Izote Restaurante Mexicano & Bar is unique in town as its serves authentic Mexican cuisine. The majority of Mexican restaurants serve what is called Tex Mex, which is not actually Mexican. All the regions of the country are represented on the menu, which features classic dishes and those that are more contemporary, using many key ingredients, such as chillies, from Mexico.

The food at Izote compared to its competitors could even be considered Haute Mexican cuisine and it is lovingly prepared by Mexican chef Oscar Peralta. It is the first choice for Mexicans living in the city to eat when they want a taste of home and some say that it is at the top of the list of recommendations made by the Mexican Consulate in Hong Kong.

In the Hands of Experts

The menu is extensive, but don't worry, if you are having trouble choosing which dishes to order, do what the regulars do and ask either Chef Oscar or Carmelo Lopez, executive director of the management company, who is around most nights. Both are happy to whisk the menu away if you are willing to be led on a Mexican culinary journey. Those that get to know Chef Oscar will also know that he is also happy to create a one-off menu for diners, with most dishes not on the menu, instead they are created on the night depending on what ingredients are in season or have just arrived from Mexico.

For example, from the a la carte menu you might start the night with Aguacate Relleno - seafood stuffed avocado. This attractive dish is an ideal light and fresh way to begin the meal as it refreshes the palate with its fresh, clean flavours. Perfectly ripe avocado filled with a variety of fresh seafood, tomato and coriander simply dressed with lime and a drizzle of house-made chilli oil. Colourful tortilla chips provide visual and textural contrast. A vegetarian version can also be made upon request.

Keeping in the seafood mood, an accompanying starter of Cóctel de Camarones - shrimp cocktail the Mexican way is sure to please. The succulent, sweet shrimp are harmoniously balanced by an intense slightly spicy tomato sauce with hints of garlic and coriander, and a crisp side salad.

A Mexican Experience

To further expand your Mexican experience try Chef Oscar's signature Ensalada de Quesos - Mexican cheese salad, featuring three Mexican cheeses: Oaxaca, Panela and Chihuahua, each with a different taste and texture. The latter comes in a crisp form and is broken up into the salad. The delicious salad enraptures diners with its lively taste, multiple textures, and inspired dressing that includes chipotle, a dried, smoked jalapeno chilli that lends a smoky spiciness to the dish without being hot.

Heat things up with the Central Mexican dish, Medallones de Res en Chile Morita -  beef fillet in morita chilli, another of the chef's signature dishes. Tender slices of beef mellow the intensity of the smoky, spicy sauce, which is given its heat by the morita chilli, and dimension from the tomatoes and garlic. This is one of the most popular dishes and is served with our special green rice, and beans.

If you enjoy chicken then you must try the Pollo en Peligro -  chicken in trouble (for two), it will be one of the most moist and flavourful chickens you will have eaten. The chicken is roasted with precision timing, a few minutes too long and all would be lost. Firstly marinated in a paste of guajillo chilli, onion and garlic and then cooked with lime, onion and garlic, and served with a gravy style sauce made from the marinade and the pan juices. The bird is dramatically and expertly carved at the table. It too is served with our yummy rice, and sautéed vegetables. Make sure to ask Carmelo why the chicken is in trouble!

Sweets and Signatures

If you want to have a traditional Mexican dessert go for the Pastel de Elote - corn cake. Corn is one of the staple ingredients of the cuisine and is used in both savoury and sweet dishes. This rustic dessert with its notes of cinnamon and corn kernels is delicious, especially for those that don't have a sweet-tooth. For those that crave something sweeter Chef Oscar recommends the Tacos de Platano - banana tacos, or the Rollitos de Chocolate - chocolate rolls.

In addition to the above dishes other signature choices include Chile Poblano con Queso (Mexican peppers stuffed with cheese), Tacos de Langosta (lobster tacos), Atún en Costra de Chiles (tuna wrapped in chilli peppers), Mero Pico de Gallo (grouper in pico de gallo sauce) and Filete de Res en aceite 7 chiles (sirloin in 7 chillies oil).

Another authentic signature is the restaurant's selection of Mexican wines; Izote is the only restaurant in Hong Kong serving Mexican wines. Plus there is a broad selections of tequilas that can be enjoyed as part of the house special, the classic Margarita, or as an elegant way to finish the meal; tequila can be enjoyed in much the same way as cognac.

If you want to stop by and have a margarita or a Mexican beer or glass of wine we also have a Mex Tapas option: a selection of seven items chosen by Chef Oscar for $180. For the lunch crowd our five-course lunch is excellent value at only $128 per person. It includes nachos and sauces, a choice of soup or salad, main, and dessert, all chosen from the a la carte menu, plus coffee or tea.

We also have live music Monday through Saturday from 7.30-11.30pm. Two consummate professional guitarists will entertain you with traditional Mexican songs and will also do their best to sing your requests. And, if you are there on the right night, Carmelo and Chef Oscar also join in and entertain diners with their favourite Mexican songs.

With is combination of authentic cuisine and signature touches that can't be found anywhere else in Hong Kong, Izote is the only choice for a true Mexican experience.