Eat & Drink
Originally published on Thursday, 8th May 2008
Santo
Having only been open for a couple of weeks, and managing to keep very quiet about the fact, this contemporary cantina is already a bit of a hit with West London locals.
There's been a wave (pun intended) of Mexican cafes opening over the last year or so - Taqueria, Wahaca, etc - some more authentic than others, but this one seems to have just the right vibe.
There are no pinatas or sombreros hanging from the ceiling, one of the owners is called Carlos de la Cruz - which has to be one of the coolest names ever - and they don't bang on about street food as almost every new ethnic restaurant that opens seems to these days, they just do good Mexican food with a few modern twists.
There are the classic quesadillas and burritos for lunch and in the evening it gets a bit more 'fine dining', with lemon sole ceviche and whole chargrilled fish of the day, served with chili guajillo (a type of salsa) and garlic mayo.
But it's the breakfasts we're most tempted by, like the burrito of scrambled eggs, refried beans and chilorio (chili pork).
Now, would it be wrong to order a margherita before midday?
Hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-11pm • Fri 11am-1am • Sat 9am-1am • Sun 9am-10.30pm
Place: 299 Portobello Road, W10 5TD
Cost: £35
Web: santovillage.com
Book: 020 8968 4590