After quadrupling in size, Corrochio’s is now open again, and ready to help you quadruple in size too.
Because we’re happy to report that the place has managed to not only craft a warm and inviting space with beautiful flourishes of art & plant life, but they’ve also kept the food menu just as moreishly delicious as ever.
It’s quite an impressive feat too. The place started out as a simple popup before settling into Rubys, taking over Ruby’s, and now literally moving onward & upward to another level – and they’ve done it all without some huge restaurant group or angel fund. They’ve basically been scaling peak after peak without a rope. And it’s all thanks to the duo who run the place: Daniel Corrochio (the chef, born in Guadalajara) and his partner Amy McQuarrie (who handles the Front Of House stuff).
Head on down from Dalston Junction way, and it instantly catches your eye with a plant-filled terrace that very much feels like it’s detached from the street, and isn’t just a bunch of tables plonked on the road. And whatever time you happen to go, it’ll likely be buzzing – the place is already cementing itself as a neighbourhood hotspot. So, basically, book ahead.
Step inside, and you’ll find a cosy and inviting atmosphere, with a distinctly homely feel brought out by Mexican music, artworks, and religious statues (including a classic Mary de Guadalupe figurine bought by the owners at a Oaxaca petrol station), as well as the occasional cactus. Were it not for the gleaming centrepiece bar, you almost feel like you’re not in London anymore.
On the food menu, you’ll find a parade of regional Mexican specialities, including enchiladas verdes from Puebla (involving a fully loaded corn tortilla draped in a poblano & verde sauce); some absolutely delicious huaraches from Mexico City (they’re fluffy ‘fatbreads’ with pork carnitas, pastor, and grilled cactus); and tostadas from Oaxaca, which here have cooked prawn ceviche on an avocado bed with charred habanero & pineapple sauce.
That bar isn’t standing idel either – there are some delightful Mexican cocktails to ease all this down including a classic paloma, a margarita, and a hybrid of the two called a palomita, which blends hibiscus mezcal with ginger and grapefruit.
And as for the original Corrochio’s space? It’s going to be turned into Cinco, an atmospheric little bar that specialises in some of Mexico’s lesser-known agave spirits. That means plenty of interesting, and punchy cocktails, including their famed clay jug Cantarito. And you’ll be able to access both Cinco and Cantina (the Mexican-style dive bar that they turned Ruby’s into) from the hidden staircase.
And hidden staircases always lead to interesting storeys.
NOTE: Corrochio’s is open now – you can find out more, and book a table, HERE.
Corrochio’s | 70-74 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB
Loved this? Take a trip to these other great Mexican restaurants in London