First Floor, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, Brighton
01273 680582

Open daily noon-midnight

Review: March 24, 2006

Overlooking the luxurious boats and yachts in Brighton Marina, Chimichanga Tex-Mex restaurant and bar is likely to be another popular summertime haunt.

When the sun is shining, the deck will be an enviable spot for those who wish to sip on a cocktail and tuck into a plate of nachos.

Inside is attractive, too - it's bold, modern and colourful, with Mexican-themed artefacts, like Aztec masks and statues, a tiled floor, tall ceilings and huge glass windows.

The Chimichanga chain is owned by restaurant company Prezzo and the marina's is its sixth branch. It's the ideal location for such a chain and, although it offers nothing unique, it should prove fun for families, holidaymakers and day-trippers.

Food-wise, it's got everything you'd expect from a Tex-Mex restaurant, with old classics like fajitas, burritos and nachos.

The food hasn't quite got that wholesome home-cooked authenticity you'd find in a family-run restaurant, although there is a wide choice for those who wish to nibble and share, as well as those who want a threecourse meal.

Starters include chicken quesadilla (flour tortilla with seasoned chicken, jalapeno peppers and melted cheese, £4.50), potato skins loaded with bacon and cheese or beef chilli (£4.25) and jalapeno bullets (£4.25).

The Chimi combo is a favorite and includes the above starters, plus portobello mushrooms and dips (£8.95).

The Mexican specialities menu includes chicken and green chilli wrap (£8.95), chilli con carne (£7.95) and black bean and cheese enchilada (£8.45).

Some traditional dishes have a different spin on them, like the tortilla burger (8oz burger wrapped in a flour tortilla burger with salad (£7.95), and Tex-Mex spring rolls (£4.25).

Mexicans might not approve but children should enjoy these dishes, as well as the sizzling choices.

Review by Xenia Gregoriadis

If you are interested in restaurants in Brighton, Hove and Sussex, visit www.theargusfoodguide.co.uk