Mestizo

Smarter than most Mexican joints in the capital, Mestizo is trying to do something a bit different. Taking its name from the mixed-race descendants of the conquistadores, it offers a fusion of Mexican & Spanish flavours: begin by ordering some street food for the table (beef empanadas or deep-fried tortillas stuffed with spicy fish), before investigating regional specialities such as mole huasteco (a grilled chicken dish from Hidalgo served with a spicy chocolate sauce) or piña rellena de mariscos (a scooped-out pineapple filled with seafood & a spicy coriander dressing). There’s also a huge selection of tortillas, burritos & chimichangas at very friendly prices. Ignore the traffic roaring by on busy Hampstead Road & surrender to the brain-teasing temptations of myriad Tequilas & Tequila-based cocktails.