Catalina's Fitzrovia — Restaurant in London

Eaten here before and it was previously a good experience but less so this time sadly.

Unfortunately the waitress put in the wrong number for the bill and we initially underpaid - no issue! I've been a waitress before and it happens! However, my father joked with her about it being a harmless mistake and how she hadn't shown him the number on the card machine, just told him where to tap (correct and that is fine, not disputing that!) but she was really oddly defensive and rude to him, insisting she’d shown him the bill on the card machine (she hadn’t, again, not an issue in itself!) and potentially suggesting he’d deliberately underpaid? I didn’t think that was particularly kind of her, especially as he was clearly trying to put her at ease and happy to pay the bill! Hopefully is not a consistent experience, maybe everyone was just having a bad day which I completely understand.

He had even checked the receipt when it arrived (separately from the number on the card machine) to ensure it included service charge, as that is just the kind of lovely person he is! We were all polite throughout, ensured service charge was added etc. but it was a disconcerting experience when we've dined there before and were more than happy to pay the difference!

It did partially ruin the experience unfortunately, just wish she'd been a bit nicer to my harmless 55 year old father! Do need to also add the main waitress / manager (apologies, unsure of role!) was lovely about it and came and checked on us throughout the meal! Just a pity...

HOT SAUCE MAKING CLASS - After two cancellations from the host, we finally had our event.

Our friend booked our tickets as a surprise, therefore when we arrived we hadn’t seen what to expect.

During the experience, Heni the barmaid was constantly asking “who wants more margaritas” and she implied these would be part of the experience. Price wasn’t mentioned, nor a wider menu. Therefore implying margaritas were part of the experience

Unfortunately, other than the first one, these were not, and we ended up with a £75 bill to pay. Given we were on a date, I paid with the view I’d speak to them the following day to enquire.

When I spoke to Rupal (the owner), she was insistent that it was our fault for not knowing. She said she that they shouldn’t have to reiterate to us on the night what the set-up was. She said we should look online at £ for cocktails and felt they took zero responsibility for the situation.

In my opinion, communication needs to be both ways and we came away feeling that the hosts had been underhanded, trying to get the most money from their customers…. I am sure I’m not...

Utterly delighted to have stumbled across this place. Cleveland St has always had interesting and slightly hidden spots, and Catalina’a is a great addition.

Cozy, with a welcoming atmosphere; the servers seemed to know all the arriving diners as they greeted them, which is always a good sign on your first visit.

The guacamole is superb, the tacos very tasty: we went for carnitas and brisket carne each, sharing a prawn quesadilla, which is a great introduction to the menu.

Cocktails were absolutely perfect - I recommend the Mexican ranch water - and boozy ice cream (as sold by the server) very boozy.

By the time we left the restaurant full and buzzing with diners and regulars, so we were lucky to get a table.

A nice little side note is the ‘Doggy Dinning’, which is also offered and cooked on site; with a menu and full 3 course option for your four legged food critique.

All in all...