Last weekend I decided to check out Mexicali in Soho. I first heard of this place quite some time back when it was known at the Beach Burrito Cafe although I had never had a chance to visit. As Beach Burrito Cafe this place got some reasonably good reviews - a Google search will reveal. Following a re-brand, new locations opened up in Chelsea and Notting Hill although there are conflicting reports as to whether these are still open.


Mexicali Soho - 26 Berwick Street, London, W1

When I visited (early Saturday afternoon) there were no other customers in the restaurant, although somebody had just walked out with a take-away. I ordered a chicken burrito with guacamole. Drinks were available on the side (as can be seen in the photo above) although I was not even asked if I wanted one. Furthermore the service in general was very poor. The staff seemed totally disinterested and bored.

Apart from the initial menu choice, there do not appear to be many options in Mexicali. Here you place your order and take your seat whilst waiting for your food. Even when waiting by the counter it is not possible to see your burrito being constructed as everything is hidden away behind the counter.

I took my seat and my burrito arrived on a plate soon after, cut in half and with a small side of guacmole and a few chips. My personal preference has always been for the guac to be inside the tortilla however this in itself was not going to be a problem. I tried not to be put off by the unappealing look of the food and let the taste be the decider...


Chicken Burrito w/ side of Guacamole

I tried to eat the first half with my hands and then gave up and consumed the second half with the PLASTIC knife and fork. Sadly this made absolutely no difference as the food did not taste any better than it looked. As can be seen in the above photo, it did not exactly look good!! It was not horrid, nor totally tasteless - that honour goes to Whole Foods Market - but it just did not do it for me.

The restaurant itself is actually fairly nice and has plentiful comfortable seating and a nice decor. This is however no use at all when the food does not come up to standard.


I got up to leave feeling disappointed and wishing that I had gone somewhere else instead. I wasn't too sure how to rate it either. It gets a 2/10 for service, 3/10 for presentation, 4/10 for taste and 5/10 for decor. It is very unlikely that I will return. With plenty of much nicer places to get a burrito in London, why go here?



In total I give Mexicali a rating of 3.5/10.