LDNGuide
The Best Mexican Restaurants In London
photo credit: Giulia Verdinelli
It’s possible you’ve heard someone say that London doesn’t have any good Mexican food. We say that’s a myth perpetuated by Americans who envy our national health service and the wealth of cosplay Downton Abbey opportunities. They might have a point, though, given that most of the Mexican food in London is tacos even though (spoiler alert) not all Mexican food is tacos. Here are the best places to check out—for tacos and beyond.
THE SPOTS
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
If you’ve ever had the weirdly specific fantasy of stepping off Leytonstone High Road and slipping into a warm serotonin bath of excellent tacos, friendly service, and mood-boosting artwork—you’ll love Homies On Donkeys. It’s equal parts joyful and relaxing, and mainlining excellent roasted broccoli tacos from this Mexican taqueria is our idea of self-care. The hard seats create a market stall atmosphere (a nod to its roots) and are just about comfy enough to settle in and work your way through the salsa platter and the slightly earthy, bitter enmoladas de huitlacoche which comes smothered in a moreish, spicy mole.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
This taqueria has a small amount of downstairs seating, but when the food is this good, they inevitably fill up fast. Instead join the huddle in front of the counter, sipping a mango agua fresca while you wait for juicy, spicy chorizo tacos, and make friends with other people who have made a pilgrimage to Stoke Newington. Sonora Taquería's menu is short—four to six taco options and quesadillas stuffed with beef, pork, or nopales—but everything is brilliant, and all are improved with a crunchy cheesy crust. Even if you have to take your tacos away and test your quad strength by squatting in an alley next door to eat them, it’s worth it.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
The Quarter Kitchen—a Mexican kiosk, set among the gardens and gravestones of St John at Hackney church—slings excellent breakfast burritos, plus hearty egg, bacon, and hash brown tacos. Look out for changing specials too, like kimchi-topped chilaquiles. One important thing to note about the simple seating setup is that it’s alfresco and open to the elements. If it’s glorious out—great. Get in line with locals, order from the hatch, and find a table from which to people-watch over brunch. But if it’s grim outside, get your foil-wrapped breakfast to go.
La Chingada Mexican Food is permanently closed
photo credit: Giulia Verdinelli
We could go on for hours about La Chingada’s crispy al pastor or soft suadero tacos. Or one of its hot salsas, a deep brown habanero number. But it’s not just the food. It’s the bright orange signage matching the hue of the rotating al pastor, the colourful chairs, and the easy-to-wipe tables primed for getting messy at this Surrey Quays spot. The mango margaritas are also excellent.
Decimo is a Spanish and Mexican-inspired restaurant where you’ll juggle cauliflower tacos and your eighth glass of rioja. Their caviar tortilla is the stuff of absurd legend and, yet, it’s a gooey, delicious, and decadent creation that everyone should try. As well as tacos, the swanky spot on the 10th floor of The Standard, London hotel in King’s Cross also serves meat and fish off the grill like quail with mole glaze and eye-wateringly-priced scallops. It’s daft but these kinds of dinners are necessary every once in a while.
We’re about to sound incredibly America’s Next Top Model, but Kol is a restaurant that has it. They serve a Mexican-inspired tasting menu in a warm, terracotta dining room with a buzzing open kitchen. Hold the pretentious faff, think instead: smoky mezcal broths, squid paired with a rich cashew mole, and a gooseberry and pear salsa tortilla situation that will make you rue the day you ever willingly bought an Old El Paso kit. It isn’t easy getting a booking at this Marylebone spot but persevere. It will be entirely worth it to experience a Mexican fine dining restaurant that’s confident, wildly creative, and never boring.
