Posted 2 weeks from now
Thu 26 Feb, 2026 09:02 AM
In my opinion, eating is amazing. Honestly, it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures (right up there with sleeping in and finding money in an old coat pocket). And if you’re going to eat well, London is the place to do it.
London has a strong Latin American community, and thankfully, they brought their food with them. From comforting, homesick-curing dishes to tacos that might actually change your life, here’s my personal list of the best Latin food spots in London.
Leños y Carbón
Location: Elephant & Castle
Type of food: Colombian food
I’m Colombian, so trust me when I say: I know what I’m talking about. Leños y Carbón is where I go when I miss home, my family, or just food that loves me back. Bonus points if you live in Robeson House, this place is perfectly located for a strategic stop between uni and your residence. Educational journey? Yes. Culinary journey? Also yes. The food is amazing, the portions are generous (Colombian food does not believe in small plates), and the prices are fair. Some fellow students even work there, so you might get dinner and a friendly “hi.”
What to order:
● Starter: Empanada, corn dough filled with meat, spices, and potato. Crispy. Comforting. Perfect.
● Main: Bandeja Paisa, ground beef, rice, beans, chicharrón (fried pork), chorizo, plantain, arepa, egg, and avocado. Yes, all of that. This plate is so big it could have its own postcode. I usually eat half and save the rest for breakfast as calentado (elite move).
● Drink: Lulo juice, a Colombian fruit that tastes fresh, citrusy, and slightly magical.
Bonus stop: Just down the road is Distriandina, a Latin market packed with Colombian and Latin American goodies. Try a fresh buñuelo or grab cheese arepas. You can thank me later.
Proper Tacos
Location: Islington
Type of food: Mexican food
This place came highly recommended by my Mexican friend, who said the tacos “taste like home.” That’s serious praise. I tried them, and yeah, they are goooood. The tacos are incredible, and the best part? Taco Tuesday. Every Tuesday, tacos are £3 until 8 pm. Financially responsible? Maybe not. Emotionally responsible? Absolutely.
What to order:
● Main: Beef carnitas taco, Spicy pork chicharrón taco, Pork carnitas taco and a combo of quesabirrias.
● Drink: Horchata, a rice-milk drink with cinnamon and spices. Sweet, refreshing, and perfect for calming your mouth after the spice.
That’s usually enough for me, but if you’re really hungry or living your best life, order one of every taco flavour and the quesabirrias. No regrets.
Warning: The tacos are spicy, and even the medium sauce has attitude. If your spice tolerance is low, order the sauce on the side. This is about enjoyment, not survival.
Tierra Peru
Location: Islington
Type of food: Peruvian food
One day, my Mexican friend and I were craving Peruvian food, so we did the most logical thing: we asked our Peruvian professor. That’s how we ended up at Tierra Peru, and honestly, excellent decision. This place is a bit more expensive than the others, but if you want proper Peruvian food, it’s worth every pound.
What to order:
● Main: Ceviche. In my opinion, it’s the best dish in Peruvian cuisine. Fresh fish in a lemon-based sauce with spices. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the citrus made everything pop.
● Drink: Chicha morada, a purple corn drink with spices. It looks mysterious and tastes amazing.
Whether you’re from Colombia, Mexico, Peru (or nowhere near Latin America) these restaurants are incredible. If you’re missing food from home, they’ll give you comfort. If you’re curious about new cuisines, they’ll give you a delicious introduction.
So bring your friends, bring your appetite, and don’t be afraid to order too much food. Worst case scenario? You have leftovers. And honestly, that’s not a problem it’s a blessing.
