London's Best Mexican Restaurants

For a truly gorgeous venue with a penchant for rare-breed beef, check out temper in Shoreditch, the City of London, Paddington, Soho and beyond. The East London venue has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef UK and butchers the meat it buys from one singular farmer - Charles Ashbridge in North Yorkshire - inhouse. Theatrical and intimately lit, the dining space boasts a roaring fire pit at its core, orbited by black marble tables and glowing red lights. Sip on mezcal and tequila-based cocktails either upstairs at the bar or while you tuck into everything from cheeseburger tacos or ones topped with drunken goat's cheese and served with a shot of Cazcabel Honey Tequila.

Found in Shoreditch and Tottenham Court Road, DF Tacos is a winner if you're in the mood for some convenient grub that can be delivered in minutes. Founded by the masterminds behind Wahaca, DF offers a casual dining area within Truman Brewery, decorated with leather booths and hanging lights. Their namesake tacos are all under a tenner, with fillings such as grilled chicken or beef brisket, alongside dishes like cauliflower rice bowls and mushroom burritos. If you're thirsty, you'll be pleased to know that soft drink refills are on the house, and you can bag a one-litre jug filled to the brim with frozen margaritas for £29.90 to share for your table. 

Get on down to Jalisco in Brixton Village and Loughborough Junction for some seriously mouthwatering Latin-American munch. Husband and wife Wilson and Carolina have been serving delicious grub at their family-run restaurant for over 14 years, using recipes that span generations. Pull up a seat outside the ruby red building or head inside to discover their mean margaritas and homely plates. Choose from a range of different burrito styles, as well as tacos, quesadilla and enchiladas, then decide on your filling. Our favourite? The chimichurri-marinated fish fillet.

Leicester Square Kitchen is a great option for those in the heart of the city after the moreish sweet and sour flavours that Mexican food can combine. You'll find the modern space only a moment's walk from the station, completed by a leafy alfresco dining area. The inside boasts a bright space decked out with shiny silver countertops, rustic white brick walls and tan, leather booths giving it a contemporary feel. Dine on an array of Mexican and Peruvian small plates such as habanero matchstick chicken (£10), and smoked chilli rib tacos (£6), all served with an ample cocktail selection, like picantes or chilli and yuzu piscos (£12). 

When it comes to authentic Mexican restaurants in London, Cafe Pacifico knows the drill and has been bringing delightful dishes to the table since 1982 as the city's first eatery and tequila bar of its kind. Its interiors feature multi-coloured Calavera drawings, yellow, blue and red wooden chairs and low-hanging lights which illuminate the traditional decorations laced throughout. Home to award-winning cocktails, its drinks offerings include a Pomelon margarita, made with Jose Cuervo Traditional Reposado, fresh watermelon and orange liqueur. Sip slowly while you munch on plates of short-rib beef tacos, crispy empanadas and king prawn fajitas.

Hot foot it to Wahaca for a vibrant Mexican restaurant in Covent Garden or Canary Wharf. Adorned with pretty beaded curtains and flooded with natural light, the dining space is ideal for a quick bite to eat and offers large booths for groups and families. Overlooking Canada Square, the terrace is adorned with multicoloured cushions and makes the perfect hangout for people-watching. An eatery known for its affordable sharing plates and tasty cocktails, it's a staple name in the capital for any treats that your craving heart may desire - think grilled halloumi tacos (£7.50), chorizo quesadillas (£7.50) and slow-cooked beef burritos (£13.50) to name a few, all washed down with a Mexpresso Martini (£9.50).

With a name meaning 'holy remedy' in Mexican, Santo Remedio's food provides comfort whenever, wherever, combining street dishes with artisan flavours. Inside the Michelin-mentioned abode, you'll find walls designed with artwork and décor by Mexican artisans and craftspeople, alongside a well-stocked bar of high-quality tequilas and mezcals. The lively Mexican restaurant in London Bridge whips up an unmissable bottomless brunch come the weekend: from 12pm 'til 4.30pm you can pay an additional £30 to bask in free-flowing classic margaritas, cava, Mexican wines and beer, plus Sangria for 90 minutes. Think sashimi-grade tuna tostadas, Baja fish tacos and smokey lamb cutlets grilled over a wood fire with a jalapeño and mint yoghurt dressing.

Looking for a Mexican fusion fiesta in the heart of St John's Hill? Sporting bright blue walls fixed with crosses and eccentric art, Cheeky Chico's is a vibrant Ash Avenue hotspot. Satisfying every palate, it serves up the perfect blend of traditional and innovative dishes such as tuna ceviche tostadas and crunchy soft-shell crab tacos, topped with pickled cucumber. Thirsty? They offer a drinks menu featuring everything from exotic cocktails, like picantes or the Apocalypse, made using coconut tequila and pineapple, to top-notch mezcals straight from Mexico. Every Sunday to Thursday from 5pm 'til 7pm, you'll be able to enjoy a cracking happy hour with £7.50 tipples and £5 beers plus, on the weekend, this buzzing joint hosts a tempting bottomless brunch that promises a two-course meal for £35, alongside free-flowing mimosas.

There are loads of Mexican restaurants in Central London, but have you heard of El Camion and its late-night tequila bar The Pink Chihuahua on Brewer Street? Open until 3am, this buzzing haunt is the perfect destination for those looking to add a little tequila to their night out. Upon entrance, you're met with an array of authentic decor, from vibrant Calavera paintings to bottles of Mexican liquor lined up against the wall. Dine among multi-coloured fairy lights, feasting on Baja haddock or grilled prawn and avocado tacos, pan-fried chorizo quesadillas and chipotle chicken wings. The drinks offering is not to be missed either, with tempting tipples such as a Mexcal negroni and a Tommy's Margarita up for the sipping. 

Found yourself wandering up Kingsland High Street? Well, make your way to Del74, a shabby-chic haunt decorated with deep blue, shiny tiles, dangling glass light fixtures and an open bar. A favourite among locals and visitors alike, it's a buzzing place for a bite to eat after work or a casual dinner with friends. Their menu is super affordable, with £3 braised pork, chipotle roasted vegetables or spicy steak tacos every Tuesday and happy hours three days a week, from 5pm 'til 6.30pm. Other dishes include classic nachos and quesadillas filled with cheese and smoky jackfruit, alongside quality beers and margarita jugs to wash them down. 

High above Broadgate Circle and looking out across the city (think cheeky panoramic views of iconic London landmarks like St Paul's) is Los Mochis, a stunning restaurant, with a location already in Notting Hill, that blends the flavours of Mexico and Japan to create signature dishes. It features an agaveria and lounge, a spectacular rooftop terrace adorned with cacti and plush seating, and a main dining area surrounded by greenery, smooth, grey furnishings and tassel light fixtures. Munch on the freshest seafood at its sushi raw bar or delight in meats cooked on a robata grill; you'll find everything from avocado caviar and salmon tiradito to black cod volcano maki rolls on the menu. Treat yourself to a tres leches baked Alaska for dessert and finish off with a cocktail - perhaps a signature sunshine margarita, made with Patrón Añejo, Martini Fiero, sunflower orgeat, rhubarb and lemon.

If you're in the market for fancy Mexican restaurants in London that also happen to be celebrity magnets and incredibly Instagrammable, then Madera at Treehouse London is the place for you. Wall to wall inside is adorned with wooden panelling and dangling plants sprouting from beams to create a seaside beach feel which is reminiscent of the Gold Coast, and understandable when you know that it's the little sister to Los Angeles-based Toca Madera. Wander up to the rooftop bar to take in scenic views of the city from Langham Place, before settling down to peruse a menu that's elevated and uses organic ingredients. Choose from plates such as chicken mixiote taquerias, jager-smoked salmon and a trio of ceviches, followed by soft, gooey madera churros for dessert. 

Located in a sex shop right on Old Compton Street, the hidden eatery La Bodega Negra is one of the hottest Mexican restaurants Soho has to offer. Head downstairs past electrifying neon lights to an intimate basement where you'll find cosy booths to slide into to devour the likes of seabass ceviche, and prawn tacos topped with pineapple pico de gallo. Delight in signature cocktails to drink, such as the Toy Boy, made with Earl Grey-infused gin, and hibiscus margaritas. In its second location on Moor Street, you'll discover a much more day-friendly affair above the tequila den, with slinky leather seats and a menu that features a handful of different dishes, such as grilled artichoke hearts with green mole and sundried tomatoes.

Zapote is coming in hot as a cool place to dine thanks to food freshly prepared by head chef Yahir Gonzalez including tortillas made in-house. This stunning setting pairs terracotta, green, blue and neutrals to create a calm and contemporary dining space that welcomes those who find themselves in East London in pursuit of incredible food. Cocktails are tequila and mezcal-focused, expertly prepared by talented bartenders to be enjoyed while devouring dishes from a sumptuous menu. Try the El Carzon, made with jalapeno-infused Casamigos Tequila and Laphroaig whisky before being tempted by grilled octopus, or roasted guineafowl with hoja santa and peanut mole sauce.

Found on-site at The Standard Hotel in King's Cross, Decimo is a bougie Mexican eatery run by Michelin-starred Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, who's taking inspiration from the Spanish cuisine of his family and combining it with his passion for Mexico. The interiors here are dark, sultry (think shiny, blood-red tabletops) and filled with tropical greenery like spiky cacti; thanks to its towering windows, it offers stunning views of the city skyline that can be taken in while enjoying a bespoke cocktail or two. You'll find a menu that features everything from Spanish tortillas and ham croquettes to birria short rib or black cod paired with banana leaf. Gobble up this delicious food alongside plenty of signature tipples, like the Coconut 'Mole' Old Fashioned or a Jalapeño Highball and you'll soon see why it's one of the best Mexican restaurants in London. 

Kol is a popular Michelin star eatery on Seymour Place. It serves up sophisticated tasting menus, takes inspiration from authentic Mexican cooking and uses seasonal British produce to create innovative plates, paired with mezcal (from its downstairs mezcaleria) and natural wines. At its core is a wooden bar, adorned with clay pots and surrounded by burnt orange walls and potted plants, in addition to a private dining area based on the marvellous houses of Oaxaca. The team of talented chefs is led by chef patron Santiago Lastra, whose dedication and experience have earned Kol a spot in the World's 50 Best Restaurants for 2023, with dishes like langoustine tacos, scallop ceviche with notes of pear, hemp and pine, plus halibut alongside a rhubarb salsa.

Tacos, nachos and burritos, oh my. Club Mexicana features a fully plant-based menu so you can have vegan-friendly eats filled with flavour. Along with hot pink interiors and a buzzing atmosphere (with plenty of space in the courtyard come summer), it makes for a cracking meal out with friends. Just head down to Kingly Court in the centre of Soho to dine among neon purple lighting and frozen pina colada enthusiasts who gather in flocks because this spot is so famously good at offering variety without skimping on quality. If you hit it up on a Tuesday, you'll be about to inhale all-you-can-eat tacos for just £20 per person from 5pm onwards. Think toppings such as annatto-glazed fried chick'n, jackfruit 'ribs' and adobo-marinated shawarma. Sign us up.  

If you're a fan of small plates and carefully curated tipples, head to Hacha in Dalston or Brixton. This cool neighbourhood bar boasts a seriously impressive, ever-changing collection of 25 different agave spirits which they use to create an innovative cocktail menu. Expect to see bespoke concoctions like the Guns of Brixton, made with El Rayo Blanco or Pensador Mezcal, Hacha Vermouth, chicory root cold brew, green coffee beans syrup, tonka, and sea moss tincture. It's no wonder it's been voted the 78th Most Influential Bar in the World, 34th in the UK and featured on the World's 50 Best Discovery List. Among the neutral space, featuring Mexican art, thatched chairs and leafy plants, you'll be able to pull up a seat at the bar or around a table to try a range of snacks from its resident kitchen partner, Tigre Tacos. Delight in soft tortillas filled with beer-battered banana blossom and chipotle mayo, plus garlic and ginger king prawns topped with avocado crema.