Headed by chef Santiago Lastra, the Seymour Street restaurant came in 49th in the 2025 edition of one of the world’s most prestigious food awards.
Last year the eaterie, which specialises in Mexican fine dining using seasonal British produce joined the global culinary elite coming 17th on the list compiled by William Reed, and voted on by 1,100 international industry experts including food writers, critics, chefs, restaurateurs and well-travelled gourmets.
From Bangkok to Bogota, they celebrate gastronomic innovation, creativity, and excellence from kitchens around the world – naming Ikoyi on The Strand in 15th spot at the ceremony in Turin on Thursday.
Awarded a Michelin star in 2022, KoL serves creative tasting menus reimagining traditional Mexican dishes such as langoustine taco with smoked chili and sea buckthorn, Mole of lamb saddle with rye koji and wood sorrel, or hand dived scallop with rhubarb and pil pil.
With its warm and cosy interiors adorned with ceramics and art from Lastra’s homeland, the restaurant also has an onsite Mezcalaria – a bar serving cocktails made from agave spirits made by indie Mexican producers, infused with British foraged ingredients.
Its antojitos menu (meaning ‘little cravings’) features Lastra’s take on traditional Mexican street food.
When KOL was awarded a Michelin Star within the first year of opening, Lastra praised the “dedication, hard work, and endless creativity of our team.”
“Despite countless obstacles thrown at us this award is recognition of the hard work, resilience and great attitude that my team bring to KOL every day. They not only make my dreams possible, they push me to become a better person both professionally and personally.
“I am so proud of my country. Mexico deserves to be more recognised, and I hope this can help to shine a light on the indigenous people, traditional cooks, and family that are my constant inspiration.”
Kol’s entry in The Michelin Guide reads: “Mexican soul, British ingredients’ is the tagline of this big, bold restaurant, and it proves an exhilarating combination.
“The kitchen adds creativity and impressive modern technique to hyper-seasonal recipes rooted in tradition, resulting in wonderful flavour contrasts and imagination in outstanding dishes like the signature langoustine taco with smoked chilli and sea buckthorn. The interesting wine list focuses on lesser-known choices from Central and Eastern Europe, while the downstairs Mezcaleria offers a range of Mexican spirits for those who don’t want the night to end.”
KOL is at 9, Seymour Street, Marylebone. www.kolrestaurant.com
