Last Updated on March 3, 2025
Mexican meets Spanish with a view at Decimo
5.0 out of 5.0 starsAt The Standard’s Decimo, the experience begins before you even step inside. The striking red pill elevator, perched on the hotel’s exterior, offers a dramatic, James Bond-esque ascent to the 10th floor – a nod to the restaurant’s name, which means “tenth” in Spanish. As the doors close and we press the button, you’re treated to a rather wonderful panorama of King’s Cross. I’ve always loved spotting familiar landmarks, and right away your eyes are drawn to the grand, red-brick St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, which stands in stark contrast to Google’s sleek, futuristic landscraper.
The swift rise left us feeling slightly bleary-eyed, but as the doors slid open, the anticipation was almost unbearable – we couldn’t wait to see what awaited us.
Inside, the interiors of Decimo are breathtaking. Otherworldly yet welcoming, effortlessly cool while retaining an air of refined sophistication. The space is all earthy burnt oranges and terracotta hues, punctuated by bursts of green from towering cacti and succulents. Even on a characteristically grey, rain-soaked afternoon in London, Decimo radiates a welcoming warmth reminiscent of a lavish Mexican coastal retreat. The kind of hideaway where Hollywood’s finest might steal away for a touch of luxury.
The mood is elevated further by the staff. Impossibly chic and dressed in minimalist beige uniforms that perfectly complement the aesthetic. Don’t be fooled by the air of effortless luxury, though, as there’s an unspoken dress code as the website subtly reminds: “Dress for the occasion,” meaning no flip-flops, shorts or ties.
With Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias at the helm, the cuisine here is a blend of Mexican and Spanish flavours, two of my personal favourites. Designed for sharing, the menu revolves around an open kitchen, where a vast wood-fired grill takes centre stage, infusing dishes with a delicate smoky depth. Or so we were told by our lovely waiter, Marceu, whose enthusiasm for the menu was infectious.
Happily, the menu delivers on its promise. Cohesive and well executed rather than a clumsy collision of two cuisines. If you appreciate a streamlined approach to your food order, the £30pp ‘Menu Del Dia’ is an excellent choice. With just two mains to choose from, plus shareable sides, it is the perfect option if you want to avoid decision fatigue.
But before diving into the food, I urge you to start with a signature Margarita or Paloma. Decimo takes its cocktails seriously, with five variations of the classics. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore their impressive mezcal selection,n which includes an expertly curated tasting flight featuring traditional, small-batch labels.
We kicked things off with two Palomas. A bit of midweek mischief for a Thursday lunch, but that certainly didn’t stop us. From the first sip, it was clear that the bartenders knew their craft. The balance was spot on: the sharp tang of lime cutting through the gentle bitterness of grapefruit, rounded off with just the right touch of sweetness. Refreshing and effortlessly drinkable, it was the kind of cocktail that transports you beach side in Mexico…if only for a moment.
After much deliberation, almost agonising really, we started with the Baja Black Cod and Suckling Pig Carnitas. The cod arrived as a golden, perfectly battered fillet, its crisp shell giving way to silky, tender flesh, simply paired with white cabbage and aioli. Each bite is a satisfying contrast of creamy richness, zesty tang and crunch. The pork, on the other hand, was a glorious, dripping pile of slow-cooked goodness packed with smoky flavours from the grill, sharpened by pickled onions and a punchy jalapeño salsa. Not sure it’s the most elegant dish to tackle on a date,e but even if you’re not falling for your companion, you’ll definitely be falling for the food. We loved them so much we immediately ordered another round – in our defence, they do only come one per portion!
The Tuna Tostada is smooth layers of raw tuna laid atop a crisp tortilla, lifted by a sharp hit of lime, chilli and a whisper of sesame. Then came the Red Sea Bream Aguachile, an absolute showstopper in both presentation and flavour. Thin slices of the freshest bream were bathed in a vibrant, fiery red aguachile. Its citrusy, chilli-laced broth had just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more.
Taking a moment before the mains, my friend opted for an Alhambra beer (on my recommendation) – a refreshingly crisp lager hailing from Granada. I chose a chilled glass of Champagne; its crisp bubbles were the perfect palate cleanser. Because… when in Rome?
We couldn’t help but discuss how, more often than not, when a restaurant has a great view, stylish interiors, attentive service and a buzzing atmosphere, the food can sometimes fall short. But after polishing off our first courses, it was clear – Decimo was different.
For mains, we chose the Lamb Loin and the Blackened Cod. The selection here is incredible, so you can’t go too far wrong. The lamb was cooked and seasoned to perfection, tender with a gentle kiss of smokiness from the grill that enhanced rather than overpowered the dish.
The blackened cod was coated in a citrus-infused sauce that complemented every sliver of fish beautifully. The flesh was meaty yet delicate, pulling apart effortlessly. You could tell this was top-quality produce, masterfully executed.
For sides, we shared the Sweet Potato and Hispi cabbage, both complementing the mains without overshadowing them. I personally loved the cabbage, charred at the edges, giving it a deep, earthy flavour, while the subtle coating of butter added just the right amount of indulgence for a vegetable dish.
The portions at Decimo weren’t huge, but that’s no bad thing. It meant we could sample a variety of dishes without feeling overwhelmed. That said, by the time dessert was offered, we were far too full even to consider it. We still couldn’t resist a cheeky glance at the menu, and the chocolate mousse with olive oil was almost enough to sway us. Definitely one to keep in mind for next time.
A meal at Decimo doesn’t come cheap, and you’ll likely feel it when the bill arrives. But for the quality, atmosphere and overall experience, it’s hard to argue that it isn’t worth it. A special shout-out to Marceu, our incredible waiter who was attentive, effortlessly charming and made the entire experience even more enjoyable. This is the kind of spot you’ll want to bookmark for special occasions, to impress visitors, or simply to treat yourself. It is a truly fantastic dining experience, and I would go back in a heartbeat.
Decimo at The Standard,
10 Argyle Street,
London WC1H 8EG
020 3981 8888
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