El Bar
- Food served: Mon–Wed 5–10.30pm; Thu 5–11pm; Fri/Sat 5–11pm. Closed Sun. [Extended in Festival].
- Bar open: Mon–Wed 5–11pm; Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri/Sat 5–11pm. Closed Sun.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
- Private dining: Up to 40 covers
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Live music, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Various flamenco styles
- Capacity: 30
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 2008
Tell us more about this place.
- Average price:
£15 (evening meal) - House wine: £12.50 per bottle
The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.
Little L-shaped El Bar is the tapas bar and restaurant of Scotland’s only dedicated Flamenco school and studio, Alba Flamenca. It’s an unusual set-up, but one that’s won plenty of fans since its inception in 2008. Diners hoping for intimacy here might be a bit perturbed by stamping heels and occasional olés from the school, but they add plenty of atmosphere, and besides, this is a tapas bar and isn’t a place for hush. In fact many of El Bar’s regulars stay true to its roots (and name) by just going for a drink and a nibble of something on the side, though the hearty portions of enjoyably rustic food certainly warrant dinner for those that want it. From a seasonal specials board, squid ink rice with seafood and aioli is all dramatic colour and punchy flavours, while off the main menu, good old patatas bravas and croquetas de bacalao are both happily grease-free examples of these frequently badly treated dishes. Booking is advisable here; it’s only wee, and has a tendency to fill up quickly with diners, drinkers and dancers alike.
- High point: Delicious tapas in the company of a vibrant crowd.
- Low point: Making yourself heard above the vibrant crowd.
Reviews of El Bar (6–8 Howden Street, Edinburgh)
- 4. Rollo, George IV Bridge – 22 February 2012, 5:18pm
El BarReport -
The food's delicious and cheap. Best Spanish restaurant in Edinburgh!
- 3. Richard H, Edinburgh – 9 February 2012, 4:04pmEl BarReport
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It's quite unusual for me to give five stars in a review, but four stars wouldn't do this place justice. The two chefs that run the place have a clear vision of the kind of restaurant they want to create. The tapas are authentic, delicious and underpriced. I would recommend this place to anyone.
- 2. casahildy, Newcastle – 5 February 2011, 6:43pmEl BarReport
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After searching for a tapas bar in Edinburgh, we were drawn to this place after only reading the one positive review and my husband and I were not disappointed, its a hidden treasure in a busy capital city. From the moment we arrived the service was first class, the staff were helpful and friendly, the pinchos were a great idea whilst deciding which of the many tapas dishes to have - the dishes were tasty, plentiful and excellent value for money in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, very reasonably priced food and drink and a place we will definately visit again and recommend to friends, we can't rate this tapas bar highly enough.
- 1. Kelly, Newington, Edinburgh – 24 February 2010, 12:46pmEl BarReport
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I think this is a little gem of a place. Introduced by word of mouth from locals and what a treat. I had to have two helpings of the patatas bravas and calamari - not because they were small portions, but because they were so yummy. And I love the feeling as if you're stepping into a little piece of Spain when you enter El-Bar. Highly recommend, and highly recommend booking!
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