Santo Remedio - Casona & Cantina, Marylebone

"If you’re in search of a taco that takes you by hand and walks you up memory lane back to that trip to Oaxaca, then move along, Santo Remedio Casona & Cantina isn’t the place for you. That being said, if your dining agenda includes a mezcal margarita on a Saturday night, eating a crisp sashimi tostada after shopping around Marylebone, or giving your catch-up the lipstick and paloma treatment, you’ll be charmed. The dining room is the kind of Suitcase Magazine click-bait we approve of—statement straw lampshades, green, glossy foliage, and a circular booth so large that they could probably secure £4K a month in rent if they popped it on Rightmove. Despite its central London location, it gave us that lived-in neighbourhood feeling, but these neighbours can definitely afford Wolford tights from the high street. The service comes with a complimentary smile and although some things like the flautas are over-sauced and under-seasoned, you’re in safe hands with the fall-off-the-bone barbacoa lamb shank, best paired with soft tortillas and some quality gossip. video credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Food Rundown photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Classic Guacamole Everything you want guacamole to be—a bit smooth, a bit chunky, and packing a whole lot of tomato and jalapeño zing. video credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Sashimi Grade Tuna Tostadas This is some prime jelly-like yellowfin tuna that deserves its own moment in the spotlight, but it gets elbowed off stage by the chipotle mayonnaise. video credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Pork Belly Tacos The tortillas are a touch dry but the pork belly is so moist and succulently sweet that any complaints will be forgotten. As will your previous offer to share them. video credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Slow Cooked Barbacoa Lamb Shank This lamb is rushing for bone emancipation so fast that you only need to give it a polite nudge and the rosy meat is ready to be loaded into the accompanying tortillas. It’s more comforting winter warmer than life-affirming spice show, but if you deem licking salty lamb jus off your wrist as a rollicking good time, get involved." - Heidi Lauth Beasley