Tomas Estes was not just a chef. He was a dreamer. He brought real Mexican food and tequila culture to Europe. Long before tacos and mezcal became trendy, Tomas was already showing people what true Mexican food tastes like.
Tomas Estes
The Start of a Big Journey
Tomas Estes was born in the United States. He fell in love with Mexico at a young age. He loved the food, music, people, and most of all tequila.
In the 1970s, Tomas moved to Europe. People there didn’t know much about Mexican food. Most thought Mexican food was just spicy or fast food. Tomas wanted to change that.
In 1976, he opened Café Pacifico in London. It was Europe’s first authentic Mexican restaurant. It became a hit. People loved the flavors, the friendly vibe, and the tequila cocktails.
Tomas was a tequila fanatic.
Tomas’s Unique Style
Tomas did things differently. He wanted people to taste the real Mexico, not the fast-food version. He worked with Mexican chefs and farmers. He brought fresh spices, proper chilies, and real tequila.
He made sure each dish was made with love and care. His restaurants were not just places to eat—they were places to learn and feel.
Comparison: Other Early Mexican Food in Europe
| Feature | Tomas Estes’ Café Pacifico | Other Early Mexican Restaurants |
|---|---|---|
| Food Style | Traditional Mexican | Tex-Mex or fusion |
| Ingredients | Imported or local Mexican | Local substitutions |
| Tequila Selection | Premium, wide variety | Limited or poor-quality options |
| Chef Training | Authentic, from Mexico | General kitchen staff |
| Dining Experience | Cultural and fun | Basic and themed décor |
| Goal | Teach real Mexican food | Make profit through trends |
Building a Tequila Empire
Tomas didn’t stop at one restaurant. He opened more places across Europe, including in Amsterdam, Paris, and Cologne. Each had the same goal to bring the taste of Mexico to life.
He also became an official Tequila Ambassador for the Mexican government. He traveled the world, teaching about tequila and mezcal. He even helped start Tequila Ocho, a high-quality tequila brand that is now famous worldwide.
A Sample Menu from Café Pacifico (London)
| Dish | Description | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Tacos al Pastor | Pork with pineapple, onion & cilantro | £10.50 |
| Chicken Mole | Chicken in rich chocolate-chili sauce | £13.00 |
| Veggie Quesadilla | Cheese, beans, peppers in grilled tortilla | £9.00 |
| Guacamole & Chips | Fresh avocado dip with crispy corn chips | £6.50 |
| Enchiladas Verdes | Chicken in green tomatillo sauce, rice & beans | £12.00 |
Drinks Menu
| Drink | Description | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila Ocho Blanco | Smooth, fresh tequila shot | £5.00 |
| Classic Margarita | Lime, tequila, triple sec on the rocks | £8.00 |
| Paloma | Tequila and grapefruit soda | £7.50 |
| Mezcal Mule | Smoky mezcal, lime, ginger beer | £8.50 |
What to Expect When You Eat at Café Pacifico
Walking into Café Pacifico is like stepping into Mexico. The walls are bright and colorful. Music plays softly sometimes salsa, sometimes mariachi. The smell of fresh tortillas fills the air.
Staff are warm and friendly. They tell you stories about the dishes. They help you pick the perfect tequila. Every plate is full of color and flavor.
People often say it feels like a short holiday in Mexico without leaving London.
Café Pacifico Location
Café Pacifico
Address: 5 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7379 7728
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Legacy
Tomas Estes passed away in 2021, but his legacy lives on. He helped thousands of Europeans fall in love with true Mexican food and drink.
His restaurants still run today. They continue to serve the same dishes he was proud of. His tequila brand, Tequila Ocho, is enjoyed in many countries.
In 2023, Tomas was honored in Mexico for his work. He’s remembered not just as a restaurateur, but as a bridge between cultures.
Facts About Tomas Estes
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 1945, USA |
| First Restaurant in Europe | Café Pacifico, London, 1976 |
| Tequila Brand | Co-founder of Tequila Ocho |
| Number of Restaurants Opened | Over 15 in Europe |
| Honored By | Mexican Government – Tequila Ambassador |
| Died | 2021 |
Conclusion
Tomas Estes changed the way people saw Mexican food in Europe. He didn’t do it by selling cheap nachos. He did it by staying true to real Mexican culture, food, and flavor.
If you ever visit one of his restaurants, take your time. Sip the tequila. Taste the slow-cooked mole. Enjoy the story behind every dish. Because every bite tells the story of a man who believed in flavor, culture, and sharing joy across borders.
FAQs
Q1: How did he start Europe’s first authentic Mexican restaurants?
In 1976, Estes moved to Amsterdam with his family and US $15,000. He opened Café Pacífico, inspired by traditional Mexican family recipes, with fresh tortillas, homemade chiles, and tequila something largely unseen in Europe at that time.
Q2: What was Café Pacífico like?
- Homemade everything: fresh tortillas daily, enchiladas, tacos, carne asada; used imported avocados (South Africa, Israel, California) and chiles (Indonesia, Suriname).
- Cultural hotspot: It attracted celebrities like Tina Turner, Debbie Harry (Blondie), The Jackson 5, and Queen; considered more an “experience” than just dining.
Q3: Did he expand beyond Amsterdam?
Yes. Estes launched Café Pacífico in London (1982), Paris (1984), Cologne (Café Especial, 1986), Milan (1988), and additional venues including La Perla bars and El Camino Real pubs. In total, he opened 17–18 Mexican restaurants across Europe and Australia.
Q4: What impact did he have on tequila culture?
While running his restaurants, Estes actively educated both the public and hospitality professionals about tequila—distinguishing mixto from 100% agave, advocating sipping rather than shooting, and organizing tastings at bar shows. In 2003, the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT) named him an official Ambassador of Tequila in Europe .
Q5: What is Tequila Ocho, and what was his role?
Launched in 2008 with master distiller Carlos Camarena, Tequila Ocho is a pioneering single‑estate/vintage tequila emphasizing terroir and small‑batch production. Its name “Ocho” reflects eight years of agave maturity, eight kilos per liter, and multiple symbolic eights .
