There are certain films I’ll always remember watching with my son as he was growing up. Disney Pixar’s Cars viewings are probably in the triple figures, and the Spy Kids franchise (I’ve lost count of how many there are!) made regular appearances on our TV. I was happy about this simply because of Antonio Banderas, while my son was obsessed with Danny Trejo’s character, Machete. So, when we hear that his famous LA restaurant, Trejo’s Tacos, is opening a London branch, and it’s a five-minute walk from where we live, we can’t wait to book a table.
Offering a menu featuring a variety of tacos, burritos, bowls, and other Mexican-inspired dishes, Trejo’s Tacos is known for its flavourful and creative take on traditional Mexican cuisine, often incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the restaurant prides itself on its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting Trejo’s commitment to community and his passion for sharing delicious food with others. Trejo has built a prolific film career primarily in action and crime genres, often playing tough characters. He gained recognition for roles in “Runaway Train” and as “Machete” in Robert Rodriguez’s films, and on walking into the new restaurant, huge and very cool murals depicting these roles dominate the walls.
With a long bar with high stools by the entrance (the perfect place to sip on a margarita and to people watch) the restaurant has cosy banquette seating, leather chairs and low warm lighting. We settle in and I order a Pineapple Picante cocktail; pineapple infused El Rayo Bianco tequila with lime and honey, it’s spicy and salty and drunk oh too quickly. I move on to wine after this as can tell I need to come back with someone other than my son to work our way through the cocktail list, especially the frozen margaritas, as the summer approaches.
The menu is small, which I like as I hate being over-faced with too much choice. We tuck into the most deliciously light home-made tortilla chips, liberally dusted in lime and salt, served with chunky guacamole with green chilli and pistachios stirred through to give a bit of bite. Trejo’s Tacos branded hot sauces are on the table for us to help ourselves to, in different degrees of heat, and yes, I can verify that they are ALL hot! Not sure if you can buy these to take away, but what a great stocking-filler they would be for a hot sauce loving film buff. We also order a gooey three cheese quesadilla which is perfect for dipping in the sauces.
Great excitement ensues as the tacos come out; Carnitas (slow-cooked pork, pineapple and red onion) and Steak Asada; marinated beef with coleslaw hit the meat quota perfectly. O.G Beer Battered Cod feels like a nod to Trejo’s new British location, and it is perfectly crispy batter packed with tender cod. Along with chicken and vegetarian options, as well as a selection of burritos, and a kids’ menu, there is something to please even the pickiest eater. Everything tastes super fresh and the service is friendly and attentive. We go on a Tuesday night and it’s busy and buzzy, which bodes very well for the future. With a downstairs lounge bar opening too, for drinks and music, it’s definitely going to be a destination restaurant for locals and tourists alike. I might even need to give Spy Kids another watch now, for nostalgia’s sake.
