The Best Mexican Restaurants in London: Our Top 10

The Best Mexican Restaurants in London: A Comprehensive Guide

London's Mexican food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Gone are the days when "Mexican" in London meant a bowl of nachos with melted Cheddar at a chain restaurant. Today, the capital boasts genuinely excellent Mexican restaurants serving everything from perfectly crafted tacos al pastor to complex Oaxacan moles, fresh ceviches, and artisan mezcal cocktails. Whether you're craving a quick taco lunch or a special occasion dinner, this guide covers the best Mexican restaurants across London's diverse neighbourhoods.

Central London

El Pastor - Borough Market / King's Cross

El Pastor is widely regarded as London's finest Mexican restaurant. Founded by Hart Brothers (the team behind Barrafina), it specialises in tacos al pastor cooked on a traditional trompo (vertical spit) right in the restaurant. The al pastor taco - thin-sliced marinated pork with pineapple, coriander, onion, and salsa - is a thing of beauty. The menu extends to ceviches, tostadas, and outstanding grilled dishes. The Borough Market location has the most atmosphere, tucked under the railway arches with an open kitchen and a lively buzz. The King's Cross branch is larger and takes bookings. Expect to spend £25-40 per person for food. Book ahead, especially for weekend evenings.

Wahaca - Multiple Locations

Thomasina Miers' Wahaca chain (pronounced wah-HAH-kah) deserves credit for introducing millions of Britons to Mexican food beyond Tex-Mex stereotypes. Named after the Mexican state of Oaxaca, it serves street food-inspired dishes at accessible prices (£15-25 per person). The pork pibil tacos, grilled corn, and churros are reliable favourites. With locations in Southbank, Covent Garden, Soho, Canary Wharf, White City, and beyond, there's usually one nearby. While not the most authentic option on this list, it's consistently good and excellent value for central London.

Casa do Frida - Islington

A more intimate, neighbourhood restaurant in Islington offering homestyle Mexican cooking. The mole dishes are excellent - rich, complex, and clearly made with care and time. The menu changes with the seasons and features dishes you won't find at more mainstream Mexican restaurants. The atmosphere is warm and colourful, with Frida Kahlo-inspired décor. A great choice for a relaxed dinner with friends. Prices are moderate at £20-35 per person.

East London

Santo Remedio - Shoreditch / London Bridge

Chef Edson Diaz-Fuentes serves refined but authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on regional specialities. The tlayuda (a large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and meat - sometimes called a "Mexican pizza") is outstanding. Mole negro, chiles en nogada (seasonal), and fresh seafood dishes showcase the depth and sophistication of Mexican cooking beyond tacos. The Shoreditch restaurant is beautifully designed with tiles, plants, and colourful touches. Expect £30-50 per person for a full meal with drinks. Book in advance.

Taqueria - Notting Hill / Exmouth Market

A no-frills, canteen-style taqueria serving some of London's most authentic tacos at very reasonable prices. The corn tortillas are made fresh, the salsas are properly spicy, and the fillings - carnitas, barbacoa, tinga, chorizo - are faithful to their Mexican originals. It's small, often busy, and doesn't take bookings, but the queue moves quickly. Tacos are around £4-5 each; most people order 2-3. The Exmouth Market branch near Farringdon is the most convenient for central London.

South London

Mestizo - Various Pop-up Locations

Originally from Euston, Mestizo has been a cornerstone of London's Mexican dining scene for years, known for its extensive menu covering dishes from multiple Mexican regions and one of the UK's best mezcal and tequila selections. The moles, enchiladas, and seafood cocktails are standout dishes. Mestizo also hosts cultural events and live music evenings, making it more than just a restaurant - it's a piece of Mexican culture in London.

Breddos Tacos - Clerkenwell

What started as a street food stall has evolved into one of London's most creative Mexican-inspired restaurants. While not strictly traditional, Breddos' cooking is inventive and delicious - think slow-cooked brisket tacos with pickled habanero, or fried chicken with chipotle mayo in blue corn tortillas. The drinks menu is equally creative, with excellent margaritas and agave spirits. Great for a lively meal in an energetic setting. Around £25-40 per person.

West London

Peyotito - Notting Hill

A modern Mexican restaurant in Notting Hill offering a contemporary take on Mexican cuisine. The emphasis is on high-quality ingredients prepared with Mexican techniques and flavours. Ceviches, aguachiles, and grilled dishes are the highlights. The interior is sleek and stylish. It's pricier than most on this list (£40-60 per person) but delivers a polished dining experience.

North London

Lupita - Various Locations

With branches including one near Charing Cross, Lupita offers a broad menu of Mexican classics in a colourful, welcoming setting. The enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos are solid, and the cocktail menu features good margaritas and a decent selection of tequilas and mezcals. It's a reliable mid-range choice for groups, with prices around £20-35 per person. They handle large bookings well, making it good for celebrations.

DF Tacos - Multiple Locations

Named after Mexico's Distrito Federal (now CDMX - Mexico City), DF Tacos serves street food-style Mexican food at multiple locations. The tacos, burritos, and quesadillas are well-executed and affordable. The agua frescas and cocktails are refreshing. It's casual, quick-service dining - perfect for lunch or a relaxed dinner. Prices are very reasonable at £10-20 per person.

What to Look for in an Authentic Mexican Restaurant

A few signs that a Mexican restaurant in London takes authenticity seriously:

• Corn tortillas made in-house or from quality suppliers: This is the single biggest indicator of quality.
• A salsa selection: Real Mexican restaurants offer multiple salsas, not just one generic tomato dip.
• Regional dishes: If the menu goes beyond tacos and burritos to include moles, pozole, tlayudas, chiles en nogada, or ceviche, the kitchen likely knows Mexican cuisine in depth.
• Mezcal on the drinks menu: A serious mezcal and tequila selection (beyond Jose Cuervo) suggests genuine engagement with Mexican food culture.
• Lime everywhere: Fresh lime wedges should be served generously with almost everything.

Booking Tips

London's best Mexican restaurants can be very busy, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. El Pastor, Santo Remedio, and Peyotito are particularly in demand. Book at least a week ahead for weekend dinners. Many of the smaller, more casual spots don't take bookings - arrive early (before 18:30) to avoid long waits. Lunchtime is generally easier and often better value, with some restaurants offering set lunch menus.

London's Mexican dining scene continues to grow and improve. Explore our full UK restaurant directory for more listings, reviews, and details across the country.

Beyond Central London: Emerging Mexican Food Areas

While central and east London dominate the Mexican restaurant scene, exciting options are emerging in outer London. In south-west London, Brixton and Clapham have seen new Mexican openings. In south-east London, Peckham's vibrant food scene includes Mexican-influenced street food vendors. North London's Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington areas have a growing Latin American dining presence. West London beyond Notting Hill - areas like Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith - also has a handful of noteworthy Mexican spots. The trend is clear: as London's Mexican food scene matures, quality options are spreading beyond the traditional restaurant corridors into residential neighbourhoods, making excellent Mexican food more accessible to Londoners regardless of where they live.

Mexican Brunch in London

Mexican brunch has become a significant trend in London. Several restaurants now offer weekend brunch menus featuring huevos rancheros (fried eggs on tortillas with ranchero sauce), chilaquiles (tortilla chips in salsa topped with eggs, cream, and cheese), breakfast burritos, and Mexican-style eggs with chorizo. Wahaca, El Pastor, and several independent restaurants offer brunch service, typically on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Brunch is often more affordable than dinner and easier to book, making it an excellent way to experience London's best Mexican restaurants. Pair with a michelada (Mexican beer cocktail with lime and hot sauce) or agua fresca for the complete experience. Expect to spend £12-20 per person including a drink at most Mexican brunch spots.

Neighbourhood Guide: Where to Eat by Area

If you're visiting London and want to combine Mexican dining with sightseeing, here's how to plan by area. Southwark/Borough: El Pastor at Borough Market, then explore the market and walk along the Thames to the Tate Modern. Shoreditch/Spitalfields: Santo Remedio for lunch, then explore Brick Lane, Columbia Road (Sunday flower market), and Shoreditch's street art. Soho/Covent Garden: Wahaca or Lupita for a pre-theatre meal, conveniently located for West End shows. Notting Hill: Taqueria or Peyotito, followed by a walk through Portobello Road Market (busiest on Saturdays). King's Cross: El Pastor at Coal Drops Yard, combining excellent tacos with the area's striking contemporary architecture and Granary Square's fountains. Clerkenwell/Farringdon: Breddos Tacos or Taqueria at Exmouth Market, then explore the area's historic pubs and Hatton Garden. This approach means your Mexican meal becomes part of a memorable London day out rather than just dinner.

Mexican Restaurant Glossary

Understanding common menu terms helps you order confidently at London's Mexican restaurants:

• Al pastor: Pork marinated in chillies and pineapple, cooked on a vertical spit - Mexico's answer to shawarma.
• Barbacoa: Slow-cooked beef (traditionally lamb) in a rich, spiced sauce, shredded and incredibly tender.
• Carnitas: Slow-braised pork shoulder, pulled and crisped - Mexico's pulled pork.
• Tinga: Shredded chicken or pork in a smoky chipotle-tomato sauce.
• Birria: A deeply spiced stew, traditionally goat but often beef in the UK, served with consommé for dipping.
• Mole: A complex sauce made from dried chillies, spices, nuts, and sometimes chocolate. There are dozens of varieties.
• Tlayuda: A large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa - sometimes called a Mexican pizza.
• Tostada: A flat, crispy fried tortilla topped with various ingredients.
• Quesadilla: A tortilla folded around melted cheese, often with additional fillings.
• Elote: Grilled corn on the cob with mayo, cheese, chilli, and lime.