Went here recently for the lunch deal of two beers with a main, only the price was increased to £11.50. Still, it’s a decent value lunch deal and may get a second visit from me. I had the Alambre Tepoztlan, a “spicy casserole” of steak, pancetta, onions, and cheese, that sounded fab but was just ok. Not only was it not at all spectacular, and too tomato-ey, but it also came with an overly thick layer of mozzarella cheese (authentic? i think not) that screamed coronary bypass before age 30.

I wouldn’t call the place in-authentic straight out, but I do have to disagree with previous reviews. To me, Cafe Pacifico is much more authentically Tex-Mex than authentically Mexican. That said, the decor very much looked the part. The wooden furniture and colourful stuff on the walls was what you’d expect a casual and popular Mexican(ish) food joint to look like, and would probably be fun for after work drinks.

Cafe Pacifico is the best and most authentic Mexican Restaurant I’ve been to in London so far. Don’t fall for those other cheap chains with inticing 2 for 1’s or the tex-mex wannabies that pop up every now and then. Chimichangas are always a winner, burritos, enchilladas and quesadillas are all awesome, guacamole is top notch… be naughty and try a sopapilla for desert. They also serve tex-mex incarnations, such as nacho cheese platters, which I’ve tried but not really enjoyed. Although their homemade salsa is very nice.

As for drinks, Mexican beer is so underrated… and No! Corona is NOT a Mexican beer!!! Negra Modelo seems to be the drink of choice for most of Pacifico’s patrons, as it was mine, until they brought in Bohemia. I’d only had it once in San Diego a few years ago but my tastebuds have longed for it ever since.

They have a special lunch deal where you can one of the popular mains for about half price at £6 or you can have 2 beers with you main for £10. Otherwise mains will set you back around £9-13 excluding service charge… pocket change for the orgasmic taste you will be rewarding your stomach with. 5/5, I’d give it 6/5 if i could.

Quick summary: the best Mexican food I’ve had in London so far.

As those of you who follow me know, since moving been to London I’ve been in a never ending search for good Mexican food. As the U2 classic goes, I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. But Cafe Pacifico is damn close.

We couldn’t get into the (mediocre) Wahaca so went off in search of alternative Mexican delights. We had heard rumblings of Cafe Pacifico and a quick check of the Qype iPhone app yielded the address and some good reviews. We found it nestled in a relatively quiet street in Covent Garden. As soon as we walked into the place I had high hopes. It FELT like a Mexican restaurant. Like a cheesy, tacky Californian Mexican restaurant that you’d find in Ensenada or something. I have to admit, I got a little emotional.

As far as I’m concerned, restaurants live or die by there ambiance/atmosphere and Cafe Pacifico had nailed it. The place was buzzing with energy, the staff were smiling and having a good time, the walls were covered in nick-nacks and chotchkes that made the place feel like a real Californian Mexican restaurant. And we hadn’t even ordered.

We had to wait about 20 minutes for a table but that wasn’t a problem for two reasons 1) it gave us a chance to check out the bar and 2) it was 50 minutes less than the wait at Wahaca. The barkeep handed us a menu and I was immediately impressed with the Mexican beer selection. The Mexicans do great beer. Negro Modelo, Sol, Mexicali, etc are all fantastic and Cafe Pacifico had at least 8 different Mexican beers.

We quickly got our table and the menu had some impressive treasures. Burritos, Chimichangas, etc were all there. My one piece of advice to Cafe Pacifico would be to ditch the haute cuisine stuff (duck, soy, etc) - you don’t need the foodies, concentrate on your already good Mexican food and you’ll be in great shape. LOVE the fact that they have Eastern Mexican food on the menu as well.

My barometer for any Mexican restaurant is two fold: burritos and refried beans. Cafe Pacifico delivered both with aplomb.

Way to go guys, you’ve now officially been awarded the alexhunter “Best Mexican Food in London” award.

We rocked up at Cafe Pacifico after being told there would be a 45 minute wait at Wahaca (typical). I was really craving some Mexican food and i though the next best bet would be this place. I was intrigued by the mixed reviews of Cafe Pacifico. Some say cruddy service and food, others say great value and one of the best Mexican’s in London. Well, i’d say it falls somewhere between. I actually really enjoyed the food and i think everyone else did too. Delicious Nachos, tasty burritos and a great selection of Mexican beers. You pay about £10 for a main course here, which seemed reasonable to me. This isn’t gourmet mexican and we did have to wait 10 minutes for the bill to come, which is why i am knocking off 1 star. I will definitely come back though.

All in all a good, affordable Mexican meal. Something which is hard to find in London…..