El Cartel Edinburgh
The search is over
On a trip to San Diego 10 years ago my life changed forever. I knew I had to try Mexican food while I was in the city but when a friend suggested fish tacos I was a little suspicious. My experience of Mexican food in the North East of Scotland pretty much began and ended with Chicken Fajitas. Oh, how I was missing out!
I ate fish tacos at least once a day for the entire length of that trip and on my return to Scotland visited every Mexican place I saw to find out if I could get them here. A few years ago I started to find some options but none tasted quite like I remembered the heaven I discovered in San Diego. That was until El Cartel opened.
There's now two locations in town, but I still prefer the original on Thistle Street. It's the kind of place you could easily miss and inside, the small space means there's sometimes a wait for food, especially as they don't take reservations. It's so worth the wait though!
The plates are all small, which is perfect for someone like me who wants to try as many things as possible, the Carne Asada, Guacamole and Ceviche are all great but really it's all about the Baja Cod tacos. The fish and spices are the perfect lightness I remember from San Diego. All dishes are even better when washed down with one of their ever-changing-flavoured margaritas.
My search is over.
About this spot
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
Rogue Bros
Fabulous gourmet sandwich eatery
I had Mushroom and Thyme soup that was astonishingly delicious and homemade Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Creme Pat Custard that was to die for.
By
Mark
Gorman
Dubilaka Cliffs
Sunset spot
"Dubilaka Cliffs" on the outskirts of Edinburgh is for wildflower lovers, campfire setters, bird-watchers and photography buffs...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Milk Cafe at the Sculpture Workshop
Hmm yummy!
The "Milk Cafe at the Sculpture Workshop" in Edinburgh is far away from the busy centre and has an outside seating area which catches the sun most of the day...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
National Museum Collections Centre
Treasure trove
The National Museum Collection Centre in Granton, Edinburgh is a treasure trove. Book a private visit and see what not many people get to see...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Kukina
The borek place
"Kukina" in Edinburgh is known among my circle of friends as 'the borek place.' But I have to admit: once I had one their gozleme, I could never go back...
By
Fiona
Diack
Piershill Cemetery
Magical mystery
"Piershill Cemetery" in Edinburgh has a large Jewish section (quite uncommon), but the main thing that caught my eye was the tomb of the Great Lafayette...
By
Fiona
Diack
Pilrig Park
UK's only siege works site
This park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century! These siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain.
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Dean Cemetery
Hidden stories
"Dean Cemetery" in Edinburgh keeps some fascinating stories hidden in the gravestones. My favorite is that of the man behind the phrase 'botched job...'
By
Fiona
Diack
Campervan Brewery
COVID-friendly beer spot
"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!
By
Fiona
Diack
Considerat Chocolate
Incredible vegan donuts
Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints
Hidden finds!
"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Nott Wine Bar
Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee
Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Heading to Edinburgh?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Edinburgh?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Edinburgh
Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh
As featured on:
