Corazón - Soho, London

Half a decade ago, if you were to visit a Mexican restaurant in London, there was an overwhelming chance that it would be a Tex-Mex terror, light years away from authenticity, with an array of vinegary hot sauces and melted cheddar cheese and all the other trappings of a disappointing meal. However, with the surge forward in the capital's dining scene, there are now plenty of places serving regional Mexican comida. Corazón is one of its latest.

Nestled on the northern end of Poland St in Soho, the restaurant offers a distinctly casual vibe that you might find in a Mexico City diner. Octagonal terracotta tilework lines the floor, while clapboard wainscoting painted a pistachio green features on the bar and walls. Tables are mid-century modern affairs and there's a plenitude of funky orb pendant lighting hanging from red cords. For anyone looking to dine alone, we recommend grabbing a stool at the bar where you can watch the action firsthand.

Cocktails are a must-have. We strongly recommend the Piña Rita - mixed with Calle 23 tequila, Aluna toasted coconut rum, pineapple and coco lopez. However, the house margarita does a fine job at servicing the food. Servings at Corazón are generously apportioned, so arrive hungry. We kicked off with totopos (corn tortilla chips for the uninitiated), which arrived with arbol chili salsa, habanero salsa (xni pec), and a gooey, vividly green guacamole. No better way to start a Mexican meal!

Tostadas arrived soon after. One of them was laden with Brixham white crab, brown crab crema, pasilla chilies, grilled spring onions while the other featured Contramar marinated yellowfin tuna, chipotle mayo, crispy leeks and avocado. Both were awesome, the crunchy undergirding for fried tortilla offsetting handsome lashings of seafood. Then came the tacos. The Guv'nor featured king prawn and baby shrimps grilled with mixed peppers, tomatoes and onions; garlic, butter, cream and oaxacan cheese. We couldn't fault it. A punchy hanger steak carne asada with pickled onions and avocado was equally winning.

Corazón was launched by Laura Sheffield (formerly GM of The Riding House Café and Corbin & King's Fischer's) and chef Paul Daniel (who was head chef at The Riding House Café). For a pair of gringos, they certainly seem to know the ropes. For anyone who enjoys Mexican, we strongly recommend. 

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