Trekking through Soho ravenous after 11pm is a disappointing affair. After a late night play, food was a necessity and I had confidence that Soho would be the place to find our grub. Turns out everywhere stops serving at 10.30 ish, everywhere that is apart from La Bodega Negra Café and Ceviche Bar.
This Mexican café glows on the corner of Old Compton Street enticing in guests with the eye-catching neon sign and a happy soundtrack which drifts down the street. We skipped in, so delighted to hear they were still serving that we almost hugged the waiter. Snuggling up at a cosy corner table we were in the ideal position to observe and enjoy our surroundings, the raucous groups of friends and intimate couples, all enjoying a casual meal while listening to the entertaining music.
I promise you I tried to avoid the cocktails, especially after several glasses of Pimms earlier in the evening, but the authentic sounding drinks were irresistible… it didn’t help that I had major cocktail envy watching all the other diners sipping pretty drinks from martini glasses. I wanted to be like them, and taste what they had.. so I succumbed and ordered a caiprinha which arrived ice cold, strong and zingy but utterly delicious.
The menu is filled with all the usual classics, in numerous meat and veggie varieties. We ordered a few plates to share: Chicken Tostada, Pork Al Pastor Tacos with Salsa Verde and Quesadillas with Chorizo, Cheese and Salsa Roja. The dishes are slightly odd sizes, too small to share but too big to pop in your mouth in one go… neither starter nor main. It is best to order a selection and pick at it all, sharing and caring as you go. Apparently the Tacos are the most popular, yummy fillings in hard crunchy shells… but I found that I preferred the other dishes. Quesadillas were piping hot and oozing melted cheese, an addictive combination of ingredients with a kick from the spicy salsa and with a dollop of contrasting soured cream. Chicken Tostada was good too, an appetising mix of marinated pulled chicken, tinga, crema and avocado and the slightly strange addition of pineapple which I didn’t like so much. The homemade Guacamole is a must, mixed to perfection, I would definitely recommend a side portion with your meal.
Had it been earlier in the evening, I would have indulged in one of the yummy sounding desserts… especially as Mango Pannacotta and Lime Granita was on offer! There’s something to look forward to for next time…
La Bodega Negra provides tasty food in a fun environment and is the perfect place for a mischievous midnight snack.