Vibrant new restaurant and bar Los Mochis launches in Notting Hill

Opening in Notting Hill, Los Mochis restaurant and bar is the ultimate Pan-Pacific pairing, mixing Mexican spirit with Japanese elegance, Mexican art and design with Japanese coolness and Mexican flavours with Japanese techniques.

These two culinary powerhouses meet here in truly inspirational style: the hands-on fun of classic MexiCali dishes is taken to a new level with the clean, fresh flavours of Asian ingredients treated with respect and integrity.

An undoubted highlight of the offering is the 22-strong Gangster Taco Menu. Sure, the canvas might be soft corn tortillas - or for the more health conscious lettuce wraps - but the ingredients they enclose are something else. From Trailer Park KFC (Korean Fried Chicken, Napa cabbage, jalapeno, spicy pickled cucumber, pico de gallo, pickled onions, cheese, poblano sauce) to Miso Black Cod (den miso, pickled cabbage, crispy onions), the traditionally humble taco is elevated to gourmet levels.

Complementing this line-up is an equally innovative and ground-breaking array of Ceviches, Tostadas, Tiraditos and, of course, Quesadillas (with the buttermilk fried chicken, Monterrey pepper-jack cheese, onions & ranch crema destined to become a particular favourite). There’s even a selection of Maki Rolls inspired by the team’s extensive and award-winning Japanese experience.

Finally onto the desserts, which can be forgiven for their bias towards a more Latin American heritage. Think Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches, Chocolate Taquitos and the insanely delectable Dulce de Leche Cheesecake. Just forget about the calories!

It’s not simply about lunch and dinner – Los Mochis is destined to become the go-to place in the area for breakfast too. Start the day in style with an incredible display of dishes, whether your taste runs to the nutritious Acai Bowl (banana, apple, chia seeds, cacao nibs, goji berries, toasted coconut) or the more indulgent El Rey Taco (truffled scrambled eggs).

Los Mochis is not billed as a tequileria for nothing – it boasts one of the most interesting selections of small batch artisanal agaves. These in turn are put to work in a collection of hand-crafted signature cocktails, among them the Late-Night Martini (Ocho Blanco, lychees, vanilla, lemongrass, lime, jalapenos) and the smoky and picante Mezcal Haze Paloma (Mezcal, grapefruit, lime, syrup, sparkling water). Guests can even dip their toes into Mexico’s national drink with a tequila or mezcal tasting flight.

The backdrop against which all of this can be savoured is equally compelling. The overall design of both the ground floor dining room and the first-floor lounge is saturated with elements of rustic authentic Mexican culture balanced with a fusion of elegant, warm and sophisticated Japanese touches. Rough surfaces are softened by subtle ambient lighting and stark finishes offset by warm timbers and cognac leathers.

Walking the fine line between elevated casual and fine dining is a hard trick to pull off, but in the hands of multi-award winning restaurateur Markus Thesleff – the man who quite literally changed the F&B landscape of the Middle East with legendary ventures such as OKKU and CLAW – this contemporary, art-filled and design-led space will be home to amazing experiences, incredible memories and innovative food.

It’s no coincidence that Thesleff chose Notting Hill for his triumphant return to the capital. For the neighbourhood’s close-knit, multi-cultural and art-enamoured community perfectly reflects Los Mochis’ founding principle of Familia. This ethos starts with taking care of its own Familia; then in turn, the Familia will take care of guests. And, from there, they’ll all build that spirit of what the Mexicans call Comunidad – not just for the neighbourhood but beyond through the “Los Mochis Gives Back” project, which will see the restaurant provide a meal for the less fortunate and vulnerable for every one purchased by a guest.

Elegant yet relaxed, cool yet friendly, edgy yet approachable, Los Mochis offers mucho, mucho more than a celebration of Mexican and Japanese cuisine and culture. It’s elevated street food with heart & soul.

Los Mochis, 2 Farmer Street, London W8

www.losmochis.co.uk

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