PICA THE ACTION!

A quick disclaimer – none of our Wee Reviews are gifted or sponsored. We just like shouting about places that deserve it.

Picture this: a girls’ catch up day including a brilliant makeup lesson with Dollypond, then a dander up the Belmont Road to Pica for drunch. Hard to beat!

Pica is tiny. Perfectly compact, but you need to book. Evening availability is scarce, but don’t let that put you off. Take a seat at the bar if you can, you won’t regret it.

We arrived for lunch to a warm welcome, margaritas that were off the charts and food that was absolutely delicious.

Do I need to say more?

My friend has been to ‘proper’ Mexico twice. Her family regularly cook up a Mexican storm (no Old El Paso packets here) so the pressure was on when I suggested Pica. Margaritas are my cocktail of choice, long before they became de rigueur. At first glance I worried some of the menu might be too sweet, but I was happy to be proven wrong. We played it safe with a classic while eyeing up the extensive margarita list.

We started with dips and chips. Holy guacamole! I could happily have eaten them all day, the selection of dips kept coming and the chips get 10/10 for crunch. We opted for fish and chicharrón tacos, plus crab and beef tartare tostadas. If you are super hungry, be mindful the plates are small. 

Here’s the thing, the food is very good. My friend summed it up perfectly, “they’ve captured the best of the cuisine, the textures, smokiness, freshness and zing, in a perfect modern cantina setting. Just wonderful.”

But what truly elevated the experience was the bar staff. Eleven types of tequila, a whole Patrón menu and boy did they have the knowledge to use them, as well as just the right level of craic. They convinced me to try margaritas I never thought I’d love, including strawberry, basil, vanilla… me?! The balance was spot on. 

To finish, as my friend called it ‘the world’s best take on a Belfast/Mexcian Coffee’, (if you’ve been to The Garrick you will know what I am talking about). The ‘Mexican’ is brought to the party with Mezcal… Trust me.  She hates Mezcal but loved this! 

Pica is small, confident and absolutely nailing it. Book it, sit at the bar, and stay for one more margarita 🕺

Words by Caroline.