Mestizo Restaurant and Tequila Bar on Hampstead Road, a short walk from Euston Station, stands out as one of London's most authentic Mexican dining destinations, offering a party atmosphere and dishes like Cancun Enchiladas that have earned praise from native diners. The restaurant, which also functions as an upmarket tequila bar, provides a swanky décor and even supplies sombreros for special occasions.
A Standout in London's Dining Scene
Mexican cuisine does not make up a huge portion of London's buzzing restaurant scene. Amid a crowded market of Indian and Italian eateries—not to mention a growing number of US fast food brands launching in the capital—casual burrito shops are many, but only a few authentic Mexican restaurants pop out as destinations. Mestizo is one of them, cited by native diners as a perfect example of Mexican food in London.
The menu features items like Mole Verde (£18.50) with chicken or pork in a traditional green mole sauce made with chillies, green tomatillo salsa, romaine lettuce, epazote, and pumpkin seeds. The Cancun Enchiladas (pork or chicken £18.50, veg £16) include two rolled corn tortillas stuffed with fillings in a traditional Mayan salsa made with achiote and orange juice, topped with tomatoes and marinated red onion. For a heartier option, the Filete Arriero (£31) offers three beef medallions on a tower of sautéed potatoes, wrapped in steamed vegetables with a sauce of chopped garlic, onion, green chillies, and chilli guajillo.
A Heaving Evening at the Bar
On a busy Thursday evening, the restaurant was packed with families, after-work crowds, and couples enjoying a soirée. A waiter escorted the reviewer and a friend to the bar, where they ordered a bottle of Pacifico lager and the Cancun Enchiladas. The dish was highly satisfying, with juicy shredded pork and the red tartness of the Mayan salsa sauce, its orange-imbued achiote spice delivering a zingy kick.
While seated at the bar, the reviewer and friend were treated to a cocktail-making workshop and free Margaritas, a winning sales technique. The food is fiery, the walls are blood-red, and the faint sounds of brass horns and mariachi trumpets evoke dining al-fresco outside the Templo Mayor.
An Unmissable Experience
The party atmosphere at Mestizo lends itself naturally to visitors, making it an absolute must for anyone with a penchant for salsa, tacos, enchiladas, and the odd sombrero. The restaurant is situated on Hampstead Road, a short walk from Euston Station.
