Mestizo markets itself as an authentic Mexican restaurant, although the name itself relates to the fusion of Spanish & Mexican cultures, which I found a little incongruous. The high ceilings, ochre walls with a backlit stained-glass window of what looked like the figures from a totem pole gave a look of modernity but with an authentic feel, although the TV next to the bar looked very out of place.

Once seated, my companion and I were left to our own devices for about 10 minutes, with not even a menu to look at, which I thought was quite a poor start to the service, especially as the place was not even half full. When we did get the menus and the waitress returned to take our drinks order, a bit of a comedy moment ensued as I tried to order one of the many tequilas on offer. I selected a cheap-ish reposado, to which I was asked if I wanted a single or double. I then queried whether the prices on the menu were for single shots or double shots, to which I was informed ‘single’. I then asked for a double, only to be told that they only served single portions as all the measures were doubles already! Confused, I thought I was in ‘Rain Man’ for a minute or two!

The food menu was certainly authentic Mexican, with not a fajita to be seen (or heard for that matter) and I went for the Flautas (crispy fried tortillas filled with chicken and served with sour cream and green tomatillo salsa), whilst the Quesadillas were ordered on the other side of the table (assortment of pastries filled with cheese, potato, chicken or beef). The Flautas weren’t bad at all and I especially liked the tomatillo salsa, which was chunky with a nice sour edge to it.  The taste of the shredded beef Quesadilla I had was also good, although I would have preferred it to be a little spicier.

I went for the classic Chicken breast Mole (Molay) Poblano, which I have made at home a couple of times in the past and has the intriguing combination of chocolate with chilli, plus a number of other spices. The sauce was very good indeed, the slight chocolate taste giving way to a smokey flavour, after which the chillies and other spices kicked in. Very good indeed, although the chicken breast was a little on the dry side. Mr S. selected the chicken enchiladas, which I thought were excellent. Both dishes were served with refried beans and rice and I did like the fact that they brought a couple of tortillas to have with the meal at no extra cost (I guess I’m too used to the shoddy tex-mex places who charge through the nose if you ever want extra tortillas with your fajitas!).   

The two of us were quite full after our mains, so decided to give the desserts a miss, although the five dishes on option weren’t the most alluring (flan being one option and cheese & coconut cake another). 

I did like Mestizo and with very reasonably priced dishes (a fiver for most starters and £12 for each of our mains) I think it’s a must over any of the tex-mex places I have been to in London. I did get the feeling, though, that they hadn’t quite hit top gear in terms of the service or the food, and by raising their game a little, could make Mestizo a great place to go, rather than just a good one. It is a restaurant I will go back to, not least to test out some more of the many tequilas on offer!