Qué delicioso! London’s best Mexican restaurants

Even a decade ago, it seemed impossible to find a decent Mexican restaurant in London. Thankfully, that’s changed. Now, our thoroughly western city plays host to some of the best Central American cuisine this side of Cancun. So broaden your knowledge of cultural cuisine, and get down to one of these seven cafes and bars. ¡Arriba, Arriba!

If you’re looking for somewhere with as much atmosphere as a sweaty, tequila-fuelled cafe in Mexico, look no further. Santo brings Londoners some of the most sophisticated Mexican flavours in one incredible, intimate space on the heart of Portobello road. Here’s a tip: Keep your menu until midnight, when diners take their pitchers of margarita to the back of the restaurant and salsa dance the night away.

Just like Chef-Patron Fernando, we’d recommend you slice off a piece of the Cevichería Acapulco menu. An unbelievable selection of cured sea bass, red snapper, octopus and a wealth of garnishes – from jalapeño to chiltepin – awaits. Just call it fuel for the dance floor.

The exterior of one of London’s most popular restaurants may be a unused sex shop, but don’t let that scandal dissuade you. Inside, it holds host to one of London’s most exciting and delicious restaurants. From traditional Mexican cocktails to traditional food that packs a serious punch, there’s no better place to spend an evening expanding your culinary and cultural horizons.

It’s got to be the tacos. From Chorizo & Sweet Potato with Salsa Verde, to Crispy Chicken with Serrano Chilli and Aioli, they have some standards on the menu. But then there’s some more alternative options, blended with British gastronomy — such as the Fish & Chips taco, served with Peas and Jicama.

Escape the hustle and bustle of one of the city’s busiest areas by trying some of the best Mexican food you’ll find in London. Using flavours from all over the Central American country, but focusing mainly on traditional dishes from Mexico City, it truly doesn’t get better than this Taqueria. Order a pitcher of one of their delicious cocktails and munch on some of the finest Mexican food you’ll lay your hands on.

Now comes the turn of the trusty burrito. Slow-roasted pork or shredded chicken breast is stuffed into a large flour tortilla with frijoles chars, pickled onions, jalapeños and Mexican rice. It’s a competition to see who bursts first; you or the burrito. But so, so worth it.

Escape the chain restaurants and identical coffee shops of Marylebone with this tiny but incredible Mexican restaurant. The second you step inside – particularly if you visit in the summer – you’ll feel as if you’re in Mexico City; with insane-tasting tacos, knowledgable staff and selection of incredible ice cold beers.

Once again, we’d steer clear of the mains – even the tacos for which Every time we darken Molé’s doors, we head straight for the ‘Small & Significant’ section of the menu. It may not have a massive range, with just five dishes including Morita Buffalo Wings, Quesadilla and Empanada on offer, but this gives you a chance to go on a gastronomic journey across Mexico from the comfort of Marylebone.

This surprisingly upmarket restaurant has already gained a cult following, and for good reason. Its fine dining approach to the fairly casual tradition of Mexican food might initially have seemed like a bit of a gamble, but it’s one that’s paid off. Try as much food as you can eat, and be sure to get a taste of some of Mexico’s most traditional cocktails.

Enough with the food, it’s time to embrace cocktails. Our particular favourite sees Cabo Wabo Blanco blended with Gentleman Jack to create the Cabo St Lucas. But, if you’re into Mescal or Tequila of any type, these guys will whip you up something more exciting than the Day of the Dead.

Set in one of London’s most buzzing and popular areas, Brixton, Casa Morita has already established itself as a destination worth travelling to. With some of the best tacos (and cocktails) we’ve tried within the M25, this restaurant truly does bring a classic and authentic Mexican feel — not to mention taste — to London.

Nachos, plain and simple. Well, not plain. At Casa Morita, the toppings range from Chorizo and Cochinita Pibil Pulled Port to Chicken in Mole Sauce and Spicy Chipotle to let you create some of the best crunchy hand-fried tortillas in London.

An acclaimed, modern Mexican restaurant, Cantina Laredo transports any diner lucky enough to score a table to the heartland of Central America. Nestled in the corazón of Covent Garden, expect a guacamole and tequila bar set inside – the former of which uses on the best hand-selected Hass avocados to make.

There are obviously some great mains on offer, from a 28-day aged ribeye with yellow habanero butter, to jumbo prawns with guajilo achiote butter, but we’d stick to the guac. The Great Eight Guacamoles is the one to order, with Grasshoppers with Grilled Avocados, Creamy Blue Cheese with Almonds and Pineapple with Pomegranate Seed options in one extraordinary order.

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