Best Dishes at KOL
Carrot, Scotch Bonnet and Seaweed Broth
StartersThe tasting menu often opens with this elegant, unexpected broth. Fermented carrot brings sweetness and depth, scotch bonnet adds heat, and seaweed brings umami and brine. It's a conversation starter—reviewers describe it as inventive and warming. The fermentation is key, adding complexity that a standard broth wouldn't have.
Venison with Wild Herbs
MainsLastra's commitment to wild British ingredients shines in this plate of perfectly cooked venison surrounded by foraged herbs and tender root vegetables. The venison is charred on the outside, rare within. The wild herbs add sophistication and freshness. This is where Lastra's vision—Mexican technique, British wild ingredients—becomes clear.
Grilled Octopus Tacos
TacosGrilled octopus served with warm tortillas, rich bone marrow and a smoked chilli sauce. This is Lastra's signature taco—reviewers call it a guaranteed showstopper. The charred octopus is tender and the bone marrow adds unexpected richness, while the smoked chilli brings heat and depth. The combination is theatrical and delicious.
Lobster Tacos
TacosSweet, tender lobster meat in warm tortillas with a vibrant smoked chilli sauce. The lobster is fresh and briny, the chilli adds smoky heat, and the tortilla is warm and soft. This is refined Mexican cooking applied to premium British seafood. The dish is generous and flavorful.
Chocolate with Mezcal
DessertA rich dark chocolate mousse with mezcal smoke and bitter orange brightness. The chocolate is dark and serious, the mezcal adds smokiness and complexity, and the bitter orange cuts through with acidity. It's a sophisticated, grown-up dessert that ties back to the mezcal bar downstairs.
About KOL
KOL (which means 'to do' in Nahuatl, the Aztec language) opened in 2021 in Marylebone under chef-patron Santiago Lastra, who sources British wild ingredients and interprets them through a Mexican lens. It's not traditional Mexican cuisine—it's refined, theatrical, and seasonal. The restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2022 and reached the top 50 UK restaurants within a year of opening.
Top 5 dishes at KOL:
- Carrot, Scotch Bonnet and Seaweed Broth(Signature)
- Venison with Wild Herbs – 88% recommended(Signature)
- Grilled Octopus Tacos – 94% recommended(Signature)
- Lobster Tacos – 90% recommended(Signature)
- Chocolate with Mezcal
Details
- Cuisine:
- Mexican
- Price Range:
- £££
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Reservations, Private Dining
Hours
- Friday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Monday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Tuesday:
- 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
KOL runs a 6-course and 9-course tasting menu. Choose your main from two options and let the chef handle the rest. The vegetarian menu is available on request.
The wine list is biodynamic-focused with central and eastern European producers. Ask about the pairing—it's exceptional.
The downstairs Mezcaleria bar has an enormous mezcal selection. Arrive early or book a separate drinks appointment.
This is not traditional Mexican—it's Lastra's interpretation. If you want authentic regional Mexican, look elsewhere. If you want innovative seasonal cooking with Mexican flavors, this is it.
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