As you turn off buzzing Camden High Street to stroll down Inverness Street, you might feel the usual hum of eclectic life, but something new is causing a stir — a magnetic pull drawing in locals and food lovers alike.
This is El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant, the latest culinary jewel nestled in Camden’s ever-buzzing crown, promising an authentic Mexican drinking & dining experience that is nothing short of a vibrant dive into the soul of Mexico City.
The brainchild of Aima Indigo, a veritable veteran of London’s hospitality scene with enviable stints at La Bodega Negra and Mestizo Chelsea, El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden is more than just another Mexican joint.
Aima, hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Veracruz, brings her deep-seated love for her heritage to every inch of El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant from the bar area at the front of the restaurant to the colourful staircase leading upstairs.
The result? El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant is a cocktail bar and restaurant that is a celebration of all things Mexico, with a contemporary twist that makes it a must-visit in Camden for lovers of good food and good times.
A Warm Welcome at El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden
Stepping inside El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden, you’re immediately enveloped by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The décor balances rustic Mexican charm with modern flair, offering diners an immersive experience.
The modern lighting and trendy banquette seating contrasted by bursts of colour from traditional Mexican tiles set the stage for what promises to be a dining experience of sensory indulgence at El Cenote.
Aima’s passion is palpable here, but the real star of the show is what emerges from the kitchen of El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant.
Under the masterful guidance of Chef Daniel Sanchez — who, let’s face it, could probably make a tortilla sing — the menu at El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden reads like a love letter to Mexican street food and his grandmother’s cherished recipes, with a few surprises tucked in between the lines.
Sanchez, a Mexico City native with culinary credentials from the likes of Mexcalito and Ella Canta, knows his way around a spice rack, and it shows.
The Starters: Cochinita Pibil Tacos and Ceviche Sinaloa
We started our culinary journey at El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden with two of the starters. First, the Cochinita Pibil Tacos, which are about as close to taco nirvana as one can get. The pork, marinated in achiote and slowly cooked with orange juice and spices, is a revelation — so tender it practically melts the moment it touches your tongue. The achiote brings a mild, peppery warmth that enhances rather than overpowers, while the citrus notes from the orange juice add a subtle zing. Wrapped in soft corn tortillas, each bite is a beautifully balanced combination of rich, earthy flavours and bright, tangy accents. Quite simply, a taco triumph.
But it was the Ceviche Sinaloa that stole the show. The seabass, so fresh it might as well have leapt from the sea straight onto the plate, is marinated to silken submission in lime juice. This tangy kiss of citrus is tempered by slivers of red onion, a whisper of spice, and the unexpected yet delightful pop of pomegranate seeds, which added both sweetness and crunch. It was light, refreshing, and the kind of dish that makes you feel just a bit more virtuous for eating it.
The Main Event: Parrillada Cielo, Mar y Tierra
Then came the Parrillada Cielo, Mar y Tierra — a meaty ménage à trois that would make any carnivore weak at the knees. This generous platter for two showcases a mastery of grilled meats by the chefs of El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden. It is a carnivorous celebration of all things chargrilled. Beef, juicy and perfectly medium-rare, jostles for attention alongside plump shrimp, smoky grilled chicken, and spiced chorizo that packs just the right amount of heat. Each element is seasoned with what I can only assume is Chef Sanchez’s own magic dust, elevating the meats to something almost transcendent.
The dish is served with warm tortillas, ideal for wrapping up the juicy morsels, alongside a trio of salsas that range from mild to fiery. It’s a generous, hearty main course that transports you and your dining companion to a lively Mexican parrillada barbecue, with the added bonus of not needing to travel halfway across the globe.
The Mocktails: Virgin Daiquiri and Passion Island
Mocktails can often be an afterthought, a sad nod to those choosing to abstain. But at El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden, they are anything but. The Virgin Daiquiri comes in a variety of flavours. We opted for the Virgin Passionfruit Daiquiri, a zingy and refreshing take that blends Lyre’s non-alcoholic white cane spirit with lime juice, sugar, and a vibrant splash of passionfruit juice. Tart, sweet, and with that tropical passionfruit punch, it’s the perfect non-alcoholic companion for a Mexican feast.
However, it was the Passion Island that truly impressed. This concoction of homemade banana elixir, passionfruit puree, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut sugar was a tropical symphony in a glass — each sip a reminder that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a sophisticated, complex drink.
The Verdict: El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant is a Camden Must-Visit
El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden is more than just another Mexican restaurant; it’s an immersive dive into the flavours and culture of Mexico. A fiesta for the senses that combines the best of Mexican tradition with the flair of modern London.
Aima Indigo and Chef Sanchez have created something special here — a place where food is crafted with love, where the flavours of Mexico are celebrated in every dish, and where the buzz of Camden feels just that little bit brighter.
El Cenote stands out as a Camden must-visit for both food and atmosphere. Whether you’re after authentic Mexican street food, a great cocktail, or a lively atmosphere, El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant in Camden delivers on every level. Trust me, this is one Mexican restaurant you won’t want to miss.
El Cenote Mexican Bar & Restaurant
2 Inverness Street, Camden, London NW1 7HJ
www.elcenotecamden.com
