Mexican Kitchen in Basildon

A little gem of a restaurant in Essex. You must book to secure a table. Such great food, the staff were brilliant catering for my son’s allergies and can’t say enough about how wonderful the food is. We had a meat sharing platter which included quesadilla, beef burrito, loaded nachos. Go now before this becomes so popular you can’t get a booking.

Booked for our anniversary and was given a nice table in the secluded section with nice ambient lighting and a nice touch of a “happy anniversary” note on the table. There is a nice atmosphere with salsa music being played. The service was very good and prompt, the food was delicious and well presented. We definitely look forward to going back and this time not we will wait for another anniversary to do so.

Disappointing service, staff miserable and wearing joggers & hoody to serve you is quite un professional.. Food was ok but go for larger option as the smaller one is tiny. Deliveroo constantly in and out of the restaurant was quite annoying when you want to sit and enjoy the meal,especially when the door is open and closing in the cold weather

Eat here quite alot, find the prices very reasonable and the food always very good. Staff very polite and a quick service.

Phenomenal food and service. Went with the mrs on a Friday evening and it has a lovely intimate vibe to it. Where we were seated had three tables; it wasn’t jam-packed with tables it was spacious - yet cosy all at once. Cocktails were lovely and the service was amazing; they tailored for two quite fussy eaters. I adore Mexican food but refried beans don’t agree with me and due to the food all being freshly made, they simply left those out. My other half is not a big cheese fan but they were able to leave that out and even advise us on the adverse impact on quesadillas as a result. The food itself was stunning and for the price of street food was brilliant value. Polite and courteous employees and we will be back again - thank you so much!

Had heard good reviews from friends, so decided to have a try when passing one night. Considering my son and I were walk ins and clearly they were busy, they couldn't have been more accommodating if they tried. The food was exceptionally good, being fresh and not from a processed tub. Great value for money and shows why independent business should be supported.

Without a doubt the best Mexican around. Food is always piping hot, full of flavour & the service is incredible every single time we have visited. This is a MUST visit.

After a long diverted journey home we needed somewhere to eat, perfect pick me up. Great fresh food and good service. Plenty of parking too, well worth a visit!

Fabulous food! We haven’t visited for a while and we were not disappointed. The food was still excellent and great service.

First time visit very impressed with the food and options service was good and reasonable prices will go back

Second time I’ve been here, food is great, portions are great and service is fab. Nice wait time for food. Lovely little gem!

Hands down my family's favourite go-to place. I'll admit, it's not cheap. However it's real, authentic Mexican food that we've never been able to find anywhere else... Other than Mexico. My favourite is the taco serving platter. The tacos are served in the Mexican fashion with real soft corn tortillas. You won't find any Old El Paso fake Tex-Mex tripe here. There's variety in the filings and everything I've tried has tasted amazing. I have coeliac disease and multiple allergies and Cesar and the team have never failed to make me feel welcome and safe, even via messenger before my first visit over a year ago. Everything is made in-house so asking about ingredients in a particular dish is really easy. The only criticism I have is that there's rarely a gluten free dessert available; but I'll just have another Cucaracha and call that dessert!

This place is expensive and has a limited menu The staff are friendly and the cocktails are good The meals are not meals as such as they have no sides to them such as being served with rice/chips/salad The taco sharing platter was nice however the tacos were not tacos just small wraps My daughters meal was very poor and the staff neither offered another meal nor refunded the cost which is unacceptable Not worth a visit

The “restaurant” is like a converted shop, no atmosphere, empty and a bit awkward. The food was poor, very little choice, the whole of the sides menu is dips or rice or crisps, nothing to go with your meal. I ordered the tacos, 2 small “tacos” couldn’t order anything to go with them as I don’t like rice so I ordered 2 lots of tacos, the fish tacos were stone cold, and the other tacos were lamb, and it had a burnt aftertaste which wasn’t pleasant at all. The “tacos shells” were just a small wrap and because they hadn’t toasted it in any way they got soggy from the fish/meat and just fell apart. I told the guy serving us and he just said sorry about that and that was it, didn’t offer me another meal or a refund. So I have gone home hungry as I barely ate anything when I was there and I am really not a fussy eater. The cocktails are nice - maybe they should be a cocktail bar? Because it’s honestly the worst Mexican food I’ve ever had, I’ve had better fish tacos on Southend sea front, at least the taco held together when you tried to eat it!

This place looks nice that’s as far as it goes really. Was empty no atmosphere. The food very mediocre. My burrito was like a starter very small . They offer no fries or anything, £90 for 2 adult mains and a child’s main feel massively ripped off We have a cocktail each and a mock-tail feel absolutely violated

First time at Mexican Kitchen for us and we would highly recommend this great little find ! Great ambience and more than that attentive staff. Ashleigh even showed us to the new snug bar pit the back before we left. The food was amazing and...

Been meaning to visit for a couple of years, but never got around to it, but corrected that last night, yes the outside is nothing to look at, but we are both pleased that we did, staff were attentive the food was a delight and...

Food was amazing, atmosphere like a Mexican kitchen full of music and people talking, great service, everyone cared about our experience. Mocktails for the driver were superb, and great Mexican beer and real cocktails if not. Fantastic experience

This is by far the best Mexican food I have had in the UK - possibly ever! I lived in California for 3 years and got used to the delicious Mexican cuisine. Mexican Kitchen is such a gem! It’s amazing to have somewhere local that...

The food here is always without fault. Have been eating from Mexican kitchen since way back when they had their van in the town. Great drinks and desserts too! Staff are always excellent!

Really friendly and welcoming. The food was authentic according to my wife who’s from Arizona. Great tacos. The pibil and the chorizo fillings were really good. The drinks were well mixed. Pity we had to drive because the bar looked great. Would return for sure....

Had a fabulous evening with family in Mexican Kitchen, Wickford’s hidden gem, last night. It’s one of those restaurants that we always hear great things about but hadn’t been to. Well I’m glad to say that we changed that last night and we are now...

A lovely restaurant and bar with a warm, welcoming ambiance. Delicious food and drinks. We will definitely be back

What an amazing little gem in rural Essex. Booked for our anniversary dinner, and the experience from start to finish was exceptional. The waiters were friendly and attentive from the moment we arrived. The venue was magical and the food and drinks were amazing. Our...

First visit to Mexican Kitchen- fabulous food - all freshly made - flavours were wonderful. The service was excellent and the staff very helpful and friendly . Excellent value for money. Definitely recommend this and will be returning. Thank you to all at Mexican Kitchen...

I love this place. Food is always delicious and brilliant service! Highly recommend trying the cocktails they are yum - although seem to taste even better in the sun!! Another must is the churros with toffee & tequila sauce! Sometimes the wait for food can...

Excellent night out with friends, nice food and great having the nee Tequila and Cocktail bar out the back capped of a lovely evening

Had a lovely lunch with my friend today there. Tasty food, good portion, lovely service. A very nice small Mexican restaurant all together.

All food was acceptable but a little bland. We had requested medium spice but did not really Detect any spiciness. We had the sharing platter with good size portions with the tacos being The best of the bunch.

I have lived near to this restaurant for many years & had never realised it was sitting here. My partner found whilst searching for new date night ideas via google & google reviews. The restaurant had exceptionally good reviews so we were excited to give...

Wow wow wow! Was so excited for Mexican kitchen to reopen as a restaurant that I could eat in.Regulars pre lockdown the wholePlace has been completely returbishedTo be bigger and better! Before the tables were uniform and it sometimes felt cramped!Now it is Mexican shabby chic with little nocks and crannys, totally chilled ambience.Both food and drink menus have expanded, we struggled to choose as so many good selections (veggie options were really good as well!)Toilets refurbished to be in theme with the restaurant.Can’t wait till UK lockdown restrictions lift and we can visit the tequila and margaritas bar as well as restaurant.Book in advanced to avoid disappointment, take out is always good as well but the ambience of isn’t the same.Rachel, Cesar and the team Are doing a fab job and use locally Sourced suppliers another reason to support local Businesses!

First time using Mexican Kitchen, but won't be the last!.Had meal tonight and it was superb. We tried enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and nachos, and all were fantastic. In particular, the pork in my spicy enchilada was out of this world. Spicing was perfect.....few in my family do not like spice, and the mild level was perfect.... through to my son and I who went for hot and was perfect blend of heat and fresh taste. Had churros for afters and they were also superb. All in all my new fave food place in wickford area, and will be using again!

We ordered a ‘Lockdown special’ and it certainly was! We had mains, sides and dessert and it was more than plenty for two. A great variety of delicious dishes delivered at exactly at the time promised by the lovely Rachel. We will definitely be ordering again!!

Really enjoyed the food here! The chicken tortillas are particularly good and you get to create them yourselves (i.e. it comes deconstructed). The service was very good and we would definitely return in the future.

We ordered a take away version of our normal favourite during lockdown for a family birthday. We ordered chicken quesadillas and nachos all round! Both were delicious! The nachos were crisp and the food tasted really fresh. The packaging of the take away was also good, the restaurant uses insulated tinfoil style coverings which keep the food hot and fresh tasting.We also ordered cocktails, we ordered the 'cherry kiss' which was a cherry/tequila mix and the frozen Margherita. Both cocktails were very strong and very nice! Because we ordered take away, they came in polystyrene cups which ruined the magic slightly and made the cocktails feel too expensive (4 cocktails came to around £30) for what they are. In a tall glass with ice however, we would definitely order the cocktails again. In conclusion, we absolutely recommend this restaurant but it is on the pricey side so we'll save it for special occasions!

Ordered food the same day for my daughters birthday arrived piping hot and smelt amazing. Everything was absolutely delicious will definitely order takeaway again. Thank you

It's not what you know it's who you know ......thankyou for the jugs of margarita made my Easter,... good luck with the takeaway ...... we will be ordering ...

Delicious food great atmosphere fantastic service the Cody environment creates a fabulous environment to enjoyable s delicious meal would recommend a visit be sure to book

Lovely food, great atmosphere and fantastic Margaritas Had a variety of starters, mains and desserts, all very tasty & will definitely visit again

The restaurant was excellent with delicious food and a comfortable, calming atmosphere.This is definitely worth visiting.

This should really be a one star review as we feel uncomfortably full now! Lol! Hahaha! Seriously, outstanding! The cocktails are VERY yummy, definitely recommend the Cherry Kiss, Tequila Mojito and the Mexican Painkiller. Food wise, absolutely gorgeous, authentic, Mexican cuisine. Caesar, Rachel and all the staff are brilliant, Caesar manning the kitchen on his own and even bringing dishes out to tables and serving up take aways too! All the staff are attentive and everyone is made to feel at home. Honestly cannot fault the service, drinks and food. Second time we’ve been and being only five minutes away will definitely be back for more sit in meals and take aways too! Thank you so much!

Our party of 20 was welcomed and well catered for. We all enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere. The food was hot and tasty and the serving staff were friendly. There was a good selectionof drinks including cocktails which were enjoyed by those who had them.There were no complaints.

If you are a fan of Mexican food like burritos nachos etc then this is the place to go! The food tastes great. We had the nachos to share between two of us to start with the beef chili on which was good. We knew we were onto something when we tried that. We both went for burritos for the main, I had the chicken, pork and Mexican chorizo in the large burrito. It was very very tasty. You found as you chewed the food other flavours came through. It was without a doubt the best Mexican food I have ever had. I have eaten at a few different places some chain and some more independent that claim to be great but this place really was good. When you read the menu it even says we are big on flavour not just spicy food. This is a great concept as you get to have the tasty food as spicy as you want and enjoy all the flavours. We both had a medium spice which I found was less spicy than a medium nandos if you have had that before. Honestly if you are thinking of going stop thinking and get going.The service was good we were left alone and also attended to as much as we needed. The staff were not overbearing trying to constantly sell you more food or alcohol. The churros were lovely and crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle. They were not greasy either and the chocolate and chilli dipping sauce wasn't bitter as sometimes it can be it was just right. The lime cheesecake is a really refreshing dish as well and I found it felt like it cleansed the pallette.I tried a jarrito which is a Mexican fruit flavoured fizzy drink. The mango one I tried was lovely.I cannot believe I haven't found this place sooner and do feel I will be going here again in the near future.They do have a gluten free option on the main course on the menu as well for anyone that has that dietary need which someone in my close family does so it will be another place they can eat.

We have been going to the Mexican Kitchen since it opened and have always had AMAZING food and hospitality there. Cesar and Rachel are lovely hosts and the staff are very good. We love the decor and the Mexican music that is played. The margarita are also excellent. JIm & Angela

What a fabulous night we had at the Mexican Kitchen for my 60th. 30 friends and family came together to celebrate. The staff were fabulous from start to finish. They helped us plan the evening, were very accommodating with serving welcome drinks and looked after us all evening. The food was fresh and delicious as always with so much choice for everyone. Thank you.

The food was sooo good, never had a Mexican as great and authentic as this! Staff were so friendly and couldn’t do more for the table. Would recommend to anyone who loves true Mexican food, a winning restaurant all round! Thank you so much for a fabulous evening.

Most amazing food I've ever tasted. All gome made on site and the service was fabulous. Will definitely be back for more!

I want to start by saying how much we have enjoyed coming to this restaurant, we love the food and have supported the owner since he had a van in Wickford high street.

Honestly don’t know how to rate this as the food I would give 5* but customer service on this occasion was poor and such a shame. So I’m going average to be fair.

Regular customers, the food took over an hour to arrive then the starter was not correct, a long wait then for the mains which also were wrong, so one person in our group had to eat when we had all finished! The bill was also wrong with extra cocktails added which we didn’t have. The owner locked our two wife’s on the restaurant hostage until we called the police! Would never recommend eating here

No real Mexican vibe at all to this restaurant - even the white tin dishes with the blue trim are not great, extremely small portions for the sharing starters, nacho's were burnt with a teaspoon of salsa and then for the extra guacamole about a tablespoon !

Highly recommend this place , very basic seating and set up , but food was spot on Good service and well worth a visit

Been to the Mexican kitchen quite a few times and it never fails to impress Always a warm welcome from Cesar and his wonderful staff Food all cooked fresh right in front of you Great choice on the menu both in food and drink Cocktails are amazing Thoroughly recommend Rose Tequila Tried chocolate and chilli tart for the first time (melt in the mouth) Prices reasonable too

Attended here before a show in Southend, booked given us plenty of time to be served. We were then served by a boy who looked about 11-12years old, he only took our drinks order and got that wrong. Then our food order he only managed to take our starter order. Gladfully a waitress turned up so we could place our mains order. This then took about 45mins gor starter, the a further 30 for our mains. Hardly anyone in the restaurant as mid week. So in all for a quick eat turned out being late for our show as it took 3 hours for 2 cocktails and food. Everytime we come here they mess our order up. This time also we paid and the little boy said do want your change... Making us feel very uncomfortable. I'm pretty sure there's better food elsewhere for us not to keep going through the awkward service and promoting of wrong orders. Food was delicious a year back but has changed a lot since we first went. A real shame.

I have spent sometime in Mexico, and must admit did feel authentic. Food is fresh, homemade, filling. Seating is basic, which does feel right, however my butt would prefer a cushioned seat. Clean, warm even on a cold day due to the close location of the kitchen. Service was very good, friendly, personable. Menu is very flexible. There is a separate bar area for pre-dinner or after dinner drinks. Not a full bar but Mexican beer and cocktails. The cocktails are to be recommended, good strength, not watered down with excessive ice.

Interesting menu with great spicing and fresh ingredients. Extensive tequila menu with fab margaritas. Not a place to spend an evening set up as a quick dine. Disappointing desert menu. No fish choice but really enjoyed the meal. Requires booking @ weekends.

Question: why would you turn up to a restaurant if you had cancelled the booking.

This was our first time we had had Mexican food we found it quite tasty but not something we'd have very often.

Really great food spice was about right and service, good value for money Would be better to be able to book online rather than phone

Just had a really good meal here, tasty and lots of vegetarian and gluten free options. Service was lovely and friendly. Really good value too, I would highly recommend.

We went for my partners birthday with family, whilst the service was a little slow.. mainly because it’s so popular and busy the staff were attentive and really friendly and my god the food was worth the wait, fresh, tasty and by far the best Mexican for miles.. my in-laws have been back since and had another wonderful night! Don’t forget to try the gorgeous cocktails!!! Highly recommended give it a whirl

I was with a party of 20 mixed ages for my grandsons birthday. Staff were excellent and were very attentive. Food was excellent well prepared could not fault. Would recommend to anyone and will be sure to return

Visited last night with my wife and two friends who had never been before.

First visit with 3 friends. Lovely little restaurant and the staff are super friendly and helpful. We all ordered different dishes abd tried each others and all of them were so good and the fresh ingredients tasted delicious. Good wine list too. Highly recommend.

We love the food, the speciality cocktails, the atmosphere and the price! Great for families, friends or just couples. Really can’t go anywhere else.

Sent hubby out for a takeaway tonight, he had a cheeky beer while there! The food we had was so fresh and tasty 😋. We enjoyed quesadillas, nachos with guacamole and a chicken burrito. Cannot wait to have again - thank you Mexican Kitchen

Honestly the nicest Mexican food I have had in the UK. I seriously think if the chef and a big restaurant space in London it would sell out all the time. Will definitely be coming back to this little gem loads

Another fantastic meal. Tasty fresh food. Authentic feel. Great service. Such reasonable pricing for such a lovely dinner. I can’t say enough good things about this place.so glad I live so close to it 😊

The staff are very friendly and Welcoming. The food and the drinks were all amazing! Will definitely be visiting regularly!

The food is authentic, tasty and I absolutely love eating here or having a take away. We have tried most items on the menu and love the garlic rice and quesadillas also the nachos with sour cream. We’ve eaten from here since it being a street food van and since having the restaurant the quality hasn’t changed.

I've never had Mexican food as good as it is here! Fantastic food at really good prices; I can't wait to eat here again!

Lovely little restaurant, food was excellent and service was very good. Would definately visit again when in the area.

We used to follow Caesars van at round Wickford years ago. So good, after we had been away for 3 years, to see him in his own restaurant. The food was as good if not better than we remember.

I have heard a lot of good reports about this place and was looking forward to trying it. Do believe the hype!! The food is prepared in the open kitchen and quiet simply delicious. Mexican Kitchen is all about the food so don’t expect modern decor or posh plates etc. It’s very simple surroundings (more like a Mexican cafe).

Probably the best Mexican food I’ve ever eaten, and I got married in Mexico 😮. Dishes are flavour packed and plentiful, piping hot and served by polite knowledgeable staff. This is now my new favourite place to eat by far.

Boy does this homegrown Mexican lad know how to cook. He understands the concept of flavours and his menu is pure love and passion. The staff are amazing, the atmosphere and decor is Euro-Mexican. Prices great and grab hold of this chance before expansion into other places.

We visited last night (Saturday 11th May) for a small birthday celebration, just 5 of us.

Il went to this restaurant last night for the first time to celebrate my friend Christines 37th birthday with her mum and dad, who are also great friends. I was so impressed. The restaurant is "intimate" ie small but there is also a seperate bar area. The food was excellent and I would particularly recommend the Enchiladas. The food is all cooked by one of the owners, Cesare and you can watch him cooking. There is a decent selection of drinks although no draught beer. The service was impeccable and I would particularly like to thank Rachel who was so helpful and attentive. Everything was reasonably priced but not to the detriment of the quality of food or service. We all love Mexican food and this was as good as it gets. Much as I admire Thomasina Myers and what she has done with the Wahaca chain this was much better in every respect and it is almost on our doorstep. I shall certainly go back.

With not many Mexican restaurants about, this one is worth a visit. Lovely food and lovely staff. Plenty of parking behind the building.

Love this gem of a restaurant. Have eaten in and had takeaway and equally delicious. Food is always fresh, tasty and authentic. Have eaten in other Mexican restaurant both chain and independent and they are never as good. Would thoroughly recommend. We are lucky to have it right on our doorstep here in Wickford

What a treat it was that our friends booked us in at this lovely Mexican restaurant! The atmosphere was perfect, the waitress had a smile on her face the whole evening and the food was to die for! I felt like I could actually have been on holiday abroad! Would highly recommend a visit. The only small thing to improve would be to stock alcohol free beer for the driver! Luckily I wasn’t the driver ..... would certainly go again.

l have had a number of meals and takeaways from the Mexican kitchen and have never been disappointed. Love the staff on day of the dead.

I think this was the fourth time we've been to the Mexican Kitchen, but unfortunately the service has gone downhill.

Very tasty food tastes just like what you get on mexico streets honest real food great service and good value

What a great restaurant looks like a cafe from outside but enter and all changes. Staff are so helpful explain the menu fully for newcomers and are very attentive. Food is fantastic.

We yet again had amazing meals at this great Mexican restaurant. Have not had better Mexican food anywhere else in the UK or in Texas. Cesar, Rachel and the rest of the staff looked after us so well. Also love the surroundings and music. Excellent margaritas too!!!.

First visit here as this place has been recommended . Staff friendly and knowledgable . Happy to give you recommendations . Food of good quality and fairly priced . Worth a visit and would go again . Food pic is the chocolate covered chicken , very nice indeed .

This was our second visit and we were amazed how much it had improved - the choices were great, service was good and the surroundings a authentic - wouldn't even know you were near Wickford! wonderful evening and hope to go again soon.

Eventually got around to trying this place after reading all the good reviews about it and so glad we did. It is small, informal and intimate but most importantly the food cooked almost in front of you was so tasty! I had a chicken Enchilada which was huge and the chicken was melt in the mouth fresh. My girlfriend had a lamb dish that was equally tasty and all in the home-made sauce of the chef. The prices are very reasonable, the service was good and the waitress and chef/manager both very friendly. We will definitely be going back.

Great restaurant the food was excellent, amazing flavours and a good variety on the menu. Drinks not over priced large tequila selection and lots of cocktails to choose from .authentic Mexican not like any large chain. Very good value for money and a warm and friendly atmosphere, not a bit pretentious , a great night had by all would throughly recommend .

Great food, alot better than i anticipated.

We went there for my Brother birthday at mid day - we were the first customers in the restaurant so the service was prompt. We shared the platter - some dishes were better than others but we cleared everything and we all walked out with very full tummies.

I’m confused where all the good ratings for this venue come from. I have been there 5 times and it is always closed. 3 times arrived and the doors were open and as we went in the staff said they were closed. 1 time was just plain closed. The 5th and final time we thought we’d call ahead and the lady on the phone said they were open from 1230 until 4pm; we arrived at 1250, doors were open, waitress was sat at table, as we went in she said “sorry we’re closed”, we said we had called ahead and she said “we might be open at 1:30”. We left never to return again. No choice but to 1 star.

another great night with friends excellent food service , you will not be disappointed be back soon.

This place was recommended and it did not disappoint. Did wait long for food and the food was amazing! The service was fantastic too. Will defiantly be coming back here very soon!

If you like good Authentic Mexican food and a great relaxed atmosphere look no further! Great food, brilliant array of drinks, what a great little restaurant! Couldn’t recommend the place any higher, I’m actually writing this while waiting for my churros!!!

We went to Mexican Kitchen on Friday, good job we booked as it was packed, the staff were very helpful and friendly and the food was fantastic. Had a wonderful night. Will defo be goinf back

Have I used the word amazing enough? I don't think so. If you love Mexican - this is the place for you, if you are not sure if you love Mexican this is still the place for you and you'll love Mexican going forward. Delicious food, great beverages, selection of tequila is to die for. If all you care is ponzy decor then go somewhere else, otherwise drop any plans and go to Mexican kitchen.

Nit on the usual high street locatoon but very easy to find and miss if you dont keep your eyes peeled! But what a great little place this is food is great flavourful and plenty to choose from. Staff are very friendly and u will have to book.

Small but very enjoyable. Great food and drink options with off road parking round the back. Although we walk.