My friends and I were in search of somewhere to have a warm, comforting meal and escape from the biting November cold.

I had called into Argentinian-style restaurant La Boca on Belfast's Fountain Street for some drinks with a friend a couple of months ago and was taken by the Latin American theme, relaxed atmosphere and good drinks selection.

For me the restaurant conjures up a little bit of Buenos Aires sun and I had been meaning to go back to try out the food.

This chilly Saturday presented the perfect excuse to return.

After being shown to our seats we ordered a bottle of Argentinian barbera red wine from the strongly south American influenced drinks menu.

Most of the wines are from Argentina or Chile, while the excellent light and crisp Argentine Quilmes beer is also available.

After looking through the menu we took in our surroundings. Named after the dockside district of Buenos Aires, La Boca claims to be Belfast's first Argentine style restaurant.

Part of the interior resembles a typical Buenos Aires building, while Argentina-inspired pictures and photos adorn the walls including some of Che Guevara.

The high-ceiling restaurant with its wooden tables has space for 50 diners and an open and relaxed atmosphere. On to the food, and one of my friends decided he liked the look of the starters so selected two from the choices available.

He went for the empenada — a hot pastry filled with beef and olive — and the bacon and cashel blue stuffed portobello mushrooms with rocket salad.

My friend loved the empenada while he said the salty bacon and cheese accompanied the thick, meaty mushrooms well.

I chose the ‘Choripan', which is chorizo sausage ciabatta with jalapeno mayo, chimmichurri sauce, salad and chips.

The ciabatta was fresh and full of flavours, especially the thick, spicy chorizo. It was a very tasty sandwich, while the chips were golden and crisp.

My friend chose the ‘albondigas' — spicy meatballs in a herb and tomato sauce tossed in linguini with parmesan shavings.

He said the pasta was cooked to perfection and the meatballs and sauce were very moreish.

La Boca has fresh, hearty, comforting food and a good drinks selection mainly reflecting its south American ethos.

The service was quick and friendly and I feel the prices are reasonable for the good-sized portions you get.

It was perfect to escape from a cold day in Belfast.