From ceviche to maki, Los Mochis proves it knows how to balance flavour and fun.
Throw in beautifully braided jute ropes, dark wood, aji amarillo, ceviche, piscos and Aztec touch and you have Los Mochis.
There are two of these vibrant spots the original in Notting Hill Gate and the new addition in the City, right next to the Elizabeth Line entrance.
Both carry their own unique vibe but very similar menu. We go to the latter, located at the 9th floor it offers panoramic views over London including St Paul’s Cathedral.
Definitely a spot to vow a date, a London visitor or a colleague. On the menu Los Mochis identifies as Mexican Japanese. So you’ll find all the usual suspects such as yuzu, tiraditos, fusion tacos and their signature crispy topped rice.
The menu is long and varied even the picker of the pickiest will be pleased. But broad variety doesn’t mean attention to detail is lost, we have no complains and the flavours feel authentic.
It seems each dish is made with attention to detail, unique no repetitions on the sauces and fresh.
If it’s your first time Signature menu is the way to go, saves all the hassle deciding what to pick as it combines a bit of everything.
We start with probably the most traditional dip guacamole and freshly made corn chips. The tortillas are a thicker cut with a spiced coriander and tomato seasoning, so good I can actually eat them without the avocado.
Next is the popular fried rice, the it-dish popping up in many London restaurants, shaped almost like a nigiri sushi the rice is fried to golden crisp coating while inside remains sticky sushi texture.
Ours comes topped with pulled duck, echoing a bit of Peking notes, a great starter with different textures under one roof.
The Signature menu is generous, £105 gets you 9 dishes, most come in pairs and some are shared such as seabass ceviche. Infused with shiso-truffle soy, shallots and mint cress for a light refreshing hint.
Overly tart ceviches aren’t usually to my taste. This preparation however, leans bright without being overwhelming.
For drinks although there is a decent wine list, Los Mochis is a cocktail destination with a standalone selection of margaritas, palomas and the classics.
Mexican dishes go well with mescal based margaritas, so the choice of The Lost Explorer comes naturally. It’s a classic mix of Mezcal EspadÍn, lime, Cointreau and a salt rim, shaken and served straight.
A balanced, well chilled and not too alkaline, I sometimes find bartenders go too heavy on the salt and lime leaving margarita on the saline edge.
While my guest orders his usual strong from Seasonal Old Fashioned Toasted Corn, with a generous splash of Macallan 12 and Michter’s Bourbon.
It’s has the familiar strong old fashioned base melded with corn notes from Nixta Corn Licor and an almost dessert like toasted coconut undertone.
Tulum meets Tokyo is the slogan of Los Mochis so sushi and sashimis play an important role on the menu too. Our preselected menu includes a cucumber, coriander and avocado maki.
Normally I’m not one to order a vegetarian sushi but this is an eye opener, refreshing avo and cucumber make for a great partnership of crunchy and creamy mix while the jalapeños salsa verde is a bright acidity flicker of heat. It’s a playful spa day rolled into a sushi.
But our most memorable dish is tacos, meet grass fed sesame soy steak Yakiniku taco. It’s all the flavours a little spicy from the chilli, honey sweet, aromatic ginger and roasted notes of the sesame.
Fully loaded tender umami steak cuts topping crunchy shredded cabbage. I can come back just for these tacos alone but order 2 for myself next time.
For the grand finale we share naturally very purple ube panna cotta. My eyes are glued to how beautifully purple it is.
It’s the familiar creamy rich panna cotta but with a very subtle twist of the purple sweet potato.
I’m a fan of this Pilipino morning glory plant but if you aren’t this is probably not a dessert for you. Although it could be a good beginners introduction to ube being quite mild here.
A must try drink before departure is Sgroppino Tequilino, Los Mochis’ take on the Venetian classic.
A fresh 21 house-made lemon sorbet is mixed with a choice of Patron Tequila, prosecco and fresh lime. For a theatrical experience it’s prepared at the table on the bar trolly.
It’s refreshing yet boozy, a perfect slushy or even a dessert if you want to skip sweet solids. We enjoyed it while admiring St Pauls.
All told, Los Mochis hit the right notes for me, a place I’d happily point friends toward.
Los Mochis, 100 Liverpool St, London EC2M 2AT