Under The Volcano

Type of Cuisine: Mexican and Southwestern Comfort
Overview: Casual dining with familiar Mexican favourites in a fun atmosphere

215 Piccadilly Street, London, ON
519-435-1197
www.iloveunderthevolcano.com

Pricing: $$

Under the Volcano offers an expectedly familiar Mexican menu that is very approachable. While there are more authentic Central American restaurants in the city, it is appropriately festive for the unadventurous.

The décor borders on the cliché but is comfortable and inviting. Located just offRichmond StreetonPiccadilly Street, Under the Volcano is a large space divided into several rooms with a large adjoining raised patio. The view from the patio is less than spectacular; however, drinking a cold beer on a warm, sunny summer day there is a true pleasure.

As with the décor, the menu is profoundly a stereotype of Latin culture. Aside from the ubiquitous fajitas and quesadillas, the selection of chimichangas, chonitas (a Mexican-styled panzerotti) and flautas are prepared consistently well. The menu is designed around combinations and giving customers a wide choice, even if they are all made from only a select few ingredients. We are talking about Mexican food here after all. Chicken and fish are front-and-centre but vegans and vegetarians are more than welcome. With or without protein, dishes are offered from “mild to wild” in their spiciness. The “Drunken Chicken” for instance, quickly brings beads of sweat from the aroma alone when ordered “hot.” The beef enchilada combo is served with brown rice, refried beans and a green salad with an avocado dressing.

Service is efficient albeit at times without enthusiasm.

Overall the menu pricing is fair and good value for what is received. It provides a filling meal at a reasonable price. With a little searching, it is easy to find coupons and other discounts from one of their many marketing programs that provided added value.

For bigger groups on a special occasion, the restaurant is a predictably good choice. But be warned that parking is trolled by ImPark who are quite predatory in their enforcement. Without free street parking in the area, Guests musts be mindful of using the pay lot otherwise tickets are frequent and severe. Fines of $75 for being 15 minutes over the limit are not uncommon.