Marvellous Mexican food is hard to come by in London, but the situation is better than it was. Thomasina Miers got us moving in the right direction with Wahaca (though I think it’s time we all grew up and started spelling it properly), and street food traders such as Breddos (now permanent) and Luardos have raised the bar in recent years. Santo Remedio‘s husband and wife team Edson and Natalie did a three year stretch on the street food, pop up and supperclub circuit before opening their colourful taqueria in Shoreditch to rave reviews in 2016. Giles Coren, Grace Dent and Thomas Parker Bowles all dished out 4 stars and kind words, and I’m not going to argue with them. From the signature guacamole (with optional grasshoppers) to the decadent dulce de leche dipped churros, there wasn’t a wasted mouthful all night when I first visited.
Unfortunately, for reasons beyond their control, they had to close the Shoreditch site only a few months after opening, and spent the next year or so looking for alternative options whilst making guest appearances in other kitchens to keep the name alive. But thankfully, after raising £40,000+ in an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign, they have relocated and reopened on Tooley Street near London Bridge. It’s an exciting site, set over two floors (though currently just the ground floor is open), and they take reservations – huzzah!
The printed menu of tacos and a few sides is fairly short as it was before, which encourages you to look towards the daily specials. I’m talking octopus tostadas, lamb chops, and soft shell crab tacos here. Yes please. Be warned though, the specials do run out so you might want to schedule in a lunch time visit. As they say, “Al que madruga Dios lo ayudo.” The permanent tacos aren’t to be over looked though – we particularly enjoyed the grilled cactus and beef barbecoa trios on our most recent visit. And then there’s the elote – juicy, grilled corn on the cob, covered with spicy mayo, butter, lime and Pecorino cheese. Basically, it’s all great, especially when washed down with margaritas and Mexican beers (though not Negra Modelo which is bizarrely no longer available in the UK!). Book ahead, round up some tequila-tolerant friends, and enjoy.
Santo Remedio – www.santoremedio.co.uk
152 Tooley St, SE1 2TU
