WALKING into Chiquito Mexican restaurant in Salford quays the first thing that hit me was its size --and the giant green model of an reptile snaked around the top of the bar!

The dark wood, aztec prints, mini sombreros and Mexican music gave a really authentic feel to this large restaurant, which was more fun and casual than classy.

The waitress who greeted us was very friendly and helpful and we were never left waiting. The service was very fast and efficient and the waitress was more than happy to chat to us about various dishes on the large menu and give her recommendations.

After ordering, the food appeared on our table in no time and there was always someone close by if we wanted anything.

For starters I tucked in to a cheese, tomato and jalapeno peppers quesadilla (£4.25). This was a folded soft flour tortilla served with sour cream, tomato salsa and fresh guacamole.

Other starters available included chilli poppers, barbecue chicken wings and chilli con queso ( all £3.95) to name just a few.

The quesadilla was a filling dish and very tasty, although I would have liked it to be a bit hotter in temperature. My partner had the same, but with a barbecue chicken filling -- which he thoroughly enjoyed.

After my quesadilla, I was already starting to feel full, but I was able to make room for a few of the hot 'n' spicy chicken fajitas we had decided to share.

Choice of fajitas include chargrilled steak, chunky vegetable, marinated shrimp and stuffed mushroom. These were priced at £10.95 for a single platter and £19.95 for a double platter.

The fajitas arrived at the table on a sizzling hot platter, with onions and sliced bell peppers, served with guacamole, tomato salsa, sour cream, grated cheese and warm flour tortillas.

The fajitas were certainly tasty but there was more fajitas than there was flour tortillas, meaning you had to pile as much as you could on each one. We also felt the fajitas lacked any real spice and were a tiny bit bland. For side orders we enjoyed Mexican rice and refried beans.

As far as choice goes the menu at Chiquito is extensive and there is a wide variety of food -- from burgers and sandwiches, ribs and grills to chilli, chimichanga, burrito and enchiladas among many others.

The restaurant also offers salads served in a basket shaped taco shell and a selection of side orders including cheesy mashed potatoes, onion rings, jalapeno peppers and corn on the cob.

There is a choice of combo plates at around £8 and tex mex platters for two or more people, priced at £9.95 for those who want to share a bit of everything.

The menu uses a little V symbol next to dishes which do not contain meat or fish, which is handy for vegetarians. A flame symbol indicates food containing picante hot sauce.

After our platter, we were both struggling at the thought of dessert, so plumped for the rather unadventurous homestyle ice cream which was delicious. Had we had bigger appetites, there was plenty of scrummy sounding puddings to choose from. These included pecan pie, waffle toffee crunch sundae, chiquito cheesecake and brownie fudge sundae. Desserts are priced at around £3.

The restaurant also boasts a cocktail menu and offers Mexico's famous drink -- margaritas in three sizes: large, very large and call me a cab! these are priced at £2.95 for a regular size, £4.50 for a giant size and £12.95 for a pitcher.

I left Chiquito feeling that I had enjoyed my visit but was not "blown away" by it. The restaurant would be my choice of a lunchtime or early tea venue rather than somewhere I would go for dinner. But it is child friendly, fun and worth a visit.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take St Peters Way towards Manchester. Follow the signs for Salford. Once on the A580 follow signs for Salford Quays.The restaurant is situated at Capital Quay next door to Frankie and Benny's.

STAR RATING ***

Menu ****

Quality of food ***

Atmosphere ***

Service ****

Vegetarian Dishes ***

Disabled Access ***

Valie for Money ****

No smoking area yes