I think London's Mexican offerings are mediocre because we always miss out a vital element, even despite places sourcing the best quality meat and veg -and that's heat. That's often left for the diner to add their own levels after, usually via tabasco or a mass produced dip. It all looks very nice, but lacks punch. Don't think I've every had a really good or authentic Mexican -I wouldn't know, because hey, not enough Mexicans.
There was one taqueira in Brixton I used to go to, run by Mexicans, famed for over 100 ingredients. But once again -no flipping heat, and now gone. It was trendy but the low prices with high demand / high sourcing, made it utterly unsustainable for a small place.
Another one with rave reviews is Santo Remedio (notably it had an ant eggs option I think), run by a Mexico City couple and on its fourth branch - affordable and priding itself on authenticity. KOL is a Michelin starred one but I'd need to be rich to go there and unfortunately can only press my nose on the glass and watch.
I had Mexican in NYC and that was lovely (prawn thing in purple taco), though not like, a world away from London. But then I likely missed out on the 670 million restaurants that did more variety then our usual taco, burrito, wraps.
The chains are Wahaca (yes, it's meant to be Oaxaca) started by a Masterchef winner, Las Iguanas (eww), Chilango (neon-soaked, 'gourmet' burritos), and Chipotle (mehhh). Taco Bell opened in pandemic, and Zambrero is popping up everywhere, a chain doing build-your-own burritos.
Beware - promotional marketing pics:
Wahaca, absolutely everywhere:
Santo Remedio -this would be your best bet
KOL, for the yacht-owning classes, and not your typical Mexican
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But by far the biggest offering to your average Brit are these -supermarket wraps or burrito bowls with 'Mexican Style' crap. As limp as a bizkit, dreamt up by a marketing manager named Shirlee, and made by a chef called Unit 67-5CA.
