My Top 10 Mexican Restaurants
Hola, amigos. May is the month of Cinco de Mayo and we all know I love a cheeky Marg. IMO there's no better way to celebrate Margarita Month than by indulging in some of the best Mexican cuisine London has to offer. This month, I am bringing you the best Mexican eateries in town, and believe me, it is nothing short of a fiesta for the taste buds. Here’s my roundup of the best Mexican restaurants that you must check out in London.
Starting strong with El Pastor, a lively spot nestled in the vibrant Borough Market. The newest branch is in Battersea but BM remains a fave. Their signature dish, the Al Pastor taco, is a must-try. The ambiance here is unbeatably festive, complete with a Mariachi band that truly amps up the Cinco de Mayo spirit!
This cosy spot in Brixton offers a more intimate dining experience. Nopalito specialises in street food delights; their al pastor tacos and elote (grilled corn) are simply out of this world. It’s a great place for a casual meet-up with friends or a laid-back date night.
Hermanos Taco House in Fitzrovia is where traditional meets trendy. The chefs are brothers who cherish the authenticity of their family recipes. Their barbacoa tacos are slow-cooked to perfection, and the salsa verde is as authentic as it gets. Their lunch specials offer a quick yet delicious escape from the hectic city life.
Santo Remedio near London Bridge is where traditional meets trendy. Their enchiladas drenched in a homemade mole are divine. For those looking to celebrate with a kick, their extensive mezcal menu offers just that. It's an upscale taste of Mexico in the heart of London.
For a Cinco de Mayo with a twist, La Bodega Negra offers a hidden world of Mexican delights behind its cheeky sex shop facade. The underground setting and candle-lit tables provide an intimate atmosphere, ideal for enjoying their exquisite carnitas tacos.
Mezcalito in Chelsea is a relatively new kid on the block, but it punches way above its weight with a knockout selection of mezcals and some of the juiciest al pastor this side of the Atlantic. It's a trendy spot that’s perfect if you’re looking to party the night away. Their bottomless brunches are also epic.
Mestizo, near Euston, is where to go if you want a comprehensive Mexican dining experience. Their mole poblano is a rich, complex delight, and their tamale festival is something I look forward to all year. They also host a Cinco de Mayo festival that's a total vibe!
Zapote is the stage where Chef Yahir Gonzalez performs his magic, serving punchy meats and elegant seafood dishes. He’s a wizard in the kitchen, whipping up dishes like duck quesadillas dripping with smoked chipotle jelly, sublime scallop ceviche, and charred octopus that’s simply divine. You’ve heard it a thousand times—“save room for dessert”—but at Zapote, skipping dessert, especially if the pistachio doughnut with morello cherry jam is on the menu, would be sheer stupidity.
Growing up in Mexico City and a quaint village in Tlaxcala, Chef Adriana Cavita steers the ship at Cavita. She comes armed with an impressive resume, boasting gigs at Pujol—Mexico City’s crown jewel of dining—and Spain’s legendary El Bulli. At her own place, Cavita, the atmosphere is a cool, laid-back contrast. Here, the mission is to dazzle with a rip-roaring good time rather than chase Michelin stars. But make no mistake, the dishes are anything but ordinary. Don’t walk, run.
Ixchel’s menu is the brainchild of the fabulously talented Mexican-born Head Chef, Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez. She’s spun up an all-day tapas extravaganza that’s a carnival of flavours and aromas. Chef Gonzalez isn't new to the spotlight; her resume sparkles with stints at Michelin-starred Brat in Shoreditch, Ella Canta in Mayfair, and Madera at Treehouse London. Ixchel is where people-watching is considered an extreme sport.
For something different, dive into a delicious fusion of Mexican and Japanese flavours at Los Mochis, where the genius chefs whip up exotic maki rolls, ceviches, tiraditos, and tacos, all crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients. The menu is totally gluten-free and perfect for sharing in the lively, design-forward spaces decked out with vibrant Mexican art. And let's not forget the Agaveria—one of the UK & Europe's largest collections of fine tequilas and mezcals.
And there you have it! From innovative to traditional, London SERVES when it comes to Mexican spots. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy authentic dishes or a lively venue to sip on craft cocktails, these restaurants are adding a dash of spice to London's dining scene. This May, make sure to check them out and join in the fiesta… ¡Salud!
Love,
Lisa xx