Mexcalli — Restaurant in Ghent

First, I’m a Mexican American and live half the year in Mexico, so I know Mexican food well. This place makes a good attempt and hits the basic points, but it could’ve been so much better for what you pay. The pulled pork and cashew cauliflower tacos were tasty, but chintzy for 12 euros an order (you should get three tacos instead of two per order). Same goes for the ropa vieja nachos (14 euros). None of these dishes came with sufficient guacamole and they didn’t have any fresh salsa available either (only a vinegary hot sauce in a bottle). However, the real disappointment was the margaritas — for 12 euros each we basically got a glass packed full with ice and hardly any margarita at all. It was truly sad. Also annoying is that the menu with prices isn’t available on their website so there was no way to know in advance what to expect to pay (you have to scan the QR code once there). The outside patio was colorful and seemed to adequately capture the Mexico vibe. All in all, it was sufficient to satisfy my urge for Mexican food while away from home. But better portions and a fresh homemade salsa would’ve made it worth it — and I really wanted a second margarita, if I didn’t feel like I was...

Update Aug 25. Unfortunately, the last two visits to the Mexcalli weren't as planned... a big disappointment on the quality and the taste of the food, I considered updating my review before, but still give a last chance this weekend and the experience went even worse.

At this level, the food becomes extremely expensive for what is on there. We tried the nachos and tostadas de atun (see my review below) and we found two completely different dishes than in the first visit of this year. I understand ingredients could not be available, but maybe good to update your menu rather than just throwing fixed dishes at the table. I am really sorry but at this level I can't recommend anymore this place for dinner.

Drinks are still amazing, so it might be worth stopping by if you've already had dinner elsewhere.

Update 2025 (after 2022,23 and 24): Still the best Mexican fusion in the area! If you want an experience this is the place. 2025 favorites: Ropa Vieja and the Mole Ribs! The paloma is the best cocktail in the world.

Excellent service, nice drink menu and super friendly service. The Mexican fusion is interesting and the nachos (in 2022) the best I ever tried! Please...

The outdoor area is pretty cool, lots of different types of seats (lounge, high tables with stools, normal chairs). The vibe was nice. It took us a while to figure out that you have to scan the menue to order and have to pay up front. Nobody told us. You also have to tip up front which is ridiculous. Our order took forever. We ordered 2 drinks (11 and 14€), for a drink with 75% ice cubes. Our food took even longer. We got served the nachos (we ordered the veg one with eggplant) but got served the meat version which we accidentally ate. That’s unacceptable. It got placed on our table with the words it’s the veg nachos. Imagine being allergic or can’t eat beef for religious reasons. We “just” gagged because we can’t stand meat but that’s just not okay. We didn’t get offered compensation or anything. We also ordered the veg tofu tacos. They were dripping with fat/oil and I just couldn’t finish mine (also tiny serving for 12€). All in all we spent an entirety of 50€ for a very unsatisfactory quality of food. Servers were nice but stressed out. Nonetheless it was crowded so for some people it must be worth it. I...