
The temperature in London is plummeting, so why not heat things up a bit with a little Mexican spice, and pretend that you’re on a sunny beach sippin’ on a margarita. We can all dream right? Here’s our rundown of the best Mexican restaurants in London:
1. Kol
If you want to try a fine-dining Mexican experience, then Kol’s the spot. Kol has been ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world. Multiple times, might I add. It’s modern, seasonal and busy. So if you do get the chance to go, the food is a stunning emulsion of flavours and cultural influences with a fantastic list of cocktails which will leave you wonderfully satisfied or frustrated with choice. Try the langoustine tacos and masa dumplings while you’re there.
📍 9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA.
2. El Pastor
Credit: @tacos_el_pastor
With multiple restaurants scattered across London, El Pastor is no doubt a Mexican staple in the city. You can expect all the classics that you would in a taqueria – all things tostadas, tacos, quesadillas and not to forget the sharers which include short rib and mushroom pibil, served with unlimited warm corn tortillas that are homemade. I repeat unlimited warm tortillas that are homemade. And of course when there is Mexican food, there is tequila and mezcal. With a variety of spicy margs to choose from and other tasty cocktails – it is a guaranteed good time.
📍 Various locations
3. DF Tacos
Credit: @dftacosuk via Instagram
DF Tacos is the Nando’s of Mexican Restaurants, and we honestly mean that as a compliment. Think speedy service, bottomless drinks and not having to wait for the bill after you’ve eaten (you do have to pay before, mind). We scoffed our faces with chorizo nachos (which we couldn’t believe were considered a side order), pulled pork and buttermilk chicken tacos and sipped on damn good frozen margaritas. The food was beautifully presented, or at least it was until the moment we stuck our teeth into it, and they had a huge gluten-free menu too for all you celiacs out there. We thoroughly recommend DF Tacos if you’re after a naughty lunch or a quick and casual dinner. DF = Damn Fine*.
(*Not actually what it stands for).
📍 Multiple locations across London.
4. Madera
Credit: @maderalondon via Instagram
Endless views, tacos, and margaritas. If that sounds like your definition of heaven, you’ve come to the right place. Madera sits atop Marylebone’s Treehouse hotel and truly lives up to the theme. At this Los Angeles-born Mexican restaurant, you’ll find stunning interiors, green foliage, and sweeping panoramic views of London.
📍 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS.
5. Club Mexicana
Not only do Club Mexicana own the title of the driving force behind London’s first 100% vegan pub, but they provide some of the best Mexican street-food the city offers. From a plant-based burger bar with Mexican fried chicken burgers to their tasty tacos in Soho, you seriously can’t go wrong with this scrumptious spot.
📍 Multiple locations across London.
6. Nine Lives Bar
Credit: @ninelivesbar via Instagram
Nine Lives is a classy London Bridge spot offering up cocktails that are as delicious as their tacos, meaning you’re truly in for a treat. Think spritzes and frozen margaritas, alongside some drool-worthy fish tacos. Mexican food heaven awaits you over by the bridge.
📍 8 Holyrood Street, SE1 2EL.
7. Victory Mansion
Credit: @victory_mansion via Instagram
This Asian-Mexican fusion is a unique but essential spot for tacos, or Ta-K0, in the capital. I’ll be honest, I never thought about trying a red pepper pork collar, kimchi, and mango salsa taco, but now it’s basically all I can think about. Victory Mansion even offer a two-hour bottomless Ta-Ko and Spritz cocktails for £40pp, so you’ll probably catch us there very soon.
📍 18 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7PL.
8. Near & Far
You may know Near & Far for its wacky interiors and their lush Camden roof terrace. If that’s the case, it’s likely you also know that they whip up some pretty fine Mexican food. Whether you’re after a helping of tacos, a mean burrito, a stand-up sharing platter, or just some bougie cocktails, you’re suitably covered at Near & Far, one of the best Mexican restaurants in London.
📍 48 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London, NW1 8AJ.
9. Wahaca
Credit: @wahaca via Instagram
Chances are you’ve spotted a Wahaca or five whilst on days out around the city, and there’s a reason for that. Come here for trusty Mexican food that you know will hit the spot every time. Indulge yourself with their glorious nachos and guac, before moving onto grilled chicken and avocado tacos and a Trealy farm chorizo quesadillas. That’s without even mentioning their burritos and enchiladas. If you’re a fan of the classic Mexican flavour, you’re in safe hands here.
📍 Multiple locations across London.
10. Cavita
The highly-anticipated debut restaurant from Adriana Cavita landed on Wigmore Street back in May 2022, taking considerable inspiration from the chef’s recent travels and upbringing. It’s an experiential restaurant, one that encapsulates the sights, sounds, and smells of Mexico, while telling the story of Cavita’s heritage and how she learned to cook.
At any one time you may be able to choose from brightly-flavoured dishes such as the Carlingford Rock Oysters, with homemade clamato and beer granite, or the Aguachile Rojo, with king fish, grasshopper salt, watermelon, and rainbow radish. Alongside the raw bar, diners can also start their meal with a range of appetisers such as the Mussels Esquites, which pairs the shellfish with nixtamalized heirloom corn, and a grilled take on a Caesar salad. Sign us up!
📍 56-60 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2RZ.
11. Ixchel
Bringing a tantalising taste of Tulum all the way to Chelsea, Ixchel is a jaw-droppingly gorgeous King’s Road spot. Named after the Mayan goddess of the moon and textiles, Ixchel’s interiors are designed to perfection – and the only thing that outdoes the decor is the food. Sharing plates take centre stage here and guests can tuck in to a mouthwatering (and seasonally changing) menu of Mexican dishes, carefully created by Head Chef, Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez, using locally-sourced, super fresh ingredients.
📍 33H King’s Road, SW3 4LX.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best Mexican restaurants in London. From lip-smackingly good nachos lathered in guac to drool-worthy fish tacos, there’s something for everyone here – so order yourself a spicy margarita and hot foot it to one of these spots!