El Bolillo

Why you’ll love El Bolillo

El Bolillo is a vibrant and exciting addition to Hove’s evolving culinary scene, El Bolillo brings a bold, and fire-fuelled approach to Mexican fine dining. Far from a simple taqueria, this is a space where traditional flavours meet fine dining expertise, delivering hand-pressed masa, core-to-husk cooking, and inventive sharing plates. The menu reflects a confident, flavour-forward experience, pairing top-grade ingredients with a fresh take on Mexican street food.

What to Expect at El Bolillo

At El Bolillo, the focus is on bold, exciting dishes presented with fine dining finesse. The vibrant menu, paired with boozy cocktails and curated wines, delivers a fresh approach to Mexico City’s bold flavours. Every element is designed to feel both adventurous and comforting, perfect for those seeking something unique, fun, and full of flavour.

With its energetic atmosphere, exceptional food, and modern take on Mexican dining, El Bolillo promises an unforgettable experience right in the heart of Hove. Whether you’re dropping in for tacos and cocktails or indulging in a full tasting menu, appetite is essential—and excitement guaranteed.

The Team Behind the Magic

At the heart of El Bolillo is owner and chef Greg Clarke, whose impressive background includes experience at Michelin-starred institutions like Midsummer House and The Ledbury. His passion for Mexican cuisine, coupled with a fine dining mindset, shines through in every dish. Leading the front-of-house team is the charismatic Matty Salvetti, alongside restaurant manager Fabio Lombardi, who together ensure a smooth and engaging guest experience that matches the restaurant’s energy.

The Vibe

The interior at El Bolillo draws inspiration from Mexico City’s brutalist architecture, featuring raw textures, earthy ceramics, lime-washed walls, and minimalist design. The urban influences are softened, creating a snug yet elegant atmosphere that feels warm, refined, and effortlessly cool. With an eclectic soundtrack, boozy cocktails, and curated wines, the restaurant offers the perfect setting for date nights, group celebrations, or special dinners. El Bolillo seats 10 at the bar, 21 at tables, and offers private dining for up to 12 guests. Walk-ins are welcome Wednesday to Friday, while Saturdays are reserved for bookings.

Sample El Bolillo Menu

El Bolillo’s menu invites guests to dive into a fire-fuelled feast, designed for sharing. It begins with botanas (snacks), showcasing Greg Clarke’s talent for precision and flavour. Highlights include:

• Bass Crudo Tostada with aguachile and finger lime – a zesty, vibrant opener.
• Lamb Taquitos with Ticklemore cheese and smoked malt ketchup – a perfect mix of richness and bite.
• Lamb Belly Skewers with black garlic al pastor paste – smoky, tender, and unforgettable.

From there, the menu moves into inventive tacos, delivering bold yet refined combinations such as:

• Grilled Maitake with smoked garlic mole – earthy, rich, and satisfying.
• Seared Prawn with pimiento salsa – fresh, smoky, and packed with flavour.
• Pork Cheek with eel XO and blackened apple salsa – a stunning fusion of sweet, smoky, and savoury notes.

For larger plates, El Bolillo showcases its fire-powered cooking through chargrilled sharing cuts. Options include standout dishes like Birria Sanctuary Farm Lamb with sesame salsa verde, a nod to Mexico’s love for robust, comforting flavours.

RB Loves their ultimate experience, the Taste of El Bolillo sharing menu, paired with expertly chosen drinks, offers a curated journey through the restaurant’s highlights.

The Essentials 

• Mexican fire-fuelled sharing cuts

El Bolillo brings a playful twist to Mexico City’s vibrant street food, crafted by our Michelin-trained chef. Expect the sleek, minimalistic style of fine dining combined with bold, indulgent flavours reminiscent of your favourite late-night guilty pleasures—provocative, exciting, and perfectly at home on the coast.

• Bar Seat Dining

El Bolillo offers 10 bar seats, 21 table seats, and private dining for up to 12 guests. Walk-ins are welcome Wednesday to Friday, with Saturdays reserved for bookings. Bar seat dining provides a more social, interactive experience, perfect for engaging with their team and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

• Private Dining

For an intimate, exclusive dining experience, book El Bolillo’s private room for up to 12 guests. Enjoy exclusive dishes, the Taste of El Bolillo sharing menu (from £85pp), access to their Collectors’ wine list, your own senior waiter, and a personalised playlist—all with no room hire fees.

• Cashless

El Bolillo accepts card payments only.