14 Of The Best Mexican Restaurants In London
Traditionally, London doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to good Mexican restaurants, but things are changing with a wave of new places as authentic as they are delicious, and we’ve found 14 spots proving this theory wrong. From street food favourites at Sonora Taqueria to fine dining at KOL, here’s your inspiration to book in to experience Mexican dining at its finest.
Cavita
One of the very best comes from the eponymous solo venture by Adriana Cavita. Starting her career in Mexico at 17, Cavita went on to work at some of the most renowned restaurants in the world, including Lalo!, Pujol and elBulli. You don’t need to know that much about the culinary scene to recognise that is some resume.
The menu serves some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican food in the city. Think the freshest sustainably caught fish with vibrant citrus dressings and sauces, elevated street food like Antojitos and a wonderful variety of tacos including baja fish and cochinita pibil.
WHERE: 56-60 Wigmore St, London W1U 2RZ
WEBSITE: www.cavitarestaurant.com
KOL
Bringing an authentic taste of Mexico to London is Marylebone’s KOL. The restaurant reimagines the flavours and culture of its homeland and brings it to life through local, British ingredients.
Expect dishes such as tacos with langoustines, smoked chilli and sea buckthorn; confit whole cod carnitas with black beans, woodruff and sugar kelp; and buñuelos with Tunworth ice cream, sea buckthorn and ancho chilli.
where: 9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, W1H 7BA
website: WWW.kolrestaurant.com
Sonora Taqueria
Sonora Taquería came out of Hackney’s Netil Market, subsequently becoming such a hit that they opened a permanent location. Serving fresh Mexican fare, it’s gone from strength to strength.
From £4 tacos with marinated grilled pork with pineapple and habanero salsa, and grilled beef with pickled onion to £5 quesadillas with melted cheese and your choice of filling, this is delicious food at a bargain price.
where: 208 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7HU
website: sonorotaqueria.com
IXCHEL
Situated in prime Kings Road territory down by Sloane Square, IXCHEL is the place to book if you are looking for a hot Mexican with a cool Ibizan edge. Serving up delicious smoky adobo short ribs and whole chilli marinated bream alongside a cacophony of small plates, tacos and quesadillas, there’s something for the fussiest of eaters.
This place is always heaving so book ahead and be prepared to immerse yourself in excellent food and hit-the-spot cocktails whilst people-watching the beautiful crowd.
where: 33H King’s Rd, London SW3 4LX
website: WWW.Ixchellondon.co.uk
Zapote
In the heart of Shoreditch, Zapote is a Mexican restaurant priding itself on the freshest, finest ingredients from Tony Geary and chef Yahir. Chef Yahir’s family has farmed corn in Jalisco for generations, inspiring Zapote’s menu and sourcing corn for their delicious homemade tortillas.
The restaurant recommends 2-3 dishes per person and you cannot go wrong. From the suckling pig with red cabbage to the red prawn ceviche with pistachio and kumquat, the menu is to die for. Wash it all down with their signature Zapote 70 cocktail or the spicy El Corazon.
Where: 70 Leonard St, London EC2A 4QX
Website: www.zapote.co.uk
Taquiza
Down in Peckham, Taquiza is what happens when Mexico flavour meets South London energy. Think slow-cooked lamb tacos, fiery salsas, homemade totopos and deliciously refreshing margaritas.
Taquiza turns up the tempo with Club Bodega, their weekend brunch series featuring live DJs and strong margs. On Saturdays, indulge in bottomless birria with a group for endless margaritas, tacos and beer.
Where: Arch 164, 115 Rye Ln, London, United Kingdom SE15 4ST
Website: www.taquiza.co.uk
Los Mochis
Now in two locations with London City joining the Notting Hill venue, Los Mochis brings the vibrance of Mexican flavours and elegance of Japanese cuisine to the table.
Brought to life by multi-award-winning restaurateur Markus Thesleff, his passion for food comes to life through the ever-evolving menu. You can expect each plate to be presented with the finest seasonal and sustainable ingredients from local artisans, from the giant tacos list through to small bites of guacamole, shrimp and tostaditos.
where: London city and notting hill
where: www.losmochis.co.uk
Fonda
Santiago Lastra’s follow-up to Kol, Fonda was one of the most anticipated openings this year, aiming to showcase the evolution of Mexican cuisine. In Mexico, a fonda is a family-owned eatery, serves traditional dishes inspired by personal recipes that have remained in families for generations.
The new restaurant will put Lastra’s contemporary take on his favourite fondas and the nostalgic foods of his childhood, featuring an array of different masa preparations, a regular menu of items cooked in a clay comal, as well as regular changing specials all to be dressed with a combination of piquant salsas, oils and sauces fundamental to Mexican cuisine.
where: 12 Heddon St, London W1B 4BZ
website: www.fondalondon.com
Santo Remedio
Located just a short stroll from London Bridge station, Santo Remedio is a modern Mexican restaurant that celebrates its heritage, from knocking up exquisite tequila and mezcal cocktails to sourcing specialty ingredients straight from its home country.
Set up by Edson and Natalie, the restaurant is named after the famed Mexican expression ‘Holy Remedy’, as food is such an important part of Mexican culture that it’s considered a remedy and comfort.
The interiors are authentic, and colourful and bring its culture to the forefront, working alongside the delicious dishes on the bountiful menu made up of small plates. From tacos to tostadas, it’s well worth the visit.
where: 152 Tooley Street, London Bridge, SE1 2TU
website: www.santoremedio.co.uk
Madera
From hanging plants overhead to soaring views over the city, Madera at Treehouse London is a Mexican restaurant with style. The little sister to Los Angeles-based Toca Madera, the restaurant is open all day, with each experience feeling a little different.
Head down early to sweep up the best breakfast meeting views you’ll find on this side of the city or a light lunch catch-up with friends. Dinner is where the show really begins, with the energy brighter, music a little louder and entertainment on offer.
From Mexican-style flatbreads filled with meats, fish and veggies to dishes served over hot lava stones, there’s something for everyone at Madera.
where: Treehouse London, 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS
website: www.treehousehotels.com
El Pastor
Home to London’s best tacos, El Pastor boasts a series of Mexican taquerias in London. Known for using the freshest ingredients and making its own tortillas in-house using heritage Mexican corn, you won’t find anywhere better in the city for soft tacos.
Its flagship restaurant, El Pastor, located on Stoney Street, is the place to head for a traditional Mexico City experience. Think endless tostadas, quesadillas, tacos and, of course, mezcal. The menu is made up of delicious dishes to share, from the gringa quesadilla packed with chargrilled pork ends, Oaxaca-style cheese, salsa, white onion and coriander to short rib with roast bone marrow.
Various Locations
www.tacoselpastor.co.uk
Chayote
This restaurant from Chef Thomasz Baranski brings a Spanish tweak to Mexican-Peruvian fusion in St Katherine’s Docks. It aims to fill a rare gap in the London culinary market—relatively upscale but still sensibly priced genuine Mexican food. On the menu are delicious fish tacos and stunning cocktails – be sure to try the Carajillo, coffee with mezcal. The Tower of London overlooks the mini-promenade, and the view allows you to wonder what Anne Boleyn would have made of yellowfin tuna tostadas.
where: 2 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1AA
website: www.chayote.co.uk
Decimo
Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias brings his expertise to the table to create something truly special at Decimo. It’s his debut London restaurant, a space where the Spanish cuisine he grew up eating blends with his love for Mexico’s fiery flavours.
The restaurant is located inside the stylish The Standard London, boasting rich red interiors and views across the city. Expect everything from gambas rojas and tortillas with a difference, alongside plenty of boozy mezcal cocktails.
where: The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
website: www.decimo.london
La Chingada
Another great street food option, La Chingada is across three locations in Surrey Quays, Bermondsey and Euston. Perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or larger plates, expect a vibrant menu inspired by traditional Mexican street food, crafted with fresh ingredients. They also have great traditional desserts like Mexican flan, churros and tres leches cake.
where: Across London
website: www.lachingada.co.uk
