If you???ve travelled through Mexico or simply dreamed of it while sipping a margarita in the sun – El Pastor Soho is about as close as you???ll get to the real thing without boarding a plane. Tucked inside a beautifully restored building inspired by the faded grandeur of colonial Mexico City, this vibrant taqueria blends authentic street food flavours with cool cocktails, fresh tortillas, and a laid-back buzz that makes it a go-to spot all year round, but especially in summer.
Step inside and you???re greeted with terracotta-toned walls, lush greenery, and large ceiling fans gently whirring to cool you down – an instant escape to somewhere far more tropical than central London. Nab a window seat if you can???the people-watching here is top-tier and adds to the relaxed, sociable vibe.
El Pastor???s drinks list is no afterthought. In fact, it???s one of the highlights. There are??twelve??variations of margaritas alone and when it???s a hot day in London, the frozen strawberry and basil margarita is the only answer. Tequila and mezcal lovers are spoilt for choice, with a carefully curated selection spanning everything from a smoky Mezcal Sour to a tequila-based Old Fashioned. The Paloma is another crowd-pleaser – fresh, citrusy and seriously drinkable. There???s even a non-alcoholic version called the ???Holy Paloma??? for those who want all the flavour without the addition of alcohol.
Food-wise, El Pastor delivers on every level. The star of the show has to be the Al Pastor Tacos; 24-hour marinated pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, and a trio of house salsas all tucked into warm, corn tortillas made fresh daily in-house. The tortillas are worth a shout-out on their own. Made from heirloom Mexican maize sourced via Tamoa – an initiative protecting corn biodiversity; they???re soft, flavourful, and a perfect canvas for the bold fillings.
Seafood fans will love the??Prawn & Burnt Jalape??o Aguachile, a ceviche-style dish that???s light, punchy, and ideal for summer. For something with a bit more bite, the??Chicken Tinga Tostada??brings chipotle and cumin-marinated chicken together with crisp lettuce, salsa verde, sour cream, and queso fresco – a flavour-packed mouthful that delivers on crunch and heat.
No meal here is complete without dessert, specifically, the??Tortillas y Dulce de Leche: crispy wheat tortilla strips dusted with cinnamon and served with rich, sticky dulce de leche. It???s indulgent, but not too heavy – the kind of dish you plan to share, then don???t. There???s also a rotating selection of ice creams, with Mexican flavours like roasted corn and lime sorbet offering the perfect cool-down.
And if you???re not ready to call it a night? Head downstairs to Mezcaler??a Colmillo, the hidden bar beneath El Pastor. Pouring rare mezcals and cocktails late into the night, it???s a sultry, candle-lit spot perfect for post-dinner drinks or an impromptu nightcap.
Whether you???re taco-obsessed or just taco-curious, El Pastor Soho nails the vibe ??? casual, cool, and full of flavour. Come for the tacos, stay for the tequila. Or vice versa.
El Pastor Soho??, 66-70 Brewer St, London W1F 9UP
