Dining
The 5 Best Mexican Restaurants in London
Proper masa, mezcal and live-fire cooking: where to eat the best Mexican in London.
In short: our top picks are KOL, Sonora Taqueria and Cavita. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London has finally got serious about Mexican, moving well past the burrito and into proper masa, smoke and mezcal. The best places treat it with the respect it deserves, from buzzy taquerias to ambitious dining rooms. These are the ones worth the trip.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| KOL | Marylebone | £££ |
| Sonora Taqueria | Stoke Newington | ££ |
| Cavita | Marylebone | £££ |
| El Pastor | Borough Market | £££ |
| Santo Remedio | Bermondsey | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
KOL
Why we pick itSantiago Lastra's Michelin-starred Mexican using British produce; one of London's best tables.
Worth knowingThe concept sometimes runs ahead of pure enjoyment: anyone expecting bold Mexican street food will find these dishes more restrained and technical.
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Sonora Taqueria
Why we pick itSonoran-style tacos with house-made flour tortillas; small, brilliant and the real thing.
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Cavita
Why we pick itAdriana Cavita's vibrant regional Mexican; live-fire cooking and a serious mezcal list.
Worth knowingIndividual small plates look reasonable until you order enough to fill a table, at which point the bill climbs faster than the menu suggests.
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El Pastor
Why we pick itA buzzy taqueria in the railway arches; the al pastor tacos and a Tommy's margarita.
Worth knowingTacos add up quickly once you order enough to fill up, and the bill surprises people expecting taqueria prices; most seating takes no bookings.
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Santo Remedio
Why we pick itHeartfelt, family-run Mexican; the cochinita pibil and the agave list are the draws.
Worth knowingPortions feel small against the bill outside the brunch deal, and comparable Mexican cooking exists elsewhere in London at a noticeably lower price.
Before you book
Start with the tacos and the guacamole to judge a place, and drink the mezcal neat or in something built around it. The buzzy taquerias often do not book, so go early. And ask about the masa; the best kitchens make their own, and you can taste it.
Common questions
What are the best Mexican restaurants in London?
KOL is our editor's choice: Santiago Lastra's Michelin-starred Mexican using British produce; one of London's best tables. KOL, Sonora Taqueria and Cavita lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
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