London's Best Mexican Restaurants

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It’s fair to say our capital city isn’t famed for its Mexican restaurants. Purists would say that, outside of Mexico itself, a trip to California or Texas is your best bet for the real deal. We would beg to differ.

While the humble Mexican isn’t quite as ubiquitous as some of our European cousins’ eateries, there are a few gems dotted across our fair city. Characterised by a no-nonsense approach to food, a lively atmosphere and lashings of fine tequila, it’s unsurprising that they’re becoming increasingly popular with young Londoners.

If it’s a gut-busting burrito you’re hankering after, let us tell you where the hip crowd are headed…

Wahaca, Covent Garden

The handiwork of Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers, Wahaca is another lively eaterie in Covent Garden. The restaurant’s ‘no reservation’ policy can get under the skin, and a long wait on Saturday night is a given. Once you’ve got a table, however, it’s a real joy. Ross from Brixton is of the opinion that you really need to go for the Wahaca Selection to sample its real delights. “You'll get a plate of food worthy of any appetite and feel that you get the most of what there is on offer”.

Café Pacifico, Covent Garden

Pacifico will never win any awards for its food, but the ambience is second to none. The sweltering restaurant, packed to the rafters with tables and noisy diners, really creates a party atmosphere. In our humble opinion, there isn’t a better place to go for a lively, tequila-fuelled night with tasty Mexican food. Catherine from Putney, also a fan, thinks Café Pacifico’s staff deserve praise. “They're on the ball and don't look twice at you if you start talking nonsense from all that tequila”, she says.

This is Tom Conran’s effort, housed next to his equally popular and equally impressive American diner, Lucky 7. Crazy Homies has styled itself on the classic Taco shops that are a Mexican staple. It’s cosy, colourful and wonderfully funky. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the tacos are delicious and you can forget about getting home without any scratches if you begin to sample its impressive selection of tequila.

Mestizo, Camden

Marking a break from the cantina feel of our other picks, Mestizo is a tastefully decorated restaurant on Hampstead Road. Friendly staff enhance the experience and the ambience makes for a more sophisticated take on Mexican dining. You pay a little more for the experience, naturally, but many think Mestizo stands head and shoulders above its competitors. Billy from Camden agrees: “Mestizo is an authentic Mexican restaurant with all the fine touches that one would have if one went to Mexico”.