High Dive

This is what is meant by a local restaurant: a convivial, friendly place that has a good regular following and where value for money is a big plus. Whether you’re in for a celebratory dinner, a solo meal or just the perfect margarita to start the evening, Kirstie Fleck and Benjamin Vorono’s vibrant, tight-squeeze of a bar-restaurant is the perfect spot.

The two friends have put their heart and soul into the place, adopting a dressed-down, casual approach and offering LA-inspired Mexican food that is immediately appealing in a vividly flavoured, attention-capturing way. Make sure you order the freshly made tortilla chips – the accompanying cool, creamy guacamole comes with some welcome heat and crunchiness, thanks to a fantastic version of salsa macha (a chilli-oil crunch that’s so good you can buy it by the jar). The zingy fresh crab tostada packs a punch, too, as does a superbly dressed salad of various cucumbers piled atop a sensational pea purée. 

Equally deft is the assertively seasoned, moreish prawns diabla, and if you're in the mood for a ‘killer’ taco, look no further than the sirloin steak version, served with salsa ranchera, cowboy mayo, cheese crisps and mustard-seed salsa. To drink? Cocktails are a must; otherwise, there's a really brief choice of Italian sparklers, Spanish wines and beers. Reservations are advisable, although High Dive’s seasonal, outdoor seating-only set-up on the Harbour Arm serves tacos and Margaritas on a first-come, first-served basis.