7 of the best Latin American restaurants in London

Craving some Latin American cuisine in the capital? Here are seven of our favourite Latin American restaurants in London. And what a line-up!

When it comes to food, we’re nothing short of obsessed. So, naturally, we’re consumed in our hunt for the best eateries in London. With so many new arrivals to the city and thousands of fellow foodies in our metropolitan midst, we just had to share our favourite Latin American restaurants in the capital. 

So, whether you’re homesick with ganas for arepas as good as your abuela’s, or simply fancy discovering something new, read on for some Latino dinner date inspiration.

Cravings La Carreta 

Mexican (£)

Never ones to say no to tacos, tostadas or totopos, we were more than excited when we discovered that Cravings La Carreta had all three. 

Nestled between a great pub and a cute residential street in the centre of Peckham Rye (South East), this casual cafe is Mexico-meets-Venezuela. Expect authentic Latin cooking and appetising prices, providing relief from the rising costs of neighbouring locals.

Cravings La Carreta, 3-5 Station Way, Peckham, London SE15 4RX

Chimichurris 

Argentinian (££)

It’s a no-holds-barred calorie fest at Chimichurris, an Argentinian restaurant conveniently located between Waterloo and Elephant and Castle stations. 

Their dishes aren’t for the faint-hearted. Book a table in this restaurant if you’re prepared to be wowed by spectacular meats a la parilla and generous portion sizes. Covered almost entirely and ornately with cheese, the milanesa breaded veal we ordered was dreamy, delicious and more than enough for two. Argentinian cumbia on the sound system provides a chilled backdrop to a hearty feast with friends.

Chimichurris, 132 Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0DG

Leños y Carbón 

Colombian (£)

London is full to the brim with tiny buildings, making it hard to squeeze in big groups at your average restaurant. So the beauty of Leños y Carbón (as well as the mouth-watering meat it serves) is its capacity to host birthdays, family celebrations and any group outing.

There are no frills here—the local area is urban, verging on gritty, and the interior is simple. But the laidback vibe and Caribbean menu more than make up for any shortcomings.

Leños y Carbón, 113 Elephant Rd, Elephant and Castle, London SE17 1LB

And then there’s Mercato Metropolitano

Mercato Metropolitano is a TransferGo favourite! Conveniently located next to our London office in Elephant and Castle, it’s an indoor/outdoor space with a food hall catering for every taste.

Aside from the £5 lunch deals (our favourite), it’s not cheap and you will have to sit on uncomfortable benches—but it’s great for a spontaneous outing, both day and night.

The Latin American restaurants and stalls there are impressive. Think Argentinian empanadas, Venezuelan arepas and Mexican tacos, all under one almost-roof. You’ll also find Italian arancini, Uzbek dumplings, Greek spanakopita, Thai curries and more. This cosmopolitan food mecca is well worthy of a pilgrimage down the Northern Line. 

Don’t miss the metallic cocktail caravan in the corner serving sweet-but-tangy margaritas. Cheers to that.

Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR

Other eateries we love:

• Mi Cocina Es Tuya: This small, cosy Venezuelan cafe in Gipsy Hill serves tasty arepas to hungry people like us. It’s so unassuming that you can pop in by yourself for a quick bite and instantly feel at home. 
• Santo Remedio: There are great things on this Mexican menu, and fresh guacamole is one of them. When we were here, most people seemed to be on a first date. Strange, but also lovely.
• Cafe Pacífico: The UK’s first tequila bar and a lively Latino foodie hotspot, with unmissable enfrijoladas! There are some great reggaeton beats in the background, too—don’t expect to hear a pin drop.

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