Occupying a corner where Kingsland Road and Stoke Newington Road meet, with a black patterned front you could mistaking Viva Dalston for a tattoo parlour, but you’d be foolish to overlook it. Primarily a bar, with a menu of seasonal serves and twists on classic cocktails, including a Disco Sour, a herbaceous mix on a pisco sour, and a killer list of margaritas, it also serves a short menu of what is called Mexican tapas, but influence spreads all the way down to the chef’s home of Brazil.
The light but filling signature stew of coconutty moqueca is a Brazilian delicacy. Seasonal specials included a delicious sea bass ceviche, and the menu is rounded off by hearty portions of classic tacos and quesadillas. The menu is dominated by vegetarian and vegan free dishes (although meat lovers can get their fill with the meaty options for the tacos and quesadillas) and you can tell that fresh ingredients are used every day. It’s somewhere you could aim to stop in for a drink, but end up spending all night.
2 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XN
Words: Victoria Gray
