of the three set menus which can be ordered for groups of four or more. The top- of-the-range 10-course menu includes Nobu-inspired black cod, beef fillet in three sauces and jungle curry with lobster, shrimp and scallop.

If you’re expecting a night of pampering and opulence then the paper napkins laid back service may leave you cold but if you’re looking for a fun night, wicked cocktails and deliciously spicy East Asian food Chino Latino is definitely worth a visit.