Cometa: A Seafood-Focused Mexican Escape in Fitzrovia
In the heart of London, Soho has become increasingly hectic, with crowded streets and pubs spilling onto pavements. While it's wonderful to see central London thriving, this overstimulation often leads many to prefer staying home rather than navigating the bustling scenes of Old Compton Street on a Thursday night. However, there's a compelling alternative just a stone's throw away: Fitzrovia. This neighbourhood offers the charm of Soho without the chaos, providing a comparatively peaceful dining experience on the calmer side of Oxford Street. Enter Cometa, the latest addition to this vibrant area.
A Familiar Space with a Fresh Twist
If Cometa looks familiar, that's because it occupies the former wine bar space at Carousel. This Mexican-inspired seafood restaurant focuses on the lighter, less carb-conscious side of Latinx cuisine, notably avoiding tacos. It's designed to evoke the breezy, beachside vibe of Tulum, catering to those seeking fresh and flirty dishes. The menu is brimming with ceviches, tart fish crudos, and other delights that transport diners to a coastal retreat, perfect for imagining a holiday escape.
Exquisite Dishes and Flavorful Starters
The dining experience at Cometa begins with oysters—large and fleshy, served with a funky, fermented petróleo that packs a potent bloody mary kick, accompanied by a gentle hot sauce in a brown pipette. This starter sets the tone for a meal that emphasizes freshness with a confident edge. The prawn, burnt mandarin, and ginger ceviche is served soupier than typical ceviches in London, creating a kaleidoscopic bowl that balances sweet and tart flavors beautifully. Blue corn tortillas with sour cream on the side are rendered unnecessary; a simple spoon suffices to enjoy this delightful dish.
Hearty Mains and Delicate Desserts
For mains, the creamy crab rice, adorned with smoked eel cream, is surprisingly airy. It's complemented by burly lobster flautas, which add sturdiness with the deeply British addition of Spenwood cheese, alongside xnipec habanero salsa and a meaty mole for dipping. Seabass is cooked to perfection, with crisp skin and flaky, weightless flesh, served in a swirl of mole verde and chile de arbol salsa. While slightly salty, this is easily forgiven when paired with addictive fries for dipping. The lightness of the food ensures desserts are no trouble, with a 'citrus bonanza' offering a Mexican twist on the classic Italian lemon sorbet dessert, enhanced with grapefruit granita and neon pink rhubarb sorbet.
Vibe and Recommendations
Cometa provides a chilled-out, grown-up ambiance within the ever-shifting Carousel dining complex. Sharing mains are priced around £50, with smaller starters ranging from £15 to £25. The food features graceful Mexican seafood dishes made with seasonal British ingredients, while the drink menu includes fun cocktails like a delightful house margarita infused with fruity tamarind. For those looking to extend their evening, Fitzrovia boasts many excellent pubs nearby, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed night out.
