Mexican food is my all time favourite type of food. Being engaged to a Mexican and having lived in Mexico for a number of years, I have become a bit of a Mexican food snob as most of my friends know, and I have been known to turn my nose up at some of the increasingly popular Mexican food chains that have come to London over the past few years. People are always asking us what the best Mexican restaurants are in London so here goes…..
1. Mestizo, Euston
Mestizo is probably the only place in London that reminds my fiance, Alejandro, of home. Everything from the ingredients used to the typical dishes on the menu, such as tamales, flautas and panuchos, sets it apart from all other Mexican restaurants in London and provides a truly authentic experience. The best thing about it is the downstairs bar on Thursday nights with fresh tacos for £1 and Corona for £2.50. Also don’t miss the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet every Sunday 12pm – 4pm for £20 a head – amazing!
2. Cafe Chula, Camden
Not too far behind Mestizo, Cafe Chula is another favourite that serves authentic cuisine made by Mexican chefs. Located on Camden Lock just underneath the Lockside Lounge. it is a cute little cafe with canal views and fantastic flavoured margaritas. Understated and relatively unknown, but definitely one of the best. I recommend the tacos de carnitas and enchiladas suizas.
3. Taqueria, Westbourne Grove
A small, relaxed independent restaurant, Taqueria is another place that serves the real deal when it comes to Mexican food. Simple, colourful, reasonable food served with Mexican warmth and charm…just how it should be. A great selection of tequilas, mezcals and beer too.
4. Lupita, Embankment (and Lupita East, Spitalfields)
Serving traditional dishes from Mexico City, this restaurant is a long-standing favourite among Londoners in search of real Mexican food. The menu spans burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, soups and salads as well as their famous charcoal-grilled tacos, and there is also now a second branch on Commercial Street.
5. Breddo’s Tacos
Unfortunately, these guys still aren’t a permanent fixture yet and instead can be seen popping up from place to place at various food markets and temporary venues. We have tried the tacos at a number of places and they really are good.
At the moment, they can be found at Tripspace, a restaurant in Haggerston where they will be for around 6 months, and also at StreetFeast on Friday’s and Saturday’s. Can’t wait for them to set up permanently one day!
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