A couple of weeks ago, I met with a group of Italian friends at Wahaca Fitzrovia for a chilled Saturday dinner.

My day was spent in very glamorous activities, such as doing my laundry, running errands, having my nails done, attending a Bikram yoga class. So, by the time I arrived in Charlotte street, I was pretty tired and a bit hungry grumpy.

I was the first one of the group to turn up (laid back Sicilians…), and I promptly approached the front of house to leave my name and the number of people for the table, as they.. surprise surprise (!)… don’t accept reservations.

I was immediately informed that there was little point for me to leave the name, since the real queue starts when all the guests arrive at the restaurant, and  I should expect a 1h wait. Great !

20 minutes later, my friends finally turned up, and we were able to join the ‘real’ 1h queue. To kill time, we decided to have a couple of drinks in the upstairs bar. Nice atmosphere, and not as crowded as you would expect. Interesting  creative decor. We managed to find a table pretty easily. If in the area, I might just go back for a drink and nibbles.

Just the time to order our cocktails, and we were called back downstairs for our dinner. Total wait, 10 minutes. Pfiu! Grumpy no more .

Finally sat down, we ordered guacamole and nachos, and a main each.

The guacamole was creamy, and I could taste the fresh avocado and coriander, or better… cilantro. Nice crispy nachos, not at all oily.

Our mains arrived quickly. MSC  fish tacos; crispy plaice goujons on a bed of crunchy salad mix, dressed with a chipotle (smoky chili pepper) mayonnaise, served with a side of rice and beans and a salad for me. Possibly the best dish of the table.

Both the boys opted for Pork Pibil, a dish from the Yucatan peninsula. Marinated pork, served in a parcel with smoky black beans, green rice and pink pickled onions.  After tasting my delicious fish tacos, they ordered one each too!

My friend R ordered the Haddock a la Pimienta from the grill, with melting onion, black pepper, fresh lime and pumpkin seed sauce, served with green rice and salad.

We drank beer and  passion fruit margarita cocktails.

R and I were going to share two desserts: the Chocolate tres leche cake, and the Salted caramel ice-cream with shavings of Valrhona chocolate. Unfortunately, they had only one dessert left (!): the cake.

I must admit I am not a huge fan of this cake, texture is too soggy, it’s more similaro to a crumble, and the taste is way to sweet for my liking. I loved the spoons though .

My verdict, though Wahaca is hardly a foodie destination, it’s a safe option for a cheap and cheerful Mexican inspired meal, cooked with fresh ingredients. I am planning to go back for brunch, the menu looks pretty interesting.

Service seemed to be pretty disorganized, and not particularly attentive. Perhaps an area they need to work on.

Dinner with drinks £20 per person.