Restaurants

This busy, friendly restaurant seems to be packed to the gills every night from about 8pm. We can see why. Café Sol is perfect for Clapham: the food is ideal for post-pub sharing; the bartenders make excellent margaritas; and the place is open late enough for you not to feel rushed if you come through the door at 10pm with a mad nacho craving. The look is pure Texas border: rough wooden floors, and walls painted with clichéd Mexican village scenes of glossy-haired señoritas going about their daily business in traditional Indian garb. Food arrives fast and hot from the kitchen (you get the feeling nothing sits under a heat lamp here): steaming plates of enchiladas (rolled-up corn tortillas filled with cheese and vegetables, or beef and chicken) with rice and beans; big, meaty tacos with crispy corn tortillas; burritos (meat and beans wrapped in a flour tortilla); and chimichangas (similar to burritos, only grilled or deep-fried). The nachos are memorable – piled high with meat, cheese and guacamole. There are hamburgers and ribs too, but it’s worth diving in and trying the humble but tasty Tex-Mex cooking.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008