Tex Mex II

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

Located at the core of the New Town, Tex Mex II is certainly compact and extremely colourful but what it lacks in size and subtly it makes up for in energy. The vibrancy of the restaurant's walls is echoed in its menu, which covers all the standards as well as a few ingenious variations. For instance, the scallops, shrimps and seasonal fish, which are integral to the ceviche pacifico starter, are soft, tasty and vibrant, while the crispy tortilla flautas stuffed with crab are suitably aromatic. The main course selection is full of Mexican classics, with various incarnations of enchiladas, chimichangas and tacos on offer. The slow roast pork served in warm tortillas is beautifully tender and the house burritos are as you would expect – flavoursome and filling. While Tex Mex II leaves innovation to other restaurants, it keeps to its brief by delivering freshly prepared Tex-Mex dishes which are tasty and inexpensive. The place is fun and friendly and perhaps best summed up by its traditional frozen margaritas which contain lime juice, tequila, Triple Sec and nothing else.

• High point: Honest and well-priced selection of tex mex dishes
• Low point: Unexciting salads