The story
Cole, tucked away on Marshall Street in Carnaby, is the UK’s only Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant—and ranked number 17 globally. Chef Santiago Lastra’s concept is a tight, beautiful paradox: an innovative tasting menu built entirely from British ingredients. As creator Michael Ligier puts it, the result is “one of my favorites of all time.”
The menu reads as a playful, precise reimagining of Mexican technique through a British lens. Highlights include the delicate Taco de Nada, a rich Lamb Barbacoa Taco, and the surprising Raspberry Sorbet with Dill and Sour Ants. Dishes like the Interpretation of Totopos with Lobster and the Mole de Tres Ingredientes show restraint and deep skill. Intimate and upscale, this is a tasting-menu experience that demands a reservation—and rewards it generously.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2025.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 17 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about the Corunda, calling it a standout dish. The overall vibe is warm and comforting, with praise for the restaurant's cozy, satisfying approach to Mexican food.
“We had a corunda, a traditional corn masa wrap made with fresh corn leaves.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Cole. Most active: Michael Ligier
Cole is the only Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in the UK, number 17 in the world, using only British ingredients to create an innovative tasting menu that is one of my favorites of all time.
Dishes mentioned
Taco de Nada
It's just such a fresh tortilla that it doesn't really need anything else. Simple with a little chili and salt rubbed on it.
Huarache
A thick oblong masa base that can be the size of a whole platter or a sandal. It's a favorite street food because it can be customized with toppings and is filling enough for a whole meal. You cook it on the fat, so it's a little bit chewy.
Sope Tricolor
A beautiful tricolored sope whose pinched crispy edges balance nicely with a soft chewy center and can hold a mountain of toppings.
Tlayuda
The tlayudas are a special treat that I personally haven't found outside of Oaxaca or Mexico City. They're empanada-like, perfect on-the-go snacks, traditionally filled with refried beans and cheese. Here they had raw pieces of cecina.
Tostada
A tostada that crisps up into a crunchy disc, made from leftover tortillas to minimize food waste. They printed it into a shape like a planet. Oh my goodness.
