Otherworldly Mexican cuisine and a party atmosphere make this one of London’s best Hispanic spots
Mexican cuisine doesn’t make up a huge portion of London’s buzzing restaurant scene.
Amid a crowded market of Indian and Italian eateries – not to mention a growing number of US fast food brands launching in the capital. While casual burrito shops are many, only a few authentic Mexican restaurants pop out as destinations in the capital’s dining scene.
One of them is undoubtedly Mestizo Restaurant and Tequila Bar on Hampstead Road, just a short walk from Euston Station, which has been cited by native diners as a perfect example of Mexican food in London, with a swanky décor that doubles up as an upmarket tequila bar. Oh, and a handy supply of sombreros for a special occasions.
Menu items feature the likes of Mole Verde (£18.50) chicken or pork in a traditional green mole sauce made with chillies, green tomatillo salsa, romaine lettuce, epazote, and pumpkin seeds or Cancun Enchiladas (Pork or chicken £18.50, veg £16) two rolled corn tortillas stuffed with fillings in a traditional Mayan salsa made with achiote, orange juice, topped with tomatoes and marinated red onion.
Elsewhere, Filete Arriero (£31) three beef medallions on a tower of sautéed potatoes, wrapped in steamed vegetables with a sauce of chopped garlic, onion, green chillies and chilli guajillo.
It’s a heaving Thursday evening when I saunter up to Mestizo which my pal to see if we can bag a table. It’s worth saying just how popular this place is – every single table is packed with families, after-work crowds and a few couple enjoying a soiree. Luckily, a waiter kindly escorts my friend and I to the bar. Would we like to sit at the bar? Don’t mind if we do.
I order a bottle of Pacifico lager and a main course of said Cancun Enchiladas. Mmmmmm. I can only wax lyrical about how satisfying this dish is, from the juiciness of shredded pork to red tartness of the Mayan salsa sauce, with its orange-imbued achiote spice sending my tongue into zinger mode.
While sat aplomb at the bar, my friend and I are treated to a cocktail-making workshop and treated to free Margaritas in what can only be a winning sales technique.
The food is fiery, the walls are blood-red and the faint sounds of brass horns and mariachi trumpets make me feel as I’m dining al-fresco outside the Templo Mayor. There’s a real party atmosphere at Mestizo that lends itself so naturally to visitors.
An absolute must for anyone with a penchant for salsa, tacos, enchiladas… and the odd sombrero.
Mestizo is situated on Hampstead Road, a short walk from Euston Station.
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
