KOL

Mexican·
££££
·
Gold Award
·

SquareMeal Review of KOL

Gold Award

KOL was incredibly successful when it first opened in 2020, but there was a sense that the restaurant was working hard to survive the tough economic conditions of the time. Fast forward a few years and this feels like a restaurant finally flying free of the shackles of lockdown. Santiago Lastra’s boundless creativity doesn’t always make KOL easy to understand or to pigeonhole, but his cooking - Mexican food through the lens of British ingredients - is singular and extraordinary.

Inside, KOL is utterly beautiful. The open kitchen is the beating heart of the space, where Santi and team stand, tweezers at the ready, assembling dishes with grace and precision. The room itself is a dreamy mix of terracotta, burnt orange and ochre, wood and chocolate brown leather, splashed with the bright green of potted plants. The ceramics are gorgeous. The seats are comfy. KOL is just a wonderful place to spend a few hours.

That’s before you get to the food. KOL was excellent when it opened in 2020, but four years later it is remarkable. A bowl of lemon balm aguachile and Scotch Bonnet starts the meal with palate-cleansing freshness, before the fireworks begin: a tetela (like a masa samosa) of asparagus, mushroom and earthy green mole; riproaring carnitas tacos lifted by rhubarb salsa; and the now borderline iconic langoustine taco with sea buckthorn - one of the most delicious single bites in the city. Every dish is picture perfect, with flavours carefully and brilliantly devised.

Everything about KOL feels deliberate and considered, even down to drinks selections which champion smaller independent producers. This combination of curiosity, aesthetic appeal and downright deliciousness is rare, even in a city like London, and the packed dining room is an indicator that the team here are giving the people what they want - a refreshing escape from reality, even if only all too brief.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Over £80
Cuisines
Mexican
Ambience
Cool, Fine dining, Glamorous, Luxury, Widely spaced tables
Awards
One Michelin star, SquareMeal London Top 100
Food Occasions
All day dining, Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Chef’s table, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Celeb spotting, Celebrations, Dates

About

While there are plenty of places to grab tacos and tequila in London, KOL mixes things up by creating a fine-dining atmosphere in the heart of Marylebone. KOL, having opened in the somewhat challenging year of 2020, brings a whole new kind of innovative Mexican cuisine to the UK’s capital.

KOL's venture is headed up by chef Santiago Lastra who is keen to showcase Mexico’s food culture while simultaneously celebrating the best of British produce. The well-respected chef previously oversaw the launch of world-renowned restaurant Noma’s seven-week pop up in Mexico. While KOL serves Mexican food made with ingredients sourced mainly in the UK, it also champions ingredients that are often looked upon as simple or low-end. Its approach to food is referenced in the name. KOL is a play on the Spanish word ‘col’, which translates as ‘cabbage’. Lastra chose the name because he wants to show that “an average ingredient can be incredible”.

When dining at KOL, guests are invited to dine from the multi-course tasting menu, and there is an option to add a wine or mezcal pairing. While the food at KOL may flex and fluctuate with the seasons, guests can expect dishes offered to include the likes of langoustine tacos with smoked chilli, kohlrabi with pink mole and confit pork cheek carnitas.

Aside from the food offering, guests with a keen eye for detail will surely be impressed by the care taken over the interiors. Here you’ll find warm Mexican colours brought to life by the design team at A-NRD Studio. From rattan light shades and rough pottery ornaments (sourced from indigenous communities in Mexico) to the wooden bar, the whole restaurant is an escape from the buzz of London outside. Nice touches include works from Mexican artist Fernando La Posse, whose full-length heritage corn husk mosaic hangs in the reception, and the tableware which has been gathered from 18 artisan potters across the UK.

KOL also boasts a basement bar - KOL Mezcaleria - which serves one of the widest ranges of tequila and mezcal in London.


FAQs

Does it have a Michelin star?

Yes, it has one Michelin star.

Helpful? 0

Does it have a chef's table?

Yes, there is a chef's table run by Santiago and the development team.

Helpful? 0

Does it have a bar?

Yes, you can grab a drink at KOL Mezcaleria.

Helpful? 0

Do I need to book?

Yes, KOL is very popular and you'll need to book well in advance to secure a table.

Helpful? 0
Meet the team
KOL

Santiago Lastra

Head chef and co-owner

Santiago Lastra describes himself as a 'nomad Mexican chef', and that's a pretty accurate description. Lastra has travelled the globe, taking guest chef residencies from eager establishments like the Tate Modern and Hija de Sanchez in Copenhagen. He also launched NOMA Mexico with Rene Redzepi. He has won numerous awards, including a Michelin star, GQ Best Chef and New Arrival of the Year from La Liste.


This venue also offers

KOL
Private Group Dining

KOL

Location

9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 7BA

020 3829 6888 020 3829 6888

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed 12:00-16:00
Thu 12:00-16:00
Fri 12:00-16:00
Sat 12:00-16:00
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 18:00-00:00
Wed 18:00-00:00
Thu 18:00-00:00
Fri 18:00-00:00
Sat 18:00-00:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

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11 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Rita M

27 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Amazing Mexican food which uses British produce to bring authentic flavours to London 

Hannah T

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

The single best meal I've ever had. I still dream of the langoustine taco.

Inci M

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5

Superb 

Anon

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Amazing food, great atmosphere and smoking margaritas!

Anon

20 October 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Exceeded expectations

I never write reviews but I was so pleased with this restaurant I felt I owed it to the internet after all of the great recommendations I've gotten from it.
KOL is everything you would expect from a Mexican inspired restaurant and more. Amazing food and amazing service. Everything was delicious, flavours that you would've never imagined are combined to create culinary art. It completely met my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to spend their money on *good* food. (get the octopus)

Anon

20 October 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Exceeded expectations

I never write reviews but I was so pleased with this restaurant I felt I owed it to the internet after all of the great recommendations I've gotten from it.
KOL is everything you would expect from a Mexican inspired restaurant and more. Amazing food and amazing service. Everything was delicious, flavours that you would've never imagined are combined to create culinary art. It completely met my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to spend their money on *good* food. (get the octopus)

L C Williams

28 June 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Worth the Wait

I went to Kol last week with my partner and some friends for dinner and had a fantastic evening from start to finish. We had the 6 course tasting menu with the drinks flight and honestly had a fab evening - so much so i have booked to go back with more friends in September. I had a non-alcoholic flight, and my friend had the vegetarian tasting menu  - both equally as thoughtful and delicious as their alcholic and meaty/fishy counterparts. All the drinks went perfectly with the food, I didnt miss a new zealand sauvignon blanc in the slightest. It was refreshing to see such a varied and creative selection of wines and soft drinks, many of which we were told were uniquely created either by KOL or for KOL.

My experience of mexican food in the UK has been absolutely blown out the water by KOL - this is on another level and incomparable. I am not sure i can ever go back to a sad soggy foil wrapped excuse for a burrito now that British Lobster tacos are on offer in Marylebone. In fact its almost a bit of an insult to mention them in the same sentence. Anyway - cannot wait to come back and experience KOL's food and hospitality all over again.

 

H Staines

14 June 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Special & Sublime

Special and sublime is how I would describe my experience at KOL. I was with family and looking forward to the meal. I was not disappointed it was fantastic from start to finish.We were greeted and seated by staff with lovely smiles and felt so welcome, the whole atmosphere was understated and very relaxing made more so with the house special cocktail, a margarita.

The benefit of a tasting menu is that there is no stress in trying to decide what to have and no food envy when someone else’s plate arrives. The menu was brilliant and I struggle to choose a favourite, the lobster taco is on the list but then the grilled octopus with bone marrow is a melt in the mouth contender too, it was all delicious, surprising and beautifully plated. The little touches made me smile like the armadillo salt pot and the octopus scissors-who knew there was such a thing ? So much thought had gone into everything and when the attention to detail is so good the whole experience is really memorable. The kitchen is open so you can see all the chefs are preparing the food while you eat but it was calm, the team were superbly well organised, real artists and professionals. It was fascinating to watch while my asparagus spear was blow torched and the tacos flipped on the open fire pit.

Last but not least the brilliantly attentive  waiting staff and helpful informative sommelier who introduced us to some new wines and mezcal. I can’t wait to go back and see what further inspirational cooking awaits.

Sarah W

09 June 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Amazing Experience

We went to Kol for a celebration and there were five of us, we had a large table next to the open kitchen and could see the love and skill going into the food. It was more than just an amazing dinner, it was a great experience from start to finish. We opted for the nine course menu with the wine pairings each course being helpfully explained by the lovely staff. No question too big...they could even explain to us who made the plates they were served on! The highlight for me was the pulpo taco (or maybe the trout...don't make me choose). From the endless supply of tacos to the heavenly bone marrow, getting to use the "octopus scissors" added to the ceremony of the dish! Unusual wines that complemented the food, the pairings were spot on and the sommelier gave great tasting notes and background - the hibiscus mezcal was a stand out. The menu and the wines were outstanding and carefully considered from the get go.

no words other than to say thank you to the whole team at Kol for an incredible night, this restaurant is so much more than amazing food.

Anon

06 June 2021  
Food & Drink 1.5
Service 3
Atmosphere 3
Value 1
Disappointed. KOL needs to be so much more.

I want to make this review as helpful for the team and the clients that decide to come here by pre-warning you of a couple of issues I faced.

I booked the restaurant for a table of 2 (the day before) and I was told that there was a charge of £70 per person and a 48 hour cancellation policy. Stuff happens in life and guests can not predict it. A 48 hour policy is totally unwarranted.

None the less, went ahead and booked for 930pm the next day. The next part is unbelievable. I was running 15 minutes late but my guest was already on the table. I received a call at 9.45 from reception (I was 5 minutes away) and they threatened me stating: if I did not arrive in 5 minutes, they would cut my dishes down from 9 courses to 6 courses. I explained my guest was on the table so they could begin serving us now (the 9 courses) and by the time I would arrive there would be no issues. They said that was not possible as there is a licensing issue (false information: It is just that their entire team DEMAND to leave at 11pm sharp). I asked why was I not told that I would lose 3 courses if I arrived 15 minutes late at time of booking? Why did they refuse to serve my guest and I the 9 course meal whilst he was already at the table? BTW - a 6 course meal is NOT enough food for you unless you have eaten dinner elsewhere and are popping in for a snack (and this is not my attempt at humour - its a fact). In spite of complaining to the Manager, they refused to serve my guest until I arrived.

The wine list – shocking. No Australian or Italian White Wine. The worst wine selection with an odd selection of quirky wines with fruit printed on the labels. They have no fruit in the wine and are from Slovakia. They taste vinegary like Kombucha. Food arrived & none of it was explained in detail. The serving team lacked the empathy to explain anything correctly and we could not hear them. They spoke so fast. I would constantly ask them to repeat. On the third time of repeating - I just thought, forget it, I will just eat it and I was embarassed. I had to ask for a menu, and read each dish as they served it. Another tip for you, keep the menu with you at all times so you can cross reference each dish.

One dish (no joke) had two asparagus spear heads on the plate (that is all) and after eating that - I was asked how the dish was. I looked at the waitor blankly and was surprised that he expected an answer on how the asparagus heads were!

Then came the Toastada which was so hard I almost broke a tooth on. Now onto the main - Pig Cheek. Great!! But the preperation failed & some of the cut pieces just had 100% fat on them.

The tortillas are served in a leather pouch with exactly 5 in the leather pouch. Yes makes sense for a table of two! These were quickly eaten as nothing substantial was served in any other course.

After we had finished our dinner, a server asked us if we would like more Tacos! I explained we had finished our dinner 15 minutes ago and had already eaten the pig cheek from the bowl with a spoon...

Note to management: the leather pouch as quirky as it looks on social media, does not help your serving staff monitor tacos quantities and refills.

And finally, at exactly 11pm, all the staff ran into the kitchen got changed, and exited through the restaurant with their rack sacks on passing our table - I have never ever seen this in any fine dining restaurant.
Staff must have the courtesy of allowing guests to leave, or leave through the back.

KOL thinks that social media and insta will cover all of the gaps and flaws in their service because of their following. They believe they can treat customers like they are in a doctors office, but hospitality (and lack of it) will always catch up. Being egoistical to the very customers that are the lifeblood of your business will lead to yet another restraunteer taking over 9 Seymour place. Good luck, but this experience has been memorable to me for all of the wrong reasons.

Book a table

Call KOL to make a booking on:

020 3829 6888 020 3829 6888

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