This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Thank you to our newest and youngest guest reviewer, Annabel’s daughter, for reviewing Mezcalito – a fun new Mexican restaurant in Chelsea, London.
I was delighted to be asked to go and try the food (and drinks!) at Chelsea’s newest restaurant, Mezcalito. Situated on Sydney Street, right next door to Chelsea Farmer’s Market, it was in a great spot.
THE DECOR
I have always loved Mexican food so was excited to be going to Mezcalito. As soon as I walked in I knew I was in for a treat. The restaurant had the coolest vibe; the walls were white planks painted with brightly coloured cactuses. The seating was all low stools and benches upholstered in various Aztec prints, with clashing cushions to lean back on. However the best detail of all (in my opinion) was the mini terrariums on the tables inside upside down lightbulbs. This is something I had never seen before. As a party planner I am constantly on the lookout for great new décor ideas. This is certainly one I will be remembering.
Having been to Mexico myself, just over 2 years ago, this place certainly felt authentic to me. It is not a cheap imitation of what someone would imagine a Mexican beach restaurant would look like.
THE DRINKS
As soon as we sat down we were shown the cocktail menu which is 2-for-1 between 5pm and 8pm FYI!! Had it not been a Tuesday I probably would have ordered one of each as they all sounded so delicious. But it was a Tuesday and I had a big day at work the next day.
We opted for the “Rumba in Chelsea” which was Kraken spiced rum, homemade blackberry shrub, citrus and cranberry juice. Rum is tipped to be the new spirit this season. It is meant to be taking over from all the gins that have been appearing everywhere. This cocktail was absolutely delicious. I will definitely be trying to replicate it at home. Even if I manage to make it taste alright, it definitely won’t look as good as the one I was served!
The other drink we went for was the Palomita. This was served in a Jose Cuervo can. It is a refreshing blend of Tequila, grapefruit, soda and lime with a salt rim. I normally am not a tequila drinker. However this taught me that if you mix Tequila with some grapefruit and lime then apparently I am. They both looked fab and tasted even better. I can’t wait to go back to sample the others.
THE FOOD
Now onto the food. We were first given a Mexican favourite – Guacamole with tortilla chips, it had a lot of the usual ingredients; tomato, coriander lime etc, but what made this one stand out was the very thin slices of pomegranate. I have to say that in all my years of eating guacamole I have never had it with pomegranate. It is the perfect combination of spice together with the creaminess of the avocado and so tasty.
Without even realising it we were there on “Taco Tuesday” which meant that any trio of tacos we ordered were only £7 as opposed to the normal £10 – £12. So we went big and ordered the Chicken Tinga Tacos with red onions & sour cream. Tacos “Al Pastor” – marinated, juicy, pork garnished with onion, coriander & pineapple. Then, in a nod to trying to eat more meat-free options, the Tropical Tacos – mango, pineapple, avocado, red cabbage, carrots, pickles, and coriander. And, just in case we had a little bit of extra room, we added on a cheese quesadilla, and I am glad we did. I am always of the opinion that you can never have too much cheese. Deliciously simple accompanied with a spicy sauce.
Unfortunately we were so full from our huge array of tacos that we had absolutely no room left to try a dessert, not even a churros, or even more appealing the “Moctezuma Brownies”. Luckily this just means we will have to go back again!
With a large outdoor seating space with its own bar, a former Ibiza DJ spinning on Friday and Saturday nights, and a bottomless brunch on the weekends it seems like I will be frequenting Mezcalito often and I suggest you do too!
For more information on Mezcalito click HERE.