Alongside the energetic pulse of London’s city, Zapote is Shoreditch’s vibrant sanctuary dedicated to the art of Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. For diners eager to dive into a menu that reinvents traditional Mexican flavours and adds an innovative flare, Zapote has perfectly carved a niche for itself. Each dish is a meticulously curated blend of taste, texture, and visual appeal, promising an immersive experience that has guests coming back time and time again.
The contemporary design of Zapote doesn’t conflict with the traditional Mexican elements, but seamlessly fuses the conventional with the modern gastronomical drive of the capital. The cocktail menu, a bold celebration of tequila and mezcal, sets the stage for what’s to come. The signature Zapote cocktail, with its sophisticated mix of tequila, mezcal, orgeat, and lemon, epitomises the restaurant’s commitment to Mexican export. Or the classic, a spice rimmed margarita offers a zesty prelude to the feast.
Each plate at Zapote is an expression of meticulous design, carefully composed to delight the eye and intrigue the palate with fresh Mexican ingredients and a London cosmopolitan twist. The roasted guinea fowl, on a bed of Mexican pepperleaf and a complex peanut mole, exemplifies the kitchen’s prowess in balancing intricate flavours. The grilled octopus, a masterful work of art on a plate that not only looks exquisite, but answers the question of how to perfectly cook the dish. The yellowfin tuna and spicy crab tostada is a vibrant symphony of freshness and spice, while the coal roasted secreto al pastor skewers, accompanied by creamy guacamole and vibrant salsa roja, echo the soul of Mexican street food with a refined touch.
Meat aside, the smoked aubergine with oyster mushroom and tamarind stands out, offering a smoky depth that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying. Desserts, too, are not mere afterthoughts but crowning jewels of the meal, with the Chocolate banana and coffee delice, and the Black sesame doughnut with Seville orange marmalade, rounding off the experience with a flourish of sweetness and sophistication.
Zapote celebrates the essence of Mexican culinary heritage while embracing the possibilities of contemporary innovation. A real star of a restaurant in the centre of the city that will be a failsafe recommendation for all party types for a long time to come. A voyage into the spirit of Mexico that doesn’t require you to leave the city’s bright lights. A taste of authenticity blended with a dash of modernity.
