Last Updated on July 7, 2024
Embrace the Mexican Spirit at El Cenote
Tucked away in the lively streets of Camden Town, El Cenote bursts onto the scene with a splash of colour and a fiesta of flavours. Named after the mystical cenotes of Mexico, this restaurant hits you with the vibrant energy of Mexico the moment you walk through the door.
The interior is a visual feast, adorned with quirky decorations, a stunning Mexican tiled staircase, and a vibrant bar in bright turquoise and terracotta colours. The cosy booth seats are ideal for gathering with friends, while the lively ambience sets the stage for a fun dining experience. Outdoor seating is also available, allowing guests to soak in the bustling Camden atmosphere. The staff are friendly, funky and enthusiastic, offering guidance through a menu that is as exciting as delicious.
Having acquired a taste for spicy margaritas during my recent visit to Mexico, I was ready for the challenge of drinking El Cenote’s Puro Fuego. This fiery cocktail, a classic margarita with a twist, the Casamigos tequila’s habanero infusion adds a thrilling kick. along with triple sec, fresh lime juice, and agave, is guaranteed to blow your head off… and if you dare to drink three in a row, they’re on the house! My companion, less inclined towards intense chilli experiences, made a wise choice with the Sacred Tamarind cocktail. This mezcal margarita blends tamarind, lime juice, and tamarind syrup, with a Tajin rim, golden lemon, and fresh flowers for garnish. It offers gorgeous smokiness with a refreshing acidic twist from lime, balanced by the saltiness and sourness of tamarind.
Now let’s talk food…we started with some helpful recommendations from the staff, opting for a combination of starters, tacos, and enchiladas to share. The freshly made Guacamole with a good blend of creamy avocados, red onions, coriander, chillies, and lime served with tortilla chips.
Next, the Ceviche Sinaloa featured a refreshing seabass fillet marinated in tangy lime juice, mixed with onion, and spices, complemented by sweet bursts of pomegranate.
Moving on to the Taco menu, we tried the Baja Fish Tacos with battered sea bass fillet morsels paired wonderfully with the zesty pickled cabbage, and the spicy kick from the habanero sauce providing a lovely explosion of flavours.
Of course, more Margaritas were in order. This time, playing safe, I opted for something less fiery, the El Espadinzz—a classic mezcal margarita blended with triple sec, lime juice, and agave. It delivered an authentic taste of Mexican with every sip, satisfying my love for mezcal’s distinct and smoky character. My companion chose the Paloma, made with Casamigos Blanco, lime juice, grapefruit juice, grapefruit soda, and agave, a light and refreshing choice with bright grapefruit notes that perfectly complement our spicy dishes.
For our main, we opted for the Enchiladas Verdes – corn tortillas rolled and dipped in green salsa, filled with sour cream, rice, mixed vegetables, black beans, and feta. The dish was piquant and creamy, lighter than expected, with a medley of peppers, courgettes, onions, sweetcorn, and peas. The warm, rich black beans provided a satisfying contrast to the saltiness of the feta – a comforting and well-balanced dish.
And lastly. an indulgence – the Pastel de Elote. This moist Mexican cake originates from Jalisco, made with sweetcorn kernels and sweetened with dulce de leche. It features a crisp outer shell and a moist, cornbread-style interior, slathered in a luscious dulce de leche sauce.
El Cenote is a party for your palate, with a host of punchy Margaritas and sizzling dishes packed with fresh flavours. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Mexican cuisine or simply seeking a fun night out, this is the spot in Camden Town that you won’t want to miss.
https://www.elcenotecamden.com/
El Cenote 2 Inverness Street, Camden, NW1 7HJ
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