Piñata

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Traditionally a piñata, a papier-mâché animal stuffed full of surprises, would form the centrepiece of a party and Glasgow’s Piñata restaurant feels as though it could be a fun place to gather with friends for a fun night out. The décor and styling nod towards, if not Mexico itself, then an image of something Mexican – donkey, check; cactus, check and so on. Starters range from the bland tortilla soup to a very tasty sea bream ceviche with mango salsa. There is a selection of street food such as tacos, tostadas and quesadillas that all seem to be fairly similar – some kind of warmed or fried tortilla wrapped around spicy meat – but at £4 each they are a fun intro to the menu. There are also several 'Platos Especiales'. These have tempting descriptions such as the birria: 'a slow roasted lamb stew with ancho chillies, chipotle, green rice cilantro, fresh lime and tortilla chips', which somewhat oversells the pot of slightly spicy, tomatoey lamb stew and rice that is delivered. The puddings are comforting but stodgy – a good way for the partygoers to soak up some of those Mexican beers and tequilas perhaps.