Cheeky Chicos Mexican Bar & Restaurant

I recall visiting Cheeky Chico’s predecessor, Picante Mexican Grill, at this very time last year as part of Amex’s Shop Small. I am not sure how long this relaunch has been around, but I came in due to the promotion and ordered off their short takeaway menu. I tried to order tacos, but was told that they weren’t all that suitable for the takeaway format — so why do they have them on the menu? I went for the naked burrito with beef salpicon, which is a shredded beef. It was made in the kitchen, as the warming trays on the counter were empty, but essentially the takeaway box was half full of a green rice (unclear why it is green), some shredded beef that to me tastes like barbecue sauce, and an assortment of vegetables that I requested instead of beans, which included courgette, peppers, and corn. Courgette is an interesting choice. There was some light feta like cheese on the top. I also got a side of guacamole and chips, though they neglected to mention that this was more like nachos fully loaded, as this was served in another box with nachos on the bottom and a hefty portion of salsa, an orange coloured cream sauce, and slightly watery guacamole on top. The guacamole seems fresh, but it is not quite chunks of avocado, nor even a more pureed or mashed version, so I’m not sure how they got it to this consistency. It has fresh tomato chunks in it and tastes strongly of lemon juice. I wouldn’t say it is worth your time. Overall I’d say the name of the restaurant is great, but as for the food, this place is just as disappointing as its predecessor.

Cheeky Chicos is one of the few restaurants still open at 8 in the area, and even here it was mostly just full of drinks-​only city folk. Little by little, this seemingly slightly-​overpriced venue with a simple menu started unfolding itself to me.
«Guacamole and chips» (£4, meh ok) is actually guac, salsa and a side of nachos. Oh! Now it seems like a value! (Still had to send it back because of the cheese though)
I then had the «vegetable enchiladas» (I asked for both roja and verde sauces) with rice and beans. It came with THREE enchiladas, sauced up as the Mexican Flag (as it should be). I had one bite of that corn tortilla with enchilada sauce and had a bit of a moment. As a long-​term American in London, Tex-​Mex is no longer a part of normal life. So this taste of rarely-​seen corn tortillas covered in that one and only enchilada sauce… I had a bit of a Ratatouille-​like experience being pulled away to another time and place. So for that fact, they get an extra star and a happy dance from me.
Was it the best ever? Nope. Is happy hour a bit of a joke? Yup. Should they add a bit more detail in their menu? Yessir. Will I be back again? Si.

Given that I was the only customer in the restaurant, my food took forever. After 30 minutes I actually had to remind them that I was still waiting for my food. The guacamole didn’t taste one bit like avocado, and it had the consistency of pudding, which makes me wonder what exactly they’re putting in their guac. Overall, I wouldn’t call this authentic Mexican food, but it’s not terrible for being this side of the Atlantic.

We love Mexican food for the vegetables, chicken & sauces — & margaritas of course. So it was great to find such a nice Mexican restaurant in the heart of London. I asked if there was a way to get a burrito but with their mole poblano — the chef (actually from Mexico) not only said yes, but had the server ask if he could make a special burrito for me… it was a work of art & the best I’ve had in over 2 years.
Wonderful experience, first class service & food. We highly recommend.

The first impression comes with authentic mexican chips and salsa, the second arrives with a great margarita made with fresh, quality ingredients. Who knew London could serve up a slice of heaven from south of the border.
Tacos are excellent and the pepito sandwiches were a nice combination of flavors.