Cavita, Adriana Cavita’s debut after a stint at powerhouses together with Spain’s El Bulli and a profitable pop-up at The Dorchester, is London’s latest, most vibrant Mexican providing. The attractive house on Wigmore Road is heat and alluring, with meals that fills the stomach in addition to the soul – assume pig’s head tamal wrapped in charred collard greens; mole verde with wood-grilled, herb-fed hen; and pan de elote with cajita, a candy cornbread topped with a goat’s milk caramel. Cocktails are ingenious, with a secret bar beneath providing small-batch artisanal mezcal, tequila and the chance to study extra about Mexican tradition. cavitarestaurant.com
Mezcal Amores
Hailing from Oaxaca, Mezcal Amores has clean, smoky notes that stability herby, sweetened cocktails resembling this bacalar.
Achiote paste
This bright-red, earthy condiment is made with spices and achiote seeds. It provides depth of flavour to marinades for fish, meat and veg.
Mooli
Normally related to Asia, mooli is much less peppery than its radish cousin, and provides freshness to this ceviche.
Cavita recipes
Tikin xic (achiote-marinated sea bream cooked in banana leaves)
Sea bream is marinated in a mix of garlic, cinnamon, cloves, achiote paste and orange juice, then baked in banana leaves. Stuffed into tortillas and served with sides, it makes for a zingy sharing dish that is nice for a crowd.
Mooli and pomegranate ceviche
Mooli, a mellow-flavoured sort of radish, is paired with candy and juicy pomegranate seeds on this fortunately easy starter.
Bacalar cocktail
Made with lemongrass, basil, lime and mezcal, this zingy cocktail has some refined savoury notes. To serve it Mexican-style, high with an edible flower.
