Twenty years on, Mestizo continues to stand out as one of London’s most defining destinations for true Mexican cuisine. Its focus on regional dishes, lively hospitality, and a dedication to authenticity have kept it at the forefront of the city’s dining scene, as well as at the top of foodie aspirational lists far and wide. Its milestone anniversary offers the perfect moment to revisit what makes it so enduringly popular in a city of movement and innovation.
Founded in 2004, Mestizo was one of the first restaurants to champion a truly Mexican menu beyond the Tex-Mex offerings London once relied on. Its spaces are bright and inviting, accented by warm wood, colourful art, and no shortage of flags and nods to Mexican heritage. Alongside the restaurant, a neighbouring shop stocks Mexican pantry staples, spices, and imported products, making it possible to recreate a little of the Mestizo magic at home. Together, they have built a loyal following, serving a mix of Londoners, expats, and visitors craving the flavours of home.
The menu delivers a deep dive into the breadth of Mexican cooking, beginning with a tapas selection designed as ideal sharers. The Flautas are an excellent place to start, with crisp, rolled tortillas filled with chicken or potato, finished with shredded lettuce and cool crema, while the Tostadas also make for a great table staple, generously topped with meats or vegetables, balanced by fresh garnishes for colour and crunch. Soon to join the line-up is a Tuna Tartare Tostada, a fresh and flavoursome addition that complements the deeper flavours on the menu.
Among the mains, the Pollo Negro stands out for its depth, serving up tender chicken cloaked in a sauce of cuitlacoche (Mexican truffle), sweetcorn and garlic, and finished with a bubbling cheese gratin. The Mole Poblano is equally notable, its impressive 25-ingredient sauce weaving together smoky chillies, warm spices, and even a hint of chocolate.
The undisputed centrepiece is the sharing Taco Tray – ordered by most tables and arguably Mestizo’s signature experience. A chosen selection of slow-cooked marinated meats, seafood, and vibrant vegetable fillings is presented alongside an array of salsas and garnishes and corn and wheat tortillas, transforming the table into a culinary canvas. Guests are invited to get creative, and build each taco to their own taste, experimenting with combinations until they strike the perfect balance – a hands-on way to experience the nuance and variety of Mexican cooking.
The Mestizo experience is as much about the drinks as it is about the food, with tequila and mezcal at its core. The margarita selection spans from a refreshing Cucumber Margarita to the bold Jalapeño Margarita and the fruit-forward Peach Margarita. Classic cocktails such as Luces de Acapulco lend tropical notes with coconut rum and pineapple. But for purists, the Tequila and Mezcal Flights offer a guided tasting of three spirits, accompanied by lime or orange and sal de gusano for a distinctly Mexican serve.
The restaurants have an infectious energy, with each location offering its own flair to the dining experience. Chelsea offers a stylishly elegant edge to the revelry, while Camden absorbs the vibrance of its surroundings for a more relaxed vibe. Its reputation has drawn an international crowd and the occasional famous face, Salma Hayek among them, adding to its status as one of London’s long-standing ultimate dining destinations.
Mestizo keeps its calendar full with immersive weekly experiences that showcase Mexican food and culture. Mariachi brunches bring live music to weekend tables, while Taco Tuesdays offer unlimited tacos paired with 50% off selected 1800 Tequila cocktails. On Thursdays at the Camden location, diners can enjoy dinner before descending into a hidden speakeasy for Latin-inspired cocktails, music, and late-night revelry. Each event, from festive brunches to themed regional showcases, only reinforces Mestizo’s reputation as one of London’s most distinctive destinations for gathering, eating, and celebrating Mexican flavours – with Londoners already looking forward to what the next 20 years will bring for the restaurant.
You can find Mestizo Chelsea at 392 King’s Road, London SW3 5UZ, and Mestizo Camden at 103 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3EL. Explore the menu, shop online, or book a table right here.
