Came in while in town on business. Had the special three course meal, which consisted of Lobster and Papaya Quesadillas to start, followed by a main dish of Enchiladas Suizas and finishing with Bolitas de Chocolate for dessert. This was easily one of the best Mexican meals I have ever eaten. I love out of the ordinary food and this definitely fit the bill. Highly recommend! read more

I came here for drinks on a Saturday afternoon. I sat at the bar, chatted with friendly bar staff, tried some fancy tequilas, ate pretty tasty bar snacks (better than the table service, I'd say), destroyed some quacamole and drank delicious delicious spicy beer until I couldn't feel my tongue anymore. I can't think of any other bar that I'd rather while away a Saturday afternoon at in Covent Garden. Quiet, secluded and relaxed. Win. My previous review still stands, I don't think I'd eat here again. But for hanging out, drinking mexican gold and avoiding the intense London crowds and environment, this place is a Mexi-CAN. As opposed to a Mexi-CAN'T, which is something Mexican which CAN'T do something Mexican based. It finds itself unable to fulfil that particular Mexican criteria. Mexi-unable just don't cut it at this level. Well, maybe it isn't that it can't do it, just that it isn't very good at it. I suppose you could call it MEH-xican, if you like word play and stuff. read more

Stopped in for some drinks and appetizers after a day of shopping/being a tourist with my boyfriend. Maybe it's because I'm a New Yorker, maybe it's because I'm a tequila fanatic, but I found the drinks to be incredibly weak; and the guacamole tasted like cardboard. Great attentive service and fun atmosphere though, and once you order an extra shot of tequila to add to the margaritas, they're not so bad. Wouldn't recommend to friends but probably would stop by again- avoid the guac. read more

My lunch was a very disappointing experience in Cafe Pacifico! Their lunch menu was inexpensive, so that's the only good thing. But I'd rather pay double for an authentic Mexican experience. I am from California and I love/know my tacos, so I chose the California tacos. That was a mistake to think that perhaps this place will be authentic cause of the name and basing on ok reviews on Yelp. My minced beef tacos (I should have known, this ain't carne asada) tasted like Taco Bell tacos. If you are from America, you know what I'm talking about with its crunchy taco skin and minced beef, even the cheese and lettuce resemble it. The rice was awfully dry and didn't taste anything remotely close to real Mexcican food. What is it about Mexican eateries in London do not know how to make real Mexican rice? All they have to do is first fry the rice with with vegetable oil (I know it's unhealthy but that's how they cook the real thing), tomatoes, garlic and onions, then simmer them until rice fluffy. If you are a fellow Yankee Doodle living in London and miss Taco Bell, go for their beef tacos in their lunch menu. Their fajitas and everything else looks similar to Chevy's or something like that in America. read more

Two years after the fact, this is the only restaurant that I really remember from my trip to London. I felt like I was back home in California. Tequila selection is good . I could get a real cocktail for once (a girl can only drink so much beer), and all of my Americanized Mexican favorites. It was expensive, like everything else in London, but I managed to go there twice during my three-week visit. Just be prepared for a long wait. read more

Ok, it wasn't gourmet. The place was a little dingy and perhaps busier than it deserved to be...But my chimichanga was HUGE, the refried beans and rice were plentiful, and I stuffed myself STUPID. O, man, so good. It scratched that Tex-Mex itch and I'll definitely be back! read more

Cafe Pacifico is simply the best place in London for tequila, margaritas and classic Mexican food. The atmosphere and staff are incredibly welcoming and friendly. Great location, great mix of people, and it never disappoints. read more

This place has a lively atmosphere, but is below par compared to restaurants serving "mexican" food in the US. If you don't know any better, then you may like it...and I would know since I am mexican. Also the service tends to be shoddy (I gave the place two chances)...last night when I was there the server essentially tossed the food and drinks on the table and never asked if we needed anything. read more

So you wanted Mexican food in London? This place will have to do. Now that I'm back in the States, I have so many more options. However, if you just have to see that West End play *and* have your TexMex, then this place will satisfy. read more

Outstanding flavours. We enjoyed our food, even our 8 year old and that says a lot. They were great with our kids. And they offered us a gluten free menu which had a few options that worked for us. We didn't wait overly long for food and everyone we interacted with was kind. The last time we were here was 2004 and we came back because I remembered it being our best meal of the trip. We still have a few more nights in London so I can't say it was our best again, but it's up there in 2019. read more

I was invited to Cafe Pacifico as part of a Qype review crawl. It's a lovely Mexican bar, tucked down a side street near Covent Garden. It's obviously popular as it was already buzzing when we arrived just after 6pm on a Wednesday. We were settled down with a (incredibly refreshing) margarita, and given a really interesting talk on the history of tequila. We were taught how to properly 'taste' tequila as a liqueur by sampling Cafe Pacifico's own brand (apparently it's best to breathe through your mouth when smelling it so that you don't get too strong a hint). We also got to sample some of the bar food usual Mexican fare of quesadillas, nachos with cheese and guacamole. My favourite thing was pork strips which came complete with mini tacos, avocado sauce and shredded veg yum! read more

It's nice to see that Cafe Pacifico is still going strong after many years; and thanks to the Qype Review Crawl I was reminded just why this used to be one of my favourite hang-outs. I now don't spend that much time going out in Soho and Covent Garden anymore, and somehow the draw of something new quite often outweighs old favourites. I didn't know that Cafe Pacifico is part of a little chain of quality Mexican restaurants in London (La Perla is a sister restaurant) and Amsterdam. I also didn't know that they are the only bar in London to be accredited by some official tequila authority. But then that's not that much of a surprise as I am not a big fan of spirits and have bad memories of a hangover following a tequila party years ago Tasting tequila in a more respectful way has almost convinced me to give the stuff another chance. The margarita was delicious, and I will come back from more when there is time to finish the glass. We were treated to a selection of snacks from the bar menu. They were all delicious albeit a bit messy to eat. The jalapeno taccos were drenched in cheese and very moreish, and I even triied a piece of belly pork which was served with guacamole and a red coleslaw and eaten wrapped in a soft tortilla. I am looking forward to an excuse to come back for a full meal soon. read more

Cafe Pacifico was the last stop in our review crawl. The restaurant is incredibly busy so it's definitely not a place to go if you're looking for a quiet romantic dinner, but definitely the place for friends or Mexican culture enthusiasts! We had a great crash course on how tequila is made and also how to properly enjoy a good tequila, whilst enjoying really yummy margaritas. Carlos is an incredibly welcoming, friendly individual, who made us all feel at ease and taught us a lot about tequila and a similar liquor called mexcal. We also got to try a bunch of dishes Cafe Pacifico has to offer, including quesadillas (one which had mango in it, odd but tasty!), small tacos, nachos, and guacamole. Everything was really tasty and fresh. This is definitely my kind of place, and I'll definitely be coming here again! read more

My Valentine and I dipped our chips into the salsa and were instantly transported back home to Texas and Arizona (respectively), as a mystery ingredient instantly triggered childhood memories of family barbacoas and drunken pachangas. Apart from the accents of the servers and the strange white sauce on my enchildas suizas, this was pretty damn good Tex Mex, in Covent Garden, of all places! read more

I finally found good mexican food I had in London. I found this place after going to the London's Transport Museum. It felt like I was back in California. I liked the free chips and salsa. the food was really good also for being in London. read more

Good atmosphere. Food was alright. Disappointed that my tacos were soggy.

Very good nachos and guac. We got a couple pitchers of Margarita as well. I will definitely be back again. The staff were also very friendly and non-intrusive. read more

I came here for lunch and the place was pretty empty. I got seated immediately and the food came out super fast. Mexican food is pretty mediocre here in London but I kept my hopes up. This is easily the best Mexican place I have had since living in London. I would not call it "authentic" because it doesn't actually taste anywhere near the type of food you get in the southern US or in Mexico but it was a very good lunch meal with very fair prices for what you get. read more

I recently dined here with a few friends. Despite its convenient location (moments from the tube station), I wasn't really taken with the food. The service was ok, but the atmosphere was a little too crowded for me. Wouldn't go back. read more

Cafe Pacifico has been around for 30 years or so, which along with its sister La Perla restaurants a stone's throw away in Maiden Lane and Charlotte Street, are the original London Mexican cantinas. And they are the first bars in England to be honoured with the 'Distinctivo T' award by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico for thie exceptionally high standards in the service and promotion of Tequila. This cafe-bar brand is managed but the charming and knowledgeable Carlos Londono (actually!) who taught me that Tequila is made from a blue Cactus-like agave plant grown in a limited area of Mexico with AOC-DOC type regulation - you may know that, but I bet you didn't know that Mezcal is another broader term for this spirit category and made from similar plants though with a range of different colours! It's the difference between Cognac and Brandy if you forgive my second French alcohol comparison in a Mexican place review! The busy yet relaxed party atmosphere here would be great for tables of any party size or even for one, two (or many like us) to prop up the bar. Colourful wall posters and food dishes abound - both of which include good quality versions of the standard fare you'd expect in a Mexican here such as guacamole, as well as less 'Tex-Mex' outcomes like the interestingly-tasting and nicely spiced tender beef or mango empanadillas that come with sour cream dips, or the pork belly slices with red cabbage in authentic imported tortillas. I will go back here again and again. They did it right, if I might borrow the phrase from the post-Olympic verdict of London 2012. Well I had to get it in somewhere (who's not still excited?) read more

Good Mexican food. We were surprised to hear that the Sydney branch advertised, is no longer running, A lot like many Mexican restaurants in the US, though better than average even there. Good ambience and service. read more

Love, love, love it! Cafe Pacifico is just fantastic. Always busy (even on a Tuesday which shows how lovely it is) and always good quality, tasty food. The waiters are great at explaining dishes, helping you choose, and are so accomodating if you want to make slight changes. Went there for a meal with a friend who had just got engaged and arranged with the waitress to bring over champagne as a surprise, and open it as the friend arrived, which she did with perfect timing, and joined in the congratulations, which was so lovely and friendly. I keep returning to Cafe Pacifico - both for the lovely food and the fantastic cocktails. Ok, it's not cheap, admittedly, but you won't go wrong for a fantastic night out in London. read more

It was a busy place since there is not alot of Mexican rest in the area of London. I went in there and craving chips and salsa and ate a few bowl and it was not the best but it was better than I expected from a London tex mex restaurant. The cheese enchiladas were not very good they were too sweet or something but the chicken enchiladas definitely were the best thing they tasted farther than i expected in a central London mex rest.. The waitress made me some amazing sweet brewed tea with lemmons- I have to love her for that. read more

Too loud and bad service but great Tex-Mex (for London)

I had heard a lot about this place before going for a meal and had been craving a Mexican feast! The restaurant was packed, and judging from other feedback this is generally the case. We squeezed to the bar and had a few beers while waiting. The atmosphere was buzzing and the place was heaving, defiantely more suitable for a gang of friends on a night out rather than a romantic meal. When we finally got to our table service was friendly if a little slow. The food was.. well actually nothing that special. Mexican food is hard to get completely wrong and and didn't think this was any better than I would easily do at home. I wouldn't rush back. read more

Cafe Pacifico is always a great fun place to dine. Start off in the bar with a cocktail, if that is your thing, then once at your table get stuck into the tortilla chips and excellent home made salsa. The food is of a decent standard, and the starter in particular are always great, though as a note of caution I invariably find myself too full to enjoy my main, so consider sharing! read more

A month into our move to London from California, we thought we'd venture out and give this Mexican restaurant a shot given that it got good reviews in one of our restaurant guide books. Big mistake. We obviously had eaten good Mexican food too recently to find anything redeemable at this place. For the time being, I will stick with the Whole Foods Mexican section and my own kitchen. Much better Mexican food! read more

Been here a couple of times, the lunch time special is a great price and the dinner menu is excellent. One of the best places to eat around Covent Garden. read more

I went to Cafe Pacifico as part of the Qype Covent Garden Crawl that I was lucky enough to be part of. I have been working in London for the past 24 years, and yet somehow, Cafe Pacifico jjust a few steps away from Covent Garden station had passed me by. I don't tend to hang around Covent Garden much any more due to its touristy nature, but Cafe Pacifico is tucked down a little side street. As you walk in, it is like walking into a little bar in Mexico you suddenly feel like you must be more fun and vibrant because everything around you is! We couldn't have been made more welcome than we were by the lovely Carlos manager and part-owner. We were given glasses of iced water, gorgeous samples of food (best guacamole I have had in years and the beef and jalepeno quesadillas were to die for), and of course tequila. We were given a huge jug of beautifully fresh, zingy margueritta and then treated to a very passionate talk about tequila and Cafe Pacifico's history. Carlos then taught just how to drink tequila (another skill to put on my CV) and it is the first time I have been able to enjoy it not a salt shaker or lemon/lime piece in sight! The rest of our group ended up having to come and hunt us down as Carlos brought out more jugs of margueritta, showed us photos of the agave plantations (the plant tequila is made from) and generally made us feel like his special guests. A great place to spend a lively evening with friends :) read more

This is one of my favourite Mexican restaurants in London! The food is always excellent and I am only subtracting one star as the service is sometimes a bit slow and inattentive. This however can be due to the fact that they are always quite busy and booking is absolutely essential on weekends for dinner. read more

For what it's worth, Cafe Pacifico is a okay Mexican restaurant. The whole meal- from the beans, to the rice to the actual pork tacos- was lacking flavour. I must give them credit for actually attempting to make Mexican rice, as many places don't even serve this, but it tasted very dry and plain. They do serve complimentary tortilla chips, which was nice. The atmosphere is very lively and loud- even on a weekday night. Overall, I won't be coming back here as the food just did not live up to par. read more

the salsa dip is to die for......and the margaritas must be alchole free because they went down like water - pitchers are a must if going with friends i just love it, great place for after work drinks and stop to eat, weekend lunch, weekend booze up....basicaly all occasions and suits all types of people read more

There is a Mexican restaurant in London not far from Covent Garden that is really good and really fun. The first time I went there it was a Wednesday at about 1300. The place was hopping. It is a big restaurant up a flight of stairs from the street and it was about three quarters full with what seemed primarily to be office workers out for an afternoon lark. They were swilling chips and salsa and beer and having a great time. The chips, salsa and food were all in the better-than-good range; it was especially good for a chain because that is what Pacifico is, a chain with stores also in Sydney, Amsterdam and (at the time) Paris. I liked the place so much I bought a Tee Shirt. read more

Personally my favourite Mexican restaurant in London. Food is excellent as are drinks (large choice of tequila). Service is very attentive.

Possibly the best Mexican restaurant in London...amazing food and cool sounds...Chimichangas and Dos Equis all the way!

Good Mexican place in an easy to reach street near Covent Garden. Enchiladas were good and I'd recommend the poppers as an appetiser.

I love this place!! The atmosphere is buzzing, the aroma of sizzling fajitas wets your appetite as soon as you enter! Friendly staff and knowledgable bar staff help the experience and the food is delicious!!! Prices are very reasonable for the area and portions are plentiful... I'm hooked!! read more

The best Margarita that i never taste in my life and, believe me, i tasted a looot!Also the mexican food was really yummi!!!The waiting area,that is asctually the bar,is quiete small but you will forget that with some margaritas!!!! read more

Super overpriced. If you want to eat a lot of food then I guess it will be ok but not impressed at all. I would think that there is a lot of food that goes to waste every night. read more

Place was recommended by a friend and we were pleasently surprised! Good Mexican food and good service. They had a really great special going on on a Sunday evening as well, 25% of of your bill. Enjoy! read more