The Credentials
Los Mochis is an innovative pan-pacific fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine – a pairing far better than it sounds. Set on the corner of Hillgate and Farmer Street in the quaint backstreets behind Notting Hill Gate, it sits on the site of the rather lovely pandemic victim, Geales.
The Food
With an extensive yet curated menu, Los Mochis feels like the new Peyotito. Peyotito was the stupendously good – and dearly missed – Mexican on the site of the now Orasay (Kensington Park Road). Equally buzzy, and with an equally brilliant cocktail list, Los Mochis has a party vibe inside, with quieter outdoor tables, if you’d rather watch the denizens of W11 go by.
We worked through about 14 dishes between us, highlights included the guacamole shrimp, seabass ceviche, a shrimp tempura and the piéce de resistance, their miso cod with avocado, cabbage, and jalapeño. Special mention also goes out to the trailer park chicken (!), and dynamite prawn.
When it came to dessert, my guest was beside himself over the chocolate fondant, while I was pretty taken with the dulce de leche cheesecake.
The entire menu also happens to be gluten-free, allowing poor sods like me to choose anything – no mean feat with battered prawn, fried chicken, and actual cheesecake – with a biscuit base and everything!
As a huge mezcal fan I was made up with their mezcal margarita – always insist on a salty rim – and my guest very much enjoyed his Shingo Negroni – whiskey, plum sake, Campari, vermouth and essence of peat. The wine list was more than decent, with the 2020 Chateau Saint Marguerite organic Provence rosé coming in particularly highly commended.
The Style
The interiors were dimly lit, with contemporary Mexican-themed artworks adorning the exposed brick walls. With a separate bar area upstairs – replete with cacti, ceiling foliage, and comfortable chairs – Los Mochis brings a buzz that had all but been lost from this part of Notting Hill.
The Crowd
The place was filled to the rafters with Bright Young Things on the Friday we visited; an ideal spot before a Big Night Out, or, a night continued with cocktails in situ.
In a Nutshell
With every course a showstopper, incredibly skilled fusion, fantastic service, and lashings of atmosphere Los Mochis is sure to become a Notting Hill institution.
The Details
Los Mochis; 2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN
