Mexican Food in London

London's Mexican food scene has improved significantly over the past decade — moving well beyond the generic Tex-Mex that once dominated to genuinely authentic taquerias and regional Mexican cooking.

What to Look For

Proper corn tortillas (not flour), a focus on tacos over burritos (burritos are more of an American-Mexican format than a traditional Mexican one), and a kitchen that makes its own salsas rather than buying them in. Al pastor (marinated pork, traditionally spit-roasted), carnitas and barbacoa are the benchmark fillings to judge a kitchen by.

Where to Go

Several markets and food hall concepts across London (Borough Market, Kerb events, various street food markets) have strong Mexican stalls that are often better value than sit-down restaurants. Dedicated taquerias have grown across Shoreditch, Soho and South London in recent years — quality varies, so checking recent reviews matters more than for more established cuisines.

Tips

• Order tacos, not burritos, to properly judge a Mexican kitchen.
• Street food markets often have the best value Mexican food in London.
• Al pastor is the dish to order first — it reveals whether the kitchen takes the marinade seriously.

The Mercado Metropolitano Connection

Several serious Mexican vendors operate stalls within London's larger food halls, offering lower overheads than a standalone restaurant — often where the more experimental, chef-driven Mexican cooking in London actually happens rather than in traditional restaurant formats.

Mezcal Bars

A small but growing number of London bars specialise in mezcal and agave spirits alongside their food menus — worth seeking out if you're interested in Mexican drinking culture beyond the standard margarita.

Tips

• Food halls often host the most interesting, chef-led Mexican cooking in London.
• Look for dedicated mezcal bars if you want to go beyond standard margarita-focused Mexican restaurants.