TAQUIZA - Cocina Mexicana
This is exactly the sort of restaurant Peckham does well. There’s not really anything to say about the interiors, and ideally you wouldn’t visit the loos – because it turns into the neighbourhood’s in-the-know nightclub, The Carpet Shop, after dark. But arrive before then and join the queue for the tempura aubergine and spicy short rib tacos and you won’t be disappointed. Even better are the sweet corn esquites with chipotle and chilli nuts, alongside buttery bowls of refried beans.
where to next?
Named after 1970s New York DJ Larry Levan (the owners are music-mad), this bistro is always buzzing. The space has an open kitchen, deep blue walls and a dining room in two parts, while the refined menu is big on cheesy comfort (Comté fries with saffron aïoli, gnudi with wild garlic and Lincolnshire Poacher). There’s an extensive natural wine selection and a strong playlist. Next door at Bar Levan there is more biodynamic wine and late opening on weekends. A grown-up neighbourhood duo that Londoners travel for.
