This has got to be my favourite of Martin Morales’ restaurants (he’s the chap who owns Ceviche and Andina). Mainly because it has the blended charm of a Peruvian Granny’s house (I imagine, having never been to Peru) and an old fashioned Soho townhouse.

There’s two options where to sit; the busy and busting ground floor complete with open kitchen or the first floor which even has a small terrace. The tables for two are quite cramped but there’s still enough room for you to escape to the loo.

Avocado fritters (£3.50) kicked things off. I’ve been put off deep fried avocado ever since visiting Jamie Oliver’s Diner but these weren’t stodgy bundles, instead crisp and grease free with a soft, creamy interior.

Cruditos (£4) was a little bowl of salty crisps atop a pea dip which was a stunner – something of a theme for our dinner.

Watermelon and quinoa salad (£5) was a refreshing thing. The addition of fresco cheese was a brilliant one – watermelon and cheese is my new favourite thing.

Trout tiradito (£7) was possibly the prettiest plate of food I’ve ever seen. The salty little balls of trout roe against the citrus sauce and fatty fish was a flavour combination most magnificent.

King prawns (£12), with some Peruvian corn and a fried quail’s egg, were plump and cooked perfectly. My favourite dish was the lamb loin (£14) purely because of the fat; so crisp it made me want to do a little dance.

We finished by ordering a portion of the pork and liver croquetas (£4.50) which came with a sauce so sweet fiery my mouth waters as I type.

It felt like Casita Andina was all the good bits of all their restaurants – the food not only looked sexy but it was exciting and interesting to eat. Throw in friendly, lively service and you can’t go wrong.

Would we go back? Yes.

Andinalondon.com
We dined as guests of the restaurant.