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Ixchel

Fusion, Mexican, Tapas, Tex Mex·
££££
·

SquareMeal Review of Ixchel

You’d hardly dare open a restaurant on the King’s Road without glossy interiors, but even by Sloane Square standards this is a pretty swanky spot. The interiors have a no expense spared air about them, with buffed plaster coloured walls pulled and stretched into arches and snugs, which are filled with low and luxe soft furnishings and terracotta toned Mexican artworks.

We’re through the doors not even a month after opening, and the sweet service gives away the venue’s infancy. There’s a long pause before drinks arrive, and during our meal things are mistakenly presented and then retracted from the table in a hurry. However, everything’s delivered with a smile, and a well made spicy margarita with grassy strips of jalapeño making friends with the tequila and lime smooths over the cracks nicely.

West London demands food for a certain type of appetite, and as such there are ingredients like scallops and wagyu on the menu. At £95 we skip the wagyu in favour of sirloin, which is nicely cooked and ready to be folded into warm corn tortillas with caramelised onions and a sweet, spicy salsa. Scallops come in lovely thick slices dressed with a light aguachile, cucumber pieces smoothing out any spiky edges. There are dinky tacos to share too, served in pairs and either stuffed with little cubes of belly pork or chunky king prawns in a smoky sauce.

Come dessert you feel remiss not to order the tres leche cake. It comes beautifully presented with a ribbon of piped cinnamon cream on top with jagged shards of meringue piercing the surface, all hiding a little strawberry salsa. It’s a fun twist on an old classic, and its pretty curves look good on camera too, which we suspect is a helpful selling point given the crowd of smart-phone wielding young professionals.

All in, the whole thing feels like a welcome slice of escapism from London outside, offering the feeling of sunnier climes in a very accessible format.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Over £80
Cuisines
Fusion, Mexican, Tapas, Tex Mex
Ambience
Cool, Dark and moody, Fun, Lively, Luxury, Romantic, Unique
Food Occasions
All day dining, Dinner, Late night dining, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Terrace
Special Features
Chef’s table, Live music or dancing, Vegetarian options, Wheelchair access
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celeb spotting, Celebrations, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Ixchel is a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar located on the King’s Road in Chelsea, focused on delivering authentic Mexican food to London. Ixchel draws inspiration for its flavours from Tulum in the Yucatan peninsula, serving an all-day menu, from 9am to midnight, including the likes of quesadillas, ceviches and tacos among other Mexican classics.  

Adding to Chelsea’s array of international cuisine is Ixchel’s chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez who aims to take tastebuds on a voyage 'to the exotic Yucatan peninsulas'. Gonzalez previously worked at Dulce Patria in Mexico City, before moving to London to spend time at Michelin-starred Brat in Shoreditch, and Ella Canta - superstar Mexican chef Martha Ortiz's now closed London restaurant. 

The restaurant has taken its name from the Mayan goddess of the moon and the textiles and the interior design match her artistic legacy; there is a sizable contemporary macrame paying homage to her weaving and a mural by the Mexican artist Rafael Uriegas, known for fusing ancient mythology and modern art. Ixchel's bar holds one of the largest collections of agave-based liquor in Europe. Not only are copious amounts of tequila available, but Ixchel also has a variety of artisan mezcal from traditional Mexican distilleries and an extensive cocktail list.   

With an abundance of large tables, this is a fun spot for a group meal and animated conversation. The menu carries a selection of sharing dishes, such as cheese and herb-stuffed pasilla chilis with slow-cooked salsa roja and toasted peanuts; as well as large plates including black tiger prawns with squid skewers, tomato and cactus salad and pork ribs encased in banana leaf cooked in dark beer over charcoal.   


FAQs

Who owns the restaurant?

While it’s founded by Founder Fraser Carruthers, Calum Best is also a partner in the business.

Helpful? 0

Do you have to book?

We’d advise booking, but you can always try for walk-ins on the day if you’re looking for a last minute table.

Helpful? 0
Meet the team
Ixchel

Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez

Head Chef

Mexican chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez discovered her love for cooking at a young age, and began her culinary journey cooking in restaurants in both Mexico City and London. Her impressive portfolio includes Michelin-starred Brat, Ella Canta and Madera at Treehouse London, as well as Dulce Patria in Mexico City. At Ixchel, she spearheads the menu, which is based around high quality ingredients and a convivial sharing concept. 


Location

33 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4LX

020 7251 3871 020 7251 3871

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon 12:00-00:00
Tue 12:00-00:00
Wed 12:00-00:00
Thu 12:00-01:00
Fri 12:00-01:00
Sat 12:00-01:00
Sun 12:00-23:00

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Call Ixchel to make a booking on:

020 7251 3871 020 7251 3871

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