El Pastor King's Cross — Restaurant in London

After hearing rave reviews from a colleague about this newly opened Mexican place in the hood, I knew I had to check it out. My panties moistened just reading the menu. Could this be my new local tacqueria?!

We started off with some margaritas, I was told I had to try the spiced mango, meanwhile left butt cheek got a hibiscus and melon one. When it arrived I was thoroughly disappointed. It was a hunk of slushie ice with some puree and a vague hint of alcohol. There was no mention of it being a frozen cocktail in the menu, and once I tried asking the waiter whether it was possible to have it not frozen I was simply told no.

Tuna tostadas - Absolutely sublime, it even had sesame and an asian touch to it. Delicious, fresh chunks of raw tuna and smushed avocado. Can't go wrong with this classic!

Aguachile - sour and mildly spicy with seabass, crunchy radish, cucumber, onion and and smashed avocado. It was sort of like a DIY tostada but we were told it was a typical Mexican dish. It wasn't the familiar ceviche taste I craved but was certainly something new and interesting. I'm curious about how authentic this actually is though.

Shrimp taco - At £8 it was rather expensive given the portion size and how much shrimp there actually was. However, it was very yummy, especially with some additional salsa verde. It also had some shredded seaweed which gave it an extra oomph!

Chayote taco - Not that exciting, unremarkable in taste. Refried beans made tortilla too soggy

Baja fish taco - Again, a rather tiny piece of fish considering price . Luckily, it was fried well with a light batter - kinda hard to f**k this one up really.

Mushroom taco - We were so confused, when this taco arrived and even thought it was the fish at first. It looked like a tortilla in a tortilla -  Tortillaception. It turned out to be this oaxaca crispy queso - almost like a cigar of Crispy cheese with gooey msuhroomy centre. Actually surpassed expectations and was delicious!

Overall, had an enjoyable meal, however I thought the prices were a little high for what it was and was lucky to have had a discount. Would I eat here again? Ehh, probably not - for what we paid, we could have a much more satisfyingly delicious...

El Pastor, nestled in the vibrant culinary scene of London, stands out as a quintessential destination for those seeking authentic Mexican flavors in a lively and inviting atmosphere. Located in the heart of Borough Market, this taqueria captures the essence of Mexico's street food culture with flair and finesse.

The ambiance at El Pastor is both dynamic and convivial. The rustic yet contemporary decor, coupled with an open kitchen, immerses diners in a sensory experience that mirrors the energy of a bustling Mexican market. The lively atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for casual gatherings or a flavorful night out.

The star of the show at El Pastor is undoubtedly the tacos. Crafted with attention to detail and using traditional methods, the tacos showcase a range of succulent fillings, from the flavourful mushroom option for vegetarians. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to delivering an authentic culinary journey.

Complementing the exceptional tacos is an impressive selection of mezcal and cocktails. The bar at El Pastor takes libations seriously, offering a variety of concoctions that pair seamlessly with the bold and robust flavors of Mexican cuisine. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to guide patrons through the diverse world of mezcal and cocktails.

While the popularity of El Pastor is well-deserved, it's advisable to arrive early or make reservations, especially during peak hours. The restaurant's popularity is a testament to its success in capturing the hearts and palates of London's discerning food enthusiasts.

Service at El Pastor is attentive, with staff members embodying a friendly and knowledgeable approach. Their passion for the cuisine and commitment to providing an enjoyable dining experience add a welcoming touch to the overall visit.

In conclusion, El Pastor in Borough Market is a culinary gem that transports diners to the lively streets of Mexico City. With its vibrant ambiance, mouthwatering tacos, and a curated selection of mezcal, it's a must-visit for those in search of an authentic and flavorful Mexican dining experience in the...

We went to Casa Pastor last night, excited for a nice evening out. Unfortunately, things started off on a bad note. When we arrived, we stood in the "wait here to be seated" area and asked the young lady at the front desk for a table for two, mentioning we didn’t have a reservation. She checked her tablet and asked if we were planning to have dinner. We said we weren't sure yet, but probably would. She then told us the tables were reserved for dinner guests and if we were just having drinks, she couldn’t seat us. I tried to explain we might order a snack after looking at the menu, but she insisted we decide right there at the entrance. It was already awkward, so we reluctantly agreed to have dinner. Her attitude was pretty rude as she showed us to our table, and we were left feeling quite disappointed, especially since we've come here before just for drinks without any problem.

Thankfully, our experience turned around when Alice came to serve us. She was fantastic—very friendly and thorough in explaining the menu. Alice was cheerful and made great recommendations, including her favorites: prawn tacos and fish tacos. We ordered what she suggested, and the food was delicious. Throughout the meal, Alice made sure we were having a good time and really took care of us. Having worked in customer service for over 20 years, I rarely see someone as dedicated as Alice. She truly made our night. I even asked her how long she's been working there (6 months)and she said she loves her job and making customers happy is her main goal. A big WELL DONE to Alice! I would give this lady a pay rise!

It felt like we had a rollercoaster experience at your restaurant— from wanting to leave in the first few minutes to being thrilled with Alice's service and the food. This isn't how a restaurant should operate. The young lady at the entrance clearly needs more training. Casa Pastor has great food and can offer a wonderful dining experience, but consistent customer service is key. Alice is a standout, and I hope to see more staff like her...