Mestizo (Mexican)
Mestizo has long been a landmark for real Mexican cooking in London, the kind of place Mexicans recommend before anywhere else. The menu covers everything Mexican from their tasty taco tray to their Mexican Tapas without straying from authenticity. Their margarita bar is also one of the strongest in the city with their curated tequila and mezcal menu. If you want to go to a Mexican-owned restaurant and eat Mexican food made the way it should be, this is where you go.
Where: 103 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EL, London
El Rancho de Lalo - (Colombian)
El Rancho de Lalo is the kind of Latin spot people talk about long before they take you there, because their food tastes like it came straight from a Colombian home kitchen! Their Bandeja Paisa is the dish everyone mentions as it’s one of the best in South London. You’ll also find the best sancocho and cazuelas here, and the rule of thumb is that everything here is insanely delicious. With plates that arrive full and hearty, if you want Colombian food done properly this is the place to go. If you come from abroad and want a slice of home, you need to visit at least once.
Where:1 Buckner Rd, Brixton Hill, London SW2 5BY
Tierra Peru (Peruvian)
Tierra Peru has been a steady favourite for Peruvian food in London. The menu stays close to the dishes people know from home, with anticuchos, causa, ceviches and slow-cooked stews all prepared the authentic Peruvian way. The flavours are bright and balanced with ají, and its one of the places we find their Lomo Saltado to be consistently good. It makes it obvious why the restaurant continues to climb the ranks! If you find yourself ever craving Peruvian classics, Tierra Peru is one of the easiest places we recommend to satisfy the urge.
Where: 164 Essex Rd, London N1 8LY
La Patagonia (Argentine)
The abundant Argentine paraphernalia adorning exposed brickwork give the feel of an authentic bodegón, particularly the many black and white photos provided by owner Noah’s illustrious Argentine ancestry, which include right-wing Presidents, Marxist intellectuals and Patagonian explorers. Culinary offerings range from classic dishes from Italian-Argentine cuisine such as fresh handmade pastas and milanesas (breaded escalopes) as well as classic parrilla. Monthly live tango nights add to the atmospheric independent abode.
Where: 31 Camden High St, London NW1 7JE
Paladar (Fusion)
If you love Latin food but can’t enjoy most of it because you are gluten intolerant or coeliac, then this is the place for you! Their dishes are 100 percent gluten free and built around the fresh ingredients and distinctive flavours found across Latin America. They also have four different dining areas, but I would recommend sitting in their beautiful Courtyard Garden as you eat! The outdoor heaters also keep it cozy during Winter.
Where: 4-5 London Rd, London SE1 6JZ
Señor Ceviche -(Peruvian)
Señor Ceviche has some of the best ceviche in London. The clásico and the rainbow trout tiradito have a delicious citrus kick, and the rest of the menu is just as good with plates like pork chicharrones, rocoto corn ribs and Peruvian-style grilled meats. There are great veggie options too, including miso mushrooms and their Jerusalem artichoke ceviche. People also rave about the pisco sours as well, with some saying they’re as good as the ones you find in Barranco!
Where: Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Made in Brasil (Brazilian)
Made in Brasil has been bringing Brazilian cooking to Camden for an incredible two decades! Their menu covers classics like coxinhas, pastéis, bolinho de bacalhau and pão de queijo, all made the way you find them in a proper boteco. Their Caipirinhas are also a standout, mixed with fresh lime and cachaça and offered in several flavours, which is why many regulars call it the Caipirinha house of Camden. With their Copacabana-style bar downstairs, it’s an easy place to recommend if you want solid Brazilian food and a good night out.
Arepa & Co (Venezuelan)
Arepa & Co is home to one of the best Venezuelan comfort food spots in London. True to the name, the arepas are the main star here, stuffed generously and cooked with the best fillings like the classic Pabellon. Around them, you can also find more options like their mouthwatering tequeños and avocado tostones that speak to anyone who grew up eating Venezuelan food. With now four different locations, make sure to try out the one closest to you!
Where: 8 Ash Avenue, Elephant Park, London SE17 1GQ
Chimichurris (Argentine)
Nestled in the backstreets of Southwark, Chimichurris is the joint culinary venture of Nicolas Modad and Federico Fugazza who had been serving up juicy steaks in London for years before opening the restaurant. Nicolas was the Head Chef at Brindisa Spanish restaurant for five years while Federico is the founder of Porteña (Argentine Street Food & Products) which has been serving empanadas at Borough Market since 2007. Lamb is one of Head Chef Nico’s specialities, while the Parrillada “El Clásico” is a mixed grill that is perfect for sharing.
Where: 132 Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0DG
La Brasa Grill (Fusion)
La Brasa Grill is a go-to restaurant in South London for anyone who loves proper Latin-style grilled food. Their charcoal-grilled meat is a favourite in the area, and it is easy to see why because the portions are generous and the delicious smoky flavour comes through in every bite. The menu leans on the classics, with chicken, steak and ribs cooked in a way that makes you crave it later. The restaurant also has a relaxed feel so you settle in quickly, and they even have live grill shows where you can watch chefs make your steak. If you want straightforward Latin grilling done well, this is an easy choice.
Where: 235 Walworth Rd, London SE17 1RL
If you are not listed here, it could mean we haven’t visited you yet. If this is the case please contact us to let us know about your restaurant and we’ll come and visit!
