Casa Pastor | King’s Cross Taqueria with a Terrace
Casa Pastor is part of the El Pastor restaurant group run by Crispin Somerville and the Harts, which sounds like the name of an influential synth band from the early 80s, but is in fact the trio behind such superlative dining institutions as Barrafina and Quo Vadis. With the Pastor restaurants they’re hoping to bring an authentic taste of Mexico to London, inspired by their time running the Mexico City legend that was El Colmillo.
You’ll find Casa Pastor (and its outdoor terrace, Plaza Pastor) up in King’s Cross, alongside fellow Harts institutions Barrafina King’s Cross and a wine bar called The Drop. They’re all comfortably rubbing shoulders in Coal Drops Yard; a sprawling space by Granary Square sporting picturesque cobbles, rail arches, and a host of restaurants and shops.
Here’s what you can expect:
CASA PASTOR
If you’ve been to El Pastor in London Bridge, or the follow-up, El Pastor Soho, you’ll know what we’re dealing with here. These Mexican restaurants make all their tortillas in house, daily – and plate them up alongside a bevy of tostadas and aguachiles. You’ll find more of the same here, with newness in the form of coconut ceviche tostada with chilli and avocado, and larger tacos to share, stuffed with the likes of lamb barbecoa, and cheese-stuffed fried chillies. There’s also a Baja-inspired mariscos or seafood section; including oysters served with worm salt and mescal.
The whole space upgrades the exposed Victorian brick walls and arched windows with bright Mexican murals; coloured festoon bulbs; antique patterned tiles; and, er, actual trees; while an emerald-tiled mezcal bar takes centre stage, serving cocktails like the avocado & passionfruit margarita. Of course, if cocktails are what you’re after, you can also head outside to…
PLAZA PASTOR
Casa Pastor’s heated, covered terrace seats a cosy 100, and is a somewhat livelier affair by virtue of the smoking chicken rotisserie; the blackened steel bar serving jugs of tequila-laced sharing cocktails; and the constant possibility that you’re about to be ambushed by their ‘surprise’ mariachi band.
Which, if that appeals, you can also book for special occasions.
Perfect for that surprise birthday party.
NOTE: Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor are open for lunch and dinner Tues-Sun (closing at 8pm on Sundays). You can find out more, and book a table, HERE.
Casa Pastor & Plaza Pastor | Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ
Looking for al fresco spots? Peruse our list of London’s best restaurants for outdoor dining.