Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2012

Forget the burritos and tacos you find at most Mexican eateries in town. The new La Cocina Gabriella Mexicana (2F, 7-15-10 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5414-1700), conveniently located above Agave tequila bar, brings Mexican wood-fire grilling to town. With choices of tender tenderloin, strip loin and rib-eye steaks (¥3,700), roasted pork (¥3,200), and roasted rack of milk-fed lamb (¥4,200) all grilled over an open pit fire, it offers a Tex Mex-free taste of the country. Sip on Mexican wines (from ¥700/glass), nibble homemade tostadas (¥1,000), chicharrones (pork rinds, ¥900) and ceviche (¥1,400)—all with fresh guacamole and spicy salsa verde.