There's plenty of crannies to lose yourself in when it comes to Dalston, but it's Viva Dalston that boast one of the best. Perched on the corner and ready to pump guests full of small plates, our foodie stint before a gig around the corner was full of fresh bites and margaritas that could put Mexico out of business.
The Venue
On our way to watch my boyfriend hash out a few bangs of a drum at The Shacklewell Arms around the corner, it's only right that we stocked up on energy, drinks and candlelight; what's punk without a little candlelight. While unfortunately our initial dinner booking was set back by a couple of hours due to some venue set-backs, not only was communication clear, the doors were wide open at 6:30 as promised.
Set behind colourful shutters, the interiors of Viva Dalston have an air of simplicity and Mexican authenticity all the same. Sandy walls and wooden benches are not only set alongside a myriad of trinkets and candlelight, the venue itself has the perfect space out back for meals in the summer, and private parties come the evening thanks to heating and seating. Blending nods of a taquería with what feels like a back-street Mexican restaurant, Viva Dalston is unpretentious and snug all the same.
When it comes to casual dining in Dalston, Viva is not a restaurant to be missed.
The Food and Drink
Having an emphasis on Mexican-Latin American cuisine means that Viva is all about small plates, and small plates.......aplenty. Filling our table with no beginning, middle and end, only plates, plates and more plates, we opted and were offered dishes that covered the venue's entire breadth of ingredients and love of tapas inspired dining.
Trying the seafood options isn't just a must at Viva, it's with scorn if you miss them. Tucking into the renowned ceviche with fresh sea bass, coriander, onion, tomatoes, lime and tortilla chips (£9.95), this is a hands on dish that not only kicks a cold and fresh kick, the sea bass was perfectly plump alongside the small bites of tomato and onion. Next up was their Brazillian moqueca prawns (£10.95). A soup-esque dish with a rich and creamed edge, this dish of tiger prawns, peppers, dill and coconut milk is the ultimate winter warmer thanks to a bread accompaniment and a sauce with just enough bite to get you through a bitter edge outside. Another must-try are the Mexican dishes. Sealing the deal with a butternut squash quesadilla with goat cheese and wild rocket, this is a plate that promises all the carbs, flavour and key ingredients you could want from a bumper, tapas feast.
Teasing with tequila, mezcal and rum gives Viva's cocktail menu a South American edge, but it's the margaritas where I was headed. Opting for their classic at just £7.50, Viva's margarita is the perfect reflection of their ingredient prone menu, giving a quick kick and lime burst with a salt-rim for days.
The cocktail selection at Viva is vast, and brimming with tequila-led options.
The Atmosphere
Even though the opening hours of Viva Dalston were skewed by a few kitchen set-backs, it's clear that there is local support no matter what. Within 15 minutes of the doors opening, not only were nearly all tables taken to on a Sunday night, they were made up a myriad of guests that mean Viva Dalston is hard to pin down to any one type of clan. Clearly geared to those that don't want rush and hush, they want a natural meal and casual chatter, Viva Dalston's dim lighting, ample garden space and flickers of candlelight is a bit of a charming beacon on the bolting streets of Dalston.
From sharing dishes to bold mains, Brazil and Mexico gets to shine here.
Summary
Regardless of a slight timing slip up on arrival, Viva Dalston not only make up for any discrepancies with their emphasis on service and their fun, unceremonious dining, their plates are evidently fresh with ingredients from local businesses, their cocktails are pert with spirit and their interiors give nothing but easy-going dining down to a T.
