Who can resist trying out a restaurant with a name like Mamacita? Not expecting a cantina in the trendy North London neighbourhood of West London to be either authentic or particularly good, I entered the relaxed Frida flavoured and quite simpatico venue with low expectations. Despite the burgeouning of Mexican burrito bars and cantinas in London, good, authentic Mexican food is mournfully scarce in this great cosmopolitan city.
The Margarita was tasty enough, with a nice sweet and sour balance and a great kick, but then if London is going to get anything right in a Mexican restaurant it would be the alcohol.
Then came the guacamole, that classic of Mexican dips which, can be either simple and delicious ye so often bastardized by pubs and supermarkets, and thus a good test of any Mexican restaurant. This particular Guacamole was a HUGE surprise. So often bland or, at worst, slightly rotten, this was one of the best Guacamole's I've had in London - the ingredients absolutely fresh, the taste rich and delicious, the corn chips thick and flavoursome.
A good start. Now for the second test of a Mexican restaurant: the Mole. First of all, any cantina that even offers mole, is atleast showing an attempt to produce Mexican food rather than Tex-Mex. Here they offered it in an chicken enchilada. When it arrived, it did so in a solid dish, not the usual mush, the chicken and mole itself again was delicious and fresh.
We finished off with Churros and chile infused chocolate which was a fantastic end to the meal
Having been on the Mexican Restaurant panel of the Latin UK Awards, I can say I have tasted the best of Mexican food in London, and Mamacita does not fare badly at all. Can't wait to try Mamazota.
You'll find Mamacita at 202 West End Lane, London NW6 1SG 020 3602 0862
