Xulo: The warmth of Mexico in central Stockholm

By Nina Bressler | Photos: Xulo

Xulo is not just another taco spot. It offers a direct connection with Mexico, intentionally designed to evoke the energy, flavours and aromas that define the country. For founder and chef Jonathan Gomez, Xulo is not simply a business, but a deeply personal project – a way of sharing his culture, his memories, and the spirit of Mexico with the people of Stockholm.

“Many people have the wrong idea of Mexico, often connecting it to danger and crime,” Jonathan Gomez, founder and CEO, explains. “But Mexico is warm and vibrant, defined by good people, hospitality, sunshine, joy – and, what I truly believe is some of the best food in the world. That’s what I wanted to bring when I decided to open Xulo in 2021.”

From Guadalajara to Stockholm

Gomez grew up in Guadalajara, where his love for cooking started early. At just 17 years old, he began working in restaurants, learning the foundations of hospitality and discovering how food could create powerful connections between people. Now 42, he has spent 25 years in kitchens, but the emotional connection to his craft remains unchanged.

Xulo: The warmth of Mexico in central Stockholm

His journey eventually took him far from home. While working at a small restaurant in Holbox, a Caribbean island off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, he met his future wife. They decided to move to Sweden, his wife’s homeland, and when Jonathan arrived in 2014 he brought a dream of building something authentic – a place that captured the warmth and spirit he missed from home.

“It can be difficult to move to another country as an adult. You don’t speak the language, it’s hard to connect with people and make friends,” Jonathan says. “But when Xulo opened, those connections came naturally. People instantly understood the concept and my vision. Some of my first customers became my friends and Xulo has become more than just a restaurant, both for me and for my guests.”

Xulo: The warmth of Mexico in central Stockholm

Mexican food beyond tacos

At Xulo, the menu reflects the diversity of Mexican cuisine. “Mexico is not only tacos,” Gomez says with a laugh. Instead, the restaurant offers dishes from across the country: ceviches inspired by the northwest coast, quesadillas from Guadalajara, and recipes rooted in Mexico City traditions. Every sauce is made from scratch in-house, and many ingredients are sourced directly from Mexico to preserve authenticity. The restaurant changes its menu two or three times a year, balancing traditional roots with fresh ideas. Yet the core mission remains unchanged: delivering a true Mexican experience through authentic recipes and produce, focusing on quality, warmth, and hospitality.

The drinks reflect that same core commitment. The spirits used in the cocktails – including tequila, rum, gin, whisky and even an orange liqueur from Yucatán – all come from Mexico. Xulo also recently collaborated with Dugges Brewery in Gothenburg to create its own Mexican-style lager. Crisp and refreshing, the beer is designed specifically to pair with the restaurant’s food, echoing the easy-drinking style of traditional Mexican lagers.

Jonathan Gomez, founder and CEO of Xulo.

Restaurant and community

What began as a tiny restaurant with just two tables and a small bar has grown steadily through word of mouth and loyal guests. The current location offers seats for 38 guests indoors and another 32 on the outdoor terrace. The restaurant sits just 100 metres from the Mexican Embassy in Stockholm and received recognition from Mexican officials for promoting the country’s culture abroad. Both the Mexican Embassy and Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism have acknowledged Xulo’s role in sharing authentic Mexican culture throughout Scandinavia.

Still, for Gomez, success is measured less by awards than by human connection. “It’s about people leaving happy,” he says. “Good service, great atmosphere – this is not just a job for me. It’s my life.”

The future of Xulo

The ambitions are high: plans are already underway for a food truck that will serve festivals and catering events around Sweden, more food and drinks collaborations are in the works, and Jonathan hopes to eventually expand the concept beyond Stockholm. But despite the ambitious plans, the vision remains deeply personal.

“Xulo will always be centred around conveying true Mexico and delivering an authentic experience through good vibes and exceptional food. That will always be the most important thing,” says Gomez. At its core, Xulo is built on emotion, memory, and hospitality. A place where Stockholm meets Mexico, where strangers become friends, and where every plate carries a story from home. ¡Qué Xulo!

Xulo: The warmth of Mexico in central Stockholm