El Cenote Camden - Review

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the mystical Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and its mesmerising cenotes? El Cenote Camden brings that magic to life, offering a dining experience that transports you to these serene natural wonders.

Named after Mexico's spiritual cenotes, this restaurant celebrates the beauty of Mexican heritage and takes diners on a metaphorical journey to these natural wonders through its ambiance, cuisine, and decor. The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that feels cosy yet captivating, just like the cenotes. It's a must-visit for lovers of Mexican food and culture alike.

First and foremost El Cenote Camden impressed us with their exceptional customer service. The friendly and passionate staff are dedicated to sharing the rich traditions of Mexico. This passion is evident in every detail, from the beautifully decorated interior to the carefully curated music playlist. Traditional Talavera tiles line the bar and staircase, adding to the interior charm, making for beautiful Instagrammable moments.

Additionally, melodic sounds of Latin American and pop hits fill the air at a perfect volume for conversation, creating an ideal setting for relaxed gatherings with friends. The Margarita Madness offer also seemed perfect for those friendly get-togethers: taking place from 4-7 PM and 9-10 PM daily, selected cocktails are £6, along with promotions on beers and prosecco.

After a warm welcome, we were seated in a booth, there is also outdoor seating available for those who prefer dining al fresco.

Our enthusiastic waitress guided us through a diverse menu featuring a wide array of taco options, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian varieties. Beyond tacos, the menu boasts enchiladas, steaks, nachos, quesadillas, a refined selection of traditional Mexican desserts, and much more.

We initially settled on ordering drinks that were as unique as they were refreshing. The Horchata mocktail and Lavender Margarita stood out, offering flavours we'd never encountered before. The Lavender Margarita, in particular, was a delightful twist on the traditional Margarita, aromatic and lemonade-like in its freshness. For those with a sweet tooth, the Horchata's blend of vanilla syrup with cinnamon is sure to please.

For appetisers, we opted for a classic: tortilla chips with four different salsas. Each salsa presented a unique picante flavour, from guacamole to cheese. We were also recommended the popular Baja Fish Tacos, which were not only beautifully garnished but also tasted extraordinary. The battered Sea Bass was perfectly complemented by the Habanero sauce.

Our main courses continued to impress. The Arrachera "Make Your Own Tacos" was a fun and satisfying concept, we found it allowed us to tailor each taco to our own taste, and the well-done beef was very flavorful. After being impressed with the Baja Fish Tacos, we felt inclined to opt for a seafood main course as well. The King Prawn al Tequila dish featured fresh, marinated king prawns served with a generous portion of rice and salad, perfectly balancing flavours and textures. 

We were a little to full from our starters and mains, we decided to pass on a dessert. However, the menu’s offerings, like the popular Pastel de Elote, looked very tempting and we imagine would be well worth a return visit.

Despite being open for only three months, El Cenote Camden has already made a significant impression. It is evident that the team have poured their hearts into every aspect of the restaurant. The culinary team, led by skilled chefs, is dedicated to embodying the spiritual essence of Mexican heritage. The dishes were rich in flavour and impressive.

The waiting staff were extremely attentive and radiated positivity and passion. We can confidently say El Cenote Camden is a new favourite of ours in the city and whether you’re a Mexican food aficionado or a culture enthusiast, El Cenote Camden offers a dining experience that is both authentic and enchanting.

Address: 2 Inverness St, London, NW1 7HJ

Website: https://www.elcenotecamden.com/

Written by Imelda Nela

Photo one courtesy of El Cenote

Photo two by Ismelda Nela