The weather is beginning to change in London right now – the temperatures are going down and it’s raining cats and dogs – so why not heat things up 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 eight of the best Mexican restaurants in London:
1. DF Tacos
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).
📍 Restaurants in Shoreditch, Tottenham Court Road, Brixton and Victoria.
2. Madera
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.
3. 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.
4. Nine Lives Bar
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.
5. Victory Mansion
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.
6. 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.
7. Wahaca
Chances are you’ve spotted a Wahaca or five while 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 good hands here.
📍 Multiple locations.
8. 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. Cavita’s menu starts off with a “raw” selection of appetisers, which changes depending on the fish in season. Dishes celebrate the wealth and diversity of British seafood, by coupling it with Mexican flavour profiles of chilli, lime, and smoke.
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.
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!