Chelsea’s culinary landscape has undeniably broadened with a more diverse selection of international authentic dishes, yet the SW3 area has faced a long-standing deficiency of genuine Mexican fare. For far too long, diners have had to make do with options that feel more like a cafeteria assembly, serving up rubbery cheese and pale versions of ‘guacamole’.
Fortunately, Chelsea now features an exceptional Mexican eatery, aptly named Mezcalito. The venue stays true to its name, placing equal importance on sampling a variety of Mezcal and Tequila alongside enjoying traditional Mexican cuisine. Co-founder Oliver Castilla-Tristan, a noted expert on Tequila and Mezcal, gained recognition as a leading authority on these spirits in the UK after an eight-year stint as the London Prestige Account Manager for Proximo Spirits before launching his own establishment in 2022. Upon arrival, one might briefly feel as if they’ve landed in a lively Cabo club rather than Chelsea, a sentiment shared by my companion Clem and me during a vibrant Wednesday night in May. After a brief wait, a courteous doorman verifies our reservation and leads us through a lively bar into an intimate dining space adorned with sombreros and delicate fairy lights, culminating in a charming garden patio featuring bamboo and rattan tables. The atmosphere hums with the vibrancy of chic patrons, accompanied by an upbeat yet unobtrusive soundtrack.
We request a selection of drinks from an extensive beverage menu, ordering a Jalisco for Clem and an Acapulco for myself. The Jalisco arrives in a beautifully hand-painted terracotta mug, offering a crisp and zesty lemon flavor with no bitterness. My Acapulco, Mezcalito’s unique take on the classic pina colada, delivers a delightful balance of tropical fruitiness and richness, instantly transporting me to the sun-kissed beaches of Tulum.
The dining options are concise yet enticing, conveniently organized into distinct categories. From the Botanas & Antijitos, we start our meal with esquite— a colorful street corn salad accompanied by chipotle mayo, zesty chili powder, and parmesan—along with nachos and guacamole adorned with chicharron. For our main course, we choose Enchiladas from the Platos Fuertes section, while the Tacos section features Camaron, which showcases succulent king prawns enlivened with chipotle, garlic, and spices. To share, we indulge in hearty veggie tacos nestled in soft, pillowy tortillas, complemented by the tangy and subtly sweet salsa verde, and a decadently cheesy quesadilla from the Quesadilla section. Even as we feel full, we heed our server’s recommendation and opt for churros con dulche de leche from the Postres menu. This proves to be a wise decision as the churros arrive warm, crispy, and irresistibly indulgent.
At Mezcalito, Tequila is cherished rather than merely serving as a vehicle for the wild partying typical of dance clubs. The offerings of this spirit, along with its more refined counterpart Mezcal, are extensive and thoughtfully organized by type and origin, guiding enthusiasts directly to their preferred varietals.
Mezcalito blends culinary artistry with celebration: simply enjoy a few Mezcals, order a generous portion of nachos, and immerse yourself in the illusion of a vibrant spring break along Mexico’s warm, citrus-scented shores, surrounded by close friends.
Each week, Mezcalito Chelsea organizes an array of exciting events, including Taco Tuesdays, where tacos are priced at a special £8 throughout the evening, alongside 2-for-1 frozen margaritas. On Wednesdays, guests are treated to the lively sounds of a Mariachi band, and Saturdays kick off at 8pm with a DJ set to enliven the atmosphere.
Over the weekends, from 12pm to 4:30pm, guests can partake in Mezcalito’s Tulum Bottomless Brunch, which features two courses paired with 90 minutes of unlimited frozen margaritas, prosecco, and corona for £55. The brunch menu includes tempting options such as Taquitos Dorados and Equite or Hosomaki for starters, followed by main choices like Tacos or Quesadillas, and ending on a sweet note with crisp Churros or Chocoflan Impossible Cake for dessert. Guests may also choose to add Whispering Angel for an additional £10.
Furthermore, Mezcalito Chelsea offers a selection of cigars imported from Cuba through Hunters and Frankau, the UK’s premier purveyor and distributor of Habanos, featuring the English Market Selection seal that signifies the quality of superior Cuban tobacco.
Image Source: MezcalitoChelsea.com
