Coconut Grove
This restaurant has ceased trading.
- Food served: Mon–Sun 5–11pm.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions
- Music on stereo: Traditional Mexican and dance
- Capacity: 44
- Largest group: 44
- Open since: 1985
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Although tucked away off the beaten track, Coconut Grove has been thriving for two decades now, so it must be doing something right. You can tell it’s going to be a fun experience as you dodge past the cardboard bandit in the window, and cast an eye around the moodily lit room adorned with paintings by a local artist and a saddle dangling from the ceiling. Quality of service has been an issue in the past but now appears to have been addressed. Cheerful waiting staff are happy to explain dishes that include a thick sopa de tortilla with chicken and veggie options or aguacate Janitzo – tuna steak in a pasilla sauce with avocado and salad that is a combination of flavours so complementary that even the sizeable portion leaves you wanting a little more. Fret not because the mains, which cover the usual range of Mexican staples, as well as a decent range of fish, are equally well balanced. Meat lovers will not be disappointed either, with dishes such as pollo al tomate canela – mildly spiced chicken pieces cooked in cinnamon and chilli sauce – on offer. If there is still room, Mississippi mud pie is among the naughty but nice desserts.
- High point: Atmospheric lighting and décor
- Low point: Mood lighting made be too dingy for some diners
Reviews of Coconut Grove (3 Lochrin Terrace, Edinburgh)
- 5. granirena, Edinburgh – 7 December 2009, 8:59pmCoconut GroveReport
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Do not go there. A horrendous experience on the evening of 4th December 2009 when I visited with 8 friends for an early Christmas night out. The owner\chef had choice of only 2 starters, one which was an incredulously named 'Tortilla Soup'? However most of the group opted for the prawns, and being the only 8 diners in the place - they ran out of prawns. When we quietly voiced our concerns, we were instructed to leave the restaurant, in language you wouldn't expect to hear in polite company. Only saving grace is that we had paid no deposit, so didn't lose out financially. I understand it has recently changed hands, so under new management - not for the better.
- 4. Derek, Colinton – 13 March 2009, 12:15am
Coconut GroveReport -
Myself and my girlfriend ate at Coconut Grove a couple of weeks ago, food was excellent and the service we received on the night was second to none.
It seems that reading some of the previous comments that some customers were not too happy about the service.
We experienced no problems whatsoever, ate some really delicious food and we had an excellent service as well.
We would have no hesitation going back to eat there again!!!
- 3. Bolt-Ya -Radge, Moredun – 8 December 2008, 9:22pm
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My partner and I visited this resteraunt after the panto at the Kings. We've been before and were looking forward to our re-visit to this rather quaint wee resteraunt the back streets of Tollcross. We were disappointed this time with the service we received. The waiter for the evening tried to sell us the Christmas menu on the 6th of December. A pricey £18.95 which we didn't want - we wanted the normal menu.
The waiter returned with the normal menus, we ordered and were happy.
Our drinks arrived - a simple order. Coke, no ice. We got Diet Coke *with* ice. Not a huge problem, but it showed a lack of attention to our order.
The food arrived in dribs and drabs - much like Wagamama (another haunt we love to visit) - however we didn't think it would happen here. 1st my main, then my partners then minutes later after prompting the waiter again we got the sides of sour cream and mexican rice.
Overall the food was up to standard with our usual visits, it was just the service we found bad - leaving no tip as our sign that we'd not enjoyed our visit.
- 2. Tess, Edinburgh – 24 July 2008, 11:51amCoconut GroveReport
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Had a completely different experience from the previous review last night. Thought the food was delicious and full of flavour - perhaps the best Mexican food I've had in Edinburgh so far and beats restaurants in other cities I've tried. Had the veggie nachos and chicken burito which I would recommend. Decor is fun without being overbearing. Service was a bit slow which may have been a result of being understaffed with possibly new wait staff but felt the food was worth the wait! Recommended for an relaxed night!
- 1. Min, Edinburgh – 16 June 2008, 11:31am
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I ate in this restaurant last night,and have to say that I was thoroughly disappointed with my meal.It was unarguably the blandest and least authentic Mexican food I have ever had; it reminded me, no less, of school dinners.The wine was pleasant enough..although a little warm and unceremoniously dumped on our table without a cooler.The waiter was monosyllabic, and really needed to wash his shirt rather than simply apply more deoderant to the underarms.Altogether a slightly unpleasant experience.In short, not to be recommended or repeated.
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