DF Mexico — London, UK

Inspired by their travels across Mexico and the United States, Wahaca co-founders Thomasina Miers and Mark Selby have reunited to create DF Mexico in London’s East End. Named after the shorthand for Distrito Federal, the local term for Mexico City, the space was designed by London-based architecture and design firm Softroom, who have created a sleek modern diner with liberal use of industrial materials such as blackened steel, concrete, worn leather and formica. Green planters and graphic stripes liven up the predominantly monochrome room, which serves up modern Mexican and American diner food from ancho mushroom or steak and cheese DIY tacos to NYC-style tortas with hearty brioche buns and smashed avocado. Beers are, of course, a mixture of imported Mexican brews and varieties from London’s burgeoning craft beer scene, and while the official line is that the restaurant is an experimental 18-month residency, we wouldn’t be surprised if this blueprint’s success paves the way for future editions.