Corrochio's

Corrochio’s is the sort of place you visit at 1pm on a Saturday and spy a couple wrapped around each other beneath the sepia glow of a fringed lamp, their table strewn with empty margarita glasses. Opposite them, boisterous children hammer the table demanding tortas, and a group of friends clink pink guava coolers. Our only explanation for the broad appeal is that chilaquiles like these are a great unifier. The basement level of this moodily lit cocina in Stoke Newington has the smoky feel of a saloon, with enough crucifixes for you to become concerned you’ve stepped inside the headquarters of a cult—one with exceptional catering. 

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

We prefer the brunch menu because you can get the best thing here—the chilaquiles. The corn tortilla chips—some still crispy, some soggy after soaking up moreish salsa verde—come topped with tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and rings of crunchy red onion. The fried egg on top dribbles into the refried beans and the whole thing mixes together to make a messy, delicious bite. Hot sauce is optional but encouraged. The brunch menu also has tortas. It’s hard to find great Mexican torta in London but this submarine-size roll is a good one. The tacos are pretty good, but you’ll find better elsewhere in London, so stick to rounds of topped chips and margaritas.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch