Looking for the best Mexican bars and restaurants in London? From spicy tequila to mouth-watering tapas, here’s where to find the best Mexican grub in the city — by Barbara Patiño.
This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my Disclosure & Privacy Policy for more information.
I’ve been living in London for over 6 months and I’m not ashamed to admit that my number one priority was to find places that would make me feel like home. Today, I’m really proud to say that I succeeded.
You would think it wouldn’t be that hard to find the best Mexican bars and restaurants in London, but quite the contrary. After all, this is not Los Angeles where I would argue that my fellow Mexicans are NOT a minority…this is a whole other continent! But I did the job for you and it felt like treason not to share.
So without further ado, here are my top 5 Mexican bars and restaurants in London!
The Best Mexican Bars & Restaurants in London
1. Mestizo
103 Hampstead Rd, NW1 3EL
There’s really no other Mexican food in London like Mestizo really. Although the competition for the best Mexican bars and restaurants in London is tight! The thing with Mestizo is that it has everything: a delicious restaurant, a big market (with authentic products!) and the best Mexican club I’ve been to so far.
This one’s the hardest to pick, but try the Tamarita Frozen, which is a Mezcal cocktail with tamarind pulp, and for food — the Molcajete Mestizo, which is the specialty of the house. Actually no, scratch that. Try whatever you want and go back, always go back! And invite me if you want to.
Pro tip: Don’t leave the place without buying a Tajín, which is a spice that goes with everything. Fruit, vegetables, crisps, chicken, soup… whatever you want!
2. La Chingada
12 Rotherhithe New Rd, SE16 2AA
La Chingada is my personal favourite, if I can be brutally honest. It is the one place that can make you feel you are in an auténtica taquería. Excellent prices (London prices, Mexicans, please don’t get overexcited) and even more excellent food. Their success has been such that they recently got a bigger place… and the bet is that they are moving again soon! Yes, it is that good.
As for drinks, you can never go wrong with a Modelo or a Pacífico. However, my recommendation is going to be interesting for this one. Just try a Mexican soda! They go perfectly with tacos, which are so real that I pick this place whenever I miss my hometown. In fact I might cry, so brb.
Pro tip: If you like spice, ask which sauce is the craziest one. Do it for me, please!
3. El Pastor
7A Stoney St, SE1 9AA, 66-70 Brewer St, W1F 9UP & Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ
El Pastor is more of a restaurant than a Mexican bar, but who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? This specific brand has several locations in London: Borough Market (the original), Soho and King’s Cross. So pick your closest one and enjoy their true fiesta spirit!
Here you are not only encouraged to try their cold beers or authentic Margaritas (Diablito is the MVP), but THE TACOS. Oh, yes, some of the best we’ve had since we arrived. If you feel bold enough, have a Michelada for the real Mexican experience. Perfect cure for a hangover in my country, by the way!
Pro tip: If you go to the one at Soho, don’t miss the basement bar “Mezcalería El Colmillo”!
4. Maya at The Hoxton
1 Willow St, EC2A 4BH
What is London without its rooftop bars? Well, if you are looking for a Mexican one, then Maya is your best option. Not only is the vibe a vibe, but the drinks are fantastic! I swear I felt like I was in the middle of the luxurious Tulum (I know I’m exaggerating, but let me dream) while I was there — so it is a place I would definitely recommend to anyone that asks me.
The view is great, the aesthetic even more beautiful if that is possible and the menu exquisite. I would struggle to pick a favourite drink, although I must say this has the best traditional Paloma I’ve had at a Mexican bar in London. However, my true recommendation comes from trying the food, which is perfect for sharing!
Pro tip: For the love of God, save some space for churros if you can.
5. Barrio Brixton
30 Acre Lane, SW2 5SG
There’s something about Brixton, isn’t it? The moment you step out of the tube station you can feel the flavour of the borough, so it can’t be a surprise that it has one of the best Mexican bars in London… Well, to be fair (look at me, sounding all British) — it’s not specifically Mexican, but a Latin bar still counts!
The first time I walked past it, I was immediately attracted to its bright colours and the loud music. And it delivered! Do yourself a favour and order the Smokey Gonzales, where the combination of Tequila and Mezcal is done in a sublime way.
Pro tip: Don’t forget the Happy Amigo Hour every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday until 9 p.m.
Please, please, please let me know how it goes… and if you need tips to take care of your stomach afterwards!
About the Author
Bárbara Patiño is a 27 year old Mexican screenwriter, copywriter and communicologist from Monterrey, Mexico who moved to London last October. Her writing experience includes everything from to music videos and TV series’. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Screenwriting at University of the Arts London.
