Why is there no good quality Mexican food in London - similar to Nando's?

Question

I ate at chipotle.com in the US last week and it was so nice!! But we don't have anything like it in the UK - do you think it would work here?

Answer 1

There's Desperados in Upper Street N1 - I've eaten there a couple of times and its OK. More authentic Mexican rather than Tex-Mex at Mestizos on Hampstead Rd near Euston. Recently ate at Las Iguanas on the South bank which is more pan-South American but we enjoyed our meal there.

Answer 2

There used to be a Mexican restaurant in Swallow Lane Piccadilly called Down Mexico Way - loved it! They had a bar on the top floor and then you could watch Brazil play in the world cup or the South America cup.

I too would recommend Cafe pacifico. I think Tex Mex would go down a storm in London - go for it, set it up. And if it's really good then I'd definitely eat there!

PS: Do you think Nando's is great? I would go to a Jerk Chicken centre anytime - the food it better! But Nando's generally has a better ambience.

Answer 3

Nando's decent? You're having a laugh aren't you?

I've noticed the same though I love mexican food but can't find a good place near where I liver

Answer 4

Nandos is "a taste of Portugal" via South Africa anyway.

Answer 5

WHAT?

good mexican food?

Answer 6

For good Mexican food in London try La Perla: http://www.cafepacifico-laperla.com/ or Texas Embassy Cantina: http://www.texasembassy.com/

Answer 7

There is a REALLY amazing Mexican on Church Street in Stoke Newington called Mercado, it does the most amazing slow roast pork in a mango chilli sauce. the decor is a bit homelier than the likes of nandos, as it is a small restaurant, but it is soooo tasty.

Answer 8

Interestingly as well, one of the American fast food concepts that never really reached the European shores is Taco Bell (owned by Pizza Hut/KFC) - perhaps they would have some consumer research detailing why the Europeans don;t like Mexican food.

Given the ingredients and the spicy sauces, you would have thought the cuisine would do quite well (look at kebabs, for example - it is a late night food staple all over Europe).

Interesting idea - perhaps an idea worth exploring

Answer 9

Isn't Nando's portuguese?

Answer 10

You must have spotted a gap in the market. Why not have a go at setting up a Mexican restaurant yourself?

Answer 11

i love Mexican food,there is one in whiteleys shopping centre the food is really good.  but we want more Mexican restaurants in London plz. lol

Answer 12

Nando's is great - I love the place, but I wouldn't exactly call it good quality... it almost borders on fast food status... but still tasty !!

How about something like Chiquitos (not sure about the spelling)... I am sure they are around in London... that is quite decent mexican food.... Taco Bell is ok, but not really mexican i guess......