Chatica

Empanada Heaven with Superb Service

In the bustling heart of Elephant & Castle, there exists a delightful little corner known as Chatica Café that instantly offers a whirlwind trip to Colombia with each bite and sip. From the moment you cross the threshold, there's an earthy aroma of freshly brewed coffee that intertwines with the warm spicy wafts from their famous empanadas. It's an inviting olfactory experience matched by a quirky decor that somehow falls gracefully between cozy Latin charm and no-nonsense briquette warehouse aesthetics. Those empanadas—often heralded as some of the finest outside of Bogota—overflow with lush fillings bursting with flavors so authentic they might just elicit sentimental tears from any wandering Colombian expat.

Service can swing like a salsa dancer's hips, oscillating between wonderfully helpful and blink-and-you'll-miss-it matters of customers' tolerance levels. On my visit, the staff was nothing short of delightful, displaying raffish smiles and intuitive service that left patrons feeling more like neighbors than customers. True, there have been whispers of subpar transactions and tales of gruff interactions, but in my particular experience, there was only goodwill and vibrancy—from the heartwarming hot chocolate laced expertly with cinnamon to the surprising find of fresh white cheese at a surprisingly fair price. It all makes for a rich tapestry of hearth and heartfelt simplicity that beckons diners back again and again. For me, Chatica is emblematic of London’s Latin spirit—a resilient little beacon of authenticity jam-packed with more yum than you could throw a sombrero at. — Milo Tastemaker