By far one of the best taco places I've ever been. Seating is limited and location is cozy. The decor is hip and has a weird flair I like. But the best part is the tacos!! I had the duck carnitas and they were amazing. I tried the avocado ones and it was so perfect and creamy. The avocado was fried and crispy melting in your mouth. We ordered the guac which did not come with plantain chips as I had seen in other yelp reviews but was still very good none the less. The chicken wings were succulent and were falling off the bone. Ox tail tacos were cooked very well too. I live quite far from Edinburgh but if I was able given the opportunity to return I would!! read more

See all

Amazing food. Good drinks. Good service. Like the music. Nicely done! Tried the veggie tacos. Incredible!

I still cannot get over this place. As a native Southern Californian, I know good Mexican food. I just didn't think I would travel to Edinburgh to find it! A quaint little hole in the wall, El Cartel's staff are awesome, and the food... the FOOD! So fresh, flavorful, AUTHENTIC. I would go back just to eat their fresh tortillas alone. You must go if you're craving wonderful Mexican food. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait if you dine during normal peak hours. Worth the wait! read more

This was our last dinner while in Edinburgh and it was unforgettable! It is tiny so you have to be prepared to wait somewhere outside of the restaurant. They do take your phone number so we were able to take a walk and go to a local pub while waiting. They do not take reservations so you have to time this so they don't close if the wait is too long. We went by at 9:30 on a Saturday evening and sat by 11:00. the tacos and guacamole were really delicious. I would highly recommend this for something casual and very fun in Edinburgh. read more

Impressive Mexican found in the heart of Edinburgh. Tucked around the corner from our flat, El Cartel is a small but cozy spot. We went just after 8pm and there was a small group waiting outside. We were told that it would be a 10 minute wait but we were seated a lot quicker. We started with the guacamole which was served with plantains. It was fantastic and the guacamole was topped with pomegranate seeds which was surprisingly yummy in the guacamole. Next up we had the street corn which is dipped in crema and spiced cheese. So delicious! My husband had the Carne Asada taco and really enjoyed it. The only disappointment was the cod taco, as I found it lacked the flavour of the other dishes. Even so, this was still one of our favourite meals on this trip. They also had four different daily margaritas which you can have frozen or on the rocks. I tried the frozen mango and it was perfect. One tip, there is a tiny bowl of hot sauce on the table, be sure to try a small taste before spooning a large dollop on your food. My hubby's mouth was on fire for half the meal! read more

See all

when i saw that the doors of Tex Mex II were closed for good, i'll admit i was a bit heartbroken. it had been one of my favourite mexican restaurants in edinburgh and to see that it was gone left me both nacho-less and with a small burrito sized hole in my heart. but then, as the restaurant world turns, El Cartel opened its doors full of mexican goodness. El Cartel is conveniently owned by the Bon Vivant (which appears to be building a small edinburgh empire) that is basically across the street. but instead of the cocktails and bistro food this is very much tequila and tacos. i went for lunch time between christmas and new year and at 1pm found the place completely empty. i was a bit surprised as there is always a bit of hype around a new restaurant but this suited me fine as it meant i had my pick of tables. the layout remains very similar to Tex Mex but has a more rustic feel with some exposed brick walls and dark wood furniture match with purple hues. it's cosy enough although was bloody freezing when i went for lunch! when my friend arrived we decided to order a few tacos to spilt between us and the guacamole. as some have mentioned previously the guacamole with plantain chips is the true standout dish. it was simple and delicious and i wish they had it in a to go option to take home. between us we had the fish tacos, duck tacos, and plantain tacos. they were all good, i particularly enjoyed the plantain ones but found the portions to be tiny. this was good for lunch as you probably don't want a massive portion but may leave you hungry after dinner. we didn't try any drinks (it was lunchtime afterall) but they have a few varieties of margaritas on offer that would be good to try another time. i do plan to go back, but not in a rush. i thought the price was a bit high for what was on offer and while the quality was good there was just something lacking. i know a new restaurant takes time to bed in so i'll make a point to visit again in another few months for the guacamole if nothing else. read more

El Cartel - Guacamole with plantain chips - Mexican Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

See all

We just landed in Edinburgh and were looking for something quick and different. Popped in El Cartel on a side street. Amazing frozen margaritas, the carne asada tacos, frijoles and chicken wings were all perfect. read more

See all

I went for lunch one Saturday. I would rate the food and experience as average. The serving style is a tapas approach but I found the portions quite small. The quality seemed good but it wasn't particularly tasty. The service was slow but polite and friendly. Surprisingly my biggest annoyance was the sweary hip hop playing and no wine available to drink. I didn't hate it but I wouldn't go back. read more

We were amazed at the wonderful flavors. Our waitress suggested that we share several selections and we did just that. We started with the Bombers: what a tasty sauce that was spicy and perfectly complemented the jalapeños in those balls. We followed with the pork ribs: tender and tasty. Next we enjoyed the carne Asada tacos and the special of the day: steak tacos with several Mexican seasonings. Good that I had a margarita to balance the flavors. We definitely recommend this place. It is small but it is wonderful. read more

We are from Southern California and were not disappointed. We had the quesadilla, street corn and the sweet potato tacos. Very tasty and we liked the vibe. read more

We found this place almost by chance as a recommendation from the hotel we're staying at. This is our first time in Edinburgh and after a bit of a whirlwind through lower Britain, El Cartel was a bright reminder of home in Los Angeles. Super brief context cuz anyone who brags about their superior ethnic cuisine palate should get eye-rolls instead of "elite" statuses on Yelp, so I felt compelled to write after we ate here and read reviews to see how other people's takes were. If you're from Cali or profess a need to have "authentic" Mexican anywhere other than SoCal, you're delusional. Moving on... First thing's first, it's walk-ins only, maybe seats 20 people, and has the atmosphere of a small college town pop-up housed in a typically dank old Edinburgh building. I imagine since there really isn't anything else like it around, it may be on the busy side, so don't be pissed if you have to wait a tad to be seated. The wait staff were friendly and conversational for a bustling little eatery. What El Cartel with their spin on what we're normally used to was damn tasty. For starters we ordered the guacamole and quesadillas. The guac came with sheep's cheese and pomegranate seeds which were surprisingly refreshing, offering a dash of sweet to compliment the cheese. Could we have pined for cotija? Sure, but the fact that they played with a different (and more locally sourced / familiar cheese offering) made sense. The quesadilla had sweet potato mixed in with the "soft" cheese to change up the texture and thicken up the offering, with crema and a green sauce that we thought worked. For the mains we had the duck carnitas tacos and the cochinitas pibil tacos. Definitely order the pibil in all its savory glory, you won't regret it. If you're curious about the drink menu, these guys go nuts for mezcal. I think our big takeaway from El Cartel was that they built a menu that honors what makes Mexican cuisine as we know it familiar, while doing what any young restaurant with balls should do, which is adding their own spin and owning it. After all, this isn't paint by numbers French dining in a European country, this is a fun, small bonkers Mexican joint in Scotland that loves habanero peppers. Put that combination of concepts together in your mind and let it simmer your curiosity. You won't regret it. read more

We are here from California visiting. We all like mexican a great deal and we know good mexican food. We were looking for something different eat that was nearby the apartment we are renting. El Cartel came up second and we thought it would be fun to try mexican food in Edinburgh. We didn't have high hopes, but the reviews were good so we decided to give them a shot. They were busy (on a Tuesday night) and we had to wait 1/2 hour to be seated. When we returned they were ready and we got right to ordering. The food came out quickly and hot. We found the food to be delicious, the spice palette was spot on and the idea of small plates is brilliant. The drinks were wonderful and we really enjoyed the concept. I wish we could pack them up and take them home with us. read more

I don't get it... This place was highly recommend to us, so we decided to visit it on a Tuesday. The place is very small, and unfortunately so are their portions. Tasted ok, nothing memorable but rather expensive for what it is (2 tacos for 6.5 pounds). Definitely doesn't worth the price and the usually long wait time. read more

Not bad, but a long wait, and service without a smile. When we arrived, the small space was packed so we put our names down for a table and were told it would be 30-40 minutes for a party of two. An hour later, we called the restaurant for an update and were told it would be another 10-15 minutes. 20+ minutes later, we headed over, and were told the next table was ours. They didn't exactly seem welcoming. They have a good selection of tequila and mescal and we enjoyed our tacos and guacamole (with plantain chips). The ceviche was underwhelming. The servers were neither friendly nor attentive, and seemed disorganised with respect to seating people based on the names on the list. Nonetheless, a good spot for Mexican food in Scotland, especially if you can get in without a wait. read more

Stumbled upon this place the first night we got into Edinburgh and immediately knew we had struck gold! It's hard to find authentic Mexican food and had been craving it for the past few days. El Cartel hit the spot, so much so that we came back the next night. I would highly recommend this place while in Edinburgh. If there's a wait, pop on over to Bon Vivant for a cocktail and they'll come get you when your table is ready. read more

El Centro serves quintessentially delicious Mexican fare. The restaurant is fairly small with about 10 tables and no waiting room. But the food is definitely worth the outdoor wait. The guacamole topped with pomegranate is served with plantain chips and hits the sweet spot. The tacos are par excellence. We had the fish and pastor tacos and would love to get them again. Although we didn't try it, the pork ribs looked divine. The chocolate chili ice cream is the perfect end to the meal. Reminded me of the great Mexican cuisine I've grown to love in Texas. read more

A friend from Edinburgh told us to go here. It was perfect. Good mezcal. Amazing tacos. And really nice staff. If you're in Edinburgh and you want some Mexican, this is the place to come. read more

Lots of flavour in small dishes and tasty margaritas! - Don't be tricked by the $'s on the menu as you pay like for like in £'s, not the $ equivalent, e.g. It's a small £5 frozen margarita, and you'll want 3 of them, plus two orders of £6 tacos. read more

The Broccoli and Black bean tacos were great! The corn tortillas are so soft and delicious. Loved the guacamole with feta, pomegranate and best part--served with warm plantain chips. read more

Cute small restaurant but be prepared for a long wait. Definitely worth it but I recommend showing up around 6 to put a name down and then going to a pub in the area while waiting. The food was delicious, but the plates were a little small so order a couple plates. The margaritas were good & strong. read more

Nice environment, innovative food, solid drinks. I had the duck tacos, which were flavorful and filling. I also shared two sides with a friend and was very satisfied at the end. For sides, I suggest the quesadilla and the guacamole, which is served with plantain chips. Everything was delicious! read more

Local Scots, please stop recommending this place to anyone who's ever had real Mexican food or even modern, fancy-fide Mexican food. This place doesn't serve either. It serves over-thought (too many ingredients), ill-proportioned (tacos are top heavy making them unable to be eaten like a TACO) and overpriced (8 £ for pinto bean side..whhhaaaat? Unless they're adding gold flakes they are making about 800% profit on this beans). Guacamole is tasteless (add salt or anything to make better). I grew up on homemade Mexican food but also enjoy the fancier, non-traditional type too. I'm open to all types of interpretations but found El Cartel to be disappointing - especially for how much we paid. read more

Mexican in Scotland! This place is amazing!! First off, Adam seated our party of 9 in a place that fits about 40. The drinks were awesome and the food rocked... Small plates, mescal, beer, spicy! Duck, fish, and sweet potato tacos are highly recommended, and the guacamole with plantain chips are a must!! Service was great! Anna was on it, and they came to get us from the bar across the street when our table was ready. Well done all around! read more

It was odd to think Scotland would have incredible mexican food, but this place is hands down the best food we had in Scotland. I'm not a vegetarian, but the mushroom quesadilla was maybe one of the best items I've ever had. The blood orange margarita was amazing, and the tacos can't be beat. You MUST go! read more

Being from the states I eat great Mexican food quite often. We were on vacation in Edinburgh and our apartment rental was literally right across the street from El Cartel. After reading reviews, seeing it packed daily, and eventually craving Mexican, we decided to try it out. It did not disappoint. Probably the best guacamole I've ever had. The waitress informed me on how scarce and difficult Mexican restaurants are in the UK and after hearing this, I was that much more impressed. Keep up the good work El Cartel. read more

Small restaurant but absolutely amazing. Staff is friendly, the music is good and the food is great.

THE GOOD: Great atmosphere. Handmade tortillas. Well prepared and varied taco selections. We highly recommend the pork tacos. Extremely flavorful. Unique take on guacamole with the addition of pomegranate adding a juicy and slightly sweet flare with dried Plaintain chips. Highly recommend. Fair tequila selection. THE BAD: Would benefit from a traditional salsa choice with mixture of tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, cilantro, etc... that being said their guacamole is a wonderful substitute. Margarita machines? We don't drink margaritas though they had two separate margarita machines. I'll leave that up to your own decision making. THE UGLY: Nothing of mention. OVERALL IMPRESSION: Though we were visiting Scotland for the first time and wanted to focus solely on the home country foods, the yearning for traditional Mexican was too great. Luckily we were able to find this fantastic restaurant off of one of the side streets. Yelp did not disappoint as this is definitely the number one Mexican restaurant in Edinburgh. There is a sister restaurant we visited serving more traditional Scottish dishes called "Devils Advocate" which also deserves a visit. Make sure you come early or make a reservation as this place books up quickly. read more

Being from California we didn't know what to expect from a Mexican restaurant in Scotland but we were pleasantly surprised. The food is Amazing. We ordered the chips and guacamole, bombers, corn, and tacos and I couldnt pick a favorite cause they were all great. I could see that this place could get pretty packed at night cause it is on the small side but I highly recommend it for lunch. read more

Probably the best Mexican food i've ever had. Food was amazing and very funky. Ox Tongue taco blew my mind and was very impressed with the food taste and the friendly staff. read more

The best Mexican fusion food I've had, and I grew up in California. Everything I tried was good -- three different types of tacos and a couple of the appetizers. The only menu item I wouldn't recommend is the Horchata. It tastes more like Bailey's than anything else. read more

Damn good food and the margaritas, dios mio! Popped in with some friends gif a late lunch and we all agreed every item in the table was amazing. My favourites? The Street and the Sweet Potato taco were immense. read more

Food was fresh and delicious. We had the steak fajitas which were small, but packed with delicious goodness. The guacamole was as good as previous reviews have stated. A true gem- nice and relaxed vibe with reggae music playing in the background. Will return! read more

So far the best meal I've had in Scotland. The menu was small but diverse, and everything we ordered was absolutely wonderful. Great margaritas too. It's small, but very cute inside. Staff is helpful and diligent, and service is quick. Would give six stars if I could. read more

When in Scotland...have Mexican food? Well it can't be any worse than Minnesota, I reasoned, and it says they make all their food from scratch.... It was great! Small and cozy, great, quick, informative service. I had the guac, which was an excellent and fresh rendition topped with pomegranate and queso fresco. it was lovely! The plantain chips were a bit uneven, some greasy and crisp, some a bit thicker and underdone. but overall very tasty. The pork tacos were fantastic. A very hefty serving of rich, tender pork shoulder inside a divine homemade tortilla and topped with some pickled onions. personally I could have used a bit more acid/veggie crunch to counter the very rich meat, but really that is just personal preference. they were hot, fresh, and perfectly spiced. read more

It's not often that you can find good Mexican food out as far as Edinburgh, but this place hit the spot. Get a few of the starters in addition to the normal 2 taco meal if you're looking to be filled, as the tacos are a little small. read more

It was really good! The service was a little slow though and had to wait for our order to come a while. Otherwise, the food was delicious!

Haven't had much experience with Mexican food myself and my friend was a complete newbie but we loved everything about this place. The food was amazing, my friend being vegetarian had plenty to choose from. The decor is also very attractive, with quite an urban atmosphere and the staff being dressed casually. I will definitely visit again when I'm next in Edinburgh. read more

El Cartel - Mexican Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

This place is amazing, such tasty food and a really relaxed vibe. It's small so you normally need to get lucky with a table - great place and a great addition to the city! read more

Amazing tacos, great service, and fantastic music! Very fun and cute and very vegetarian friendly!

They don't accept bookings so it took me a while to get around to going! A place with real personality. Fresh ingredients (not the typically stodgy Mexican stuff), Day-Of-The-Dead-type decor, cool staff, one of the best margaritas I've ever had and proper hip-hop music. This place is so relaxed and chilled out yet so on it's game, they've really nailed it. read more