As England is set to take on Mexico in the round of 16, here are some of London’s ‘best’ Mexican restaurants worth a visit
As England is set to play Mexico in a round-of-16 matchup, there is one thing that will still bring the two nations together: food. Mexican food in London is still making its impact as one of the best cuisines, but that doesn’t mean it is lacking.
Whether it’s tacos, delicious burritos, or slow-cooked, tender birria, Mexican food is a beautiful blend of flavours that make your taste buds melt (if cooked right). On top of that, nothing beats a delicious cocktail with the finest tequila or mezcal.
When it comes to what constitutes ‘the best’, it’s always subjective. That is why we have grouped a selection of London’s best Mexican restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to hole-in-the-wall spots that stand out.
Sonora Taquería– 4.8 Google review rating from 1.1k reviews
Sonora Taquería gets a lot of love from Reddit users. Described as a ‘hole in a wall’ in Stoke Newington, it has received positive reviews. One person described it as the ‘best Mexican I’ve had in London by far’. One person described their tacos as ‘top tier’ and their casual dining vibe. Specialising in tacos and quesadillas, Sonora is well worth a try.
A Google review wrote: “I’m usually not a big taco fan, so I wasn’t expecting much when my friend suggested coming here. I had the Caramelo (the one on the white plate in the photos) and was very pleasantly surprised: the meat was tender and juicy, the flavours were spot on, and the taco itself was soft without being too oily. Everything felt really well-balanced.
“I was so close to immediately ordering another one. My friend’s was great too, although I can’t recall which one she got (I’m posting this a month after visiting – still thinking about it!). Would 100% come back!”
Address: 208 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7HU.
Fonda – 4.7 Google review rating from 1.1k
Described as authentically Mexican with a fun, fantastic vibe, Fonda is praised for creating a warm, lively atmosphere. With a menu designed for sharing, it offers smaller plates with a range of flavours. Truffle quesadilla, chicken tacos and Baja fish tacos are all praised by reviewers.
One reviewer wrote: “The interior decor was really lovely, and we had some tasty mezcal-based cocktails. Then the food, the food was incredible! They must have been the best tacos that we have ever had. The fondue starter tacos and the beef short rib tacos were phenomenal!”
Address: 12 Heddon St, London W1B 4BZ
KOL – 4.5 Google rating from 1k reviews
Ranked among the best restaurants globally, KOL is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Marylebone. Michelin-starred and ranked on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, KOL provides a fine-dining experience of Mexican flavours, using predominantly British ingredients.
One reviewer said: “Incredible experience, the tasting menu is one of my favourites, if not numero uno. No dish was disappointing, my favourites were the Short Rib Quesadilla, Langoustine Taco and Duck Mole.”
Address: 9 Seymour St, W1H 7BA
Homies on Donkeys – 4.7 Google rating from 1.7
Described as a modern take on Mexican cuisine, Homies on Donkeys is Mexican-owned and independent. Described as a’must go’ for any East Londoner, the Leytonstone establishment has garnered a solid reputation. From chicken and barbacoa tacos to Birra beef, it’s seemingly hard to have a bad experience at Homies on Donkeys.
One reviewer said they were ‘transported to another world’. They wrote: “Recommend the birria tacos! Not to be dramatic but they transported me to another world, they were incredible.. they were bursting with flavour and the tacos we’re generously packed.”
Address: 686 High Rd, Leytonstone, Bushwood, London E11 3AA
Mestizo (multiple locations)- 4.7 Google rating out of 12k reviews
Mestizo seems to have a lot going for it, from flavoursome food to beautiful decor with the right ambience, and sombreros to truly make the experience feel authentic. Dishes such as Tamales costeños and Mole poblano make the menu a standout, along with enchiladas and a selection of tacos. With locations in Hampstead and Chelsea, Meztico is one of London’s most authentic Mexican restaurants.
A reviewer described the flabour as ‘delicious, rich, and clearly authentic’. In addition to the excellent food, it seems that waiter Daniel is also a major part of the restaurant, as his service is repeatedly praised by guests for enhancing the experience.
Address: 392 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UZ and 103 Hampstead Rd, NW1 3EL
Santo Remedia Taquieria – 4.6 Google rating out of 1k reviews
Santo Remedia Taquieria’s venue may be small, but that adds to the charm, as well as the generous portions of food. The prawn and beef tacos and the toastadas are described as ‘must tries’ if visiting. The margaritas are highly rated, and the food is good for vegans and vegetarians.
One reviewer wrote: “Go for the mezcal margaritas. Absolutely phenomenal. And the prawn tacos and chicken tacos. Just trust me. So delicious.”
Address: 55 Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HP
Corrochios – 4.7 Google rating out of 840 reviews
Opened in 2021 by a native Guadalajaran, Daniel Carrillo, Corrochio’s is highly praised. Described as a place that can get busy but still has a lovely atmosphere. Prawn tostada, quesadilla planchadas with courgette flowers, pork tacos, and the Birria with grilled cheese are all standouts among reviewers.
A reviewer said: “This place taught me some things about Mexican food. Every dish was a pleasant surprise – even the basic refried beans. And then we discovered the secret downstairs tequila dungeon, which is not to be missed.”
Address: 70-74 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 7XB
Ixchel – 4.6 Google rating out of 1.2k reviews
‘Delicious food and service’ in a pleasant atmosphere in Kings Road. The burnt cheesecake for dessert has been described as ‘divine’, which showcases Ixchel’s quality. They have a particular focus on seafood, with stone bass, prawn tacos, and prawn quesadillas being highlighted by reviewers.
One reviewer wrote: ” Upstairs feels like you’ve stepped into a sun-drenched Mexican daydream: bright, colourful, warm, and unapologetically family-friendly.”
Address: 33H King’s Road, SW3 4LX
Thrift Taco – 4.8 Google rating out of 1.1k reviews
Thrift Taco is a wildcard: it runs as an ongoing residency within a pub, but its menu is unique and distinctive. A sex mex spice bag combining chicken, jalapenos, crispy corn tortillas, fries, pumpkin seeds, and sauces is not something you’d find at many Mexican spots.
One reviewer wrote: “These might just be the best tacos in London. Loved everything we ordered, especially their take on a spice bag (perfectly named the Sex Mex), the carne asada tacos, and the campechano taco. The Mexican-inspired spice bag was huge, great for two people but could have easily fed a few more, and well worth the money.”
Address: 178 Hoxton St, London N1 5LH
Zapote – 4.7 Google rating out of 700 reviews
Boasting a variety of flavours in East London, the sleek Zapote packs a punch with it’s on take on classic dishes. Vibrant flavours such as a hoja santa, scallop aguachile, or a crispy suckling pig certainly bring a different feel to this Mexican restaurant.
One reviewer wrote: “For those who appreciate quality over quantity, and refined taste over mass-appeal flavour profile, Zapote is a must-try.
“We were so pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ingredients, the wonderful combination of flavours, and how much care was given to each dish. Every mouthful was a celebration!”
Address: 70 Leonard St, London EC2A 4QX
Of course, these are only ten, but London has plenty of options worth a try. Let us know in the comments some of your favourite spots.
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