Restaurants, Mexican within 5 miles of Edinburgh

Given its neon signage and the staff’s long-standing penchant for Hawaiian shirts, the Basement has never been a byword for subtlety and sophistication, but instead is a slightly ironic slice of Miami teleported into a Scottish cellar. It’s clearly a…

Restaurants on St Stephen Street come and go, but 20 years after Fiona MacRae opened her rustic basement cantina, the eponymous blue bird is still sitting perkily on his perch outside. It’s a simple, dark-painted wee place with a clutter of wooden…

If a multinational fast food outlet woke up in heaven cleansed of all sin, it might be a bit like Illegal Jack’s. A glance through the plate-glass windows fronting Lothian Road reveals a cavernous interior with rows of tables and a brightly lit service…

With Irvine Welsh tweeting about the haggis burritos and the nearby Victoria and Boda bars happy for customers to come in with their carryout to enjoy with a pint, there’s clearly a lot of local love for this small Leith Walk eatery. The idea for Los…

Busy and buzzy, Stockbridge’s own ‘taste of creole’ – Sabor Criollo – is a cosy and colourful gem of a neighbourhood restaurant. It boasts red walls, trompe l’oeil murals, a thatched bar, South American flag bunting, a fake tree with a Virgin Mary…

Miro’s may be tiny but it ain’t shy – if the colourful street frontage doesn’t grab your attention, the big daily specials blackboard on the pavement will. Once inside, the floral tablecloths and general decorative mayhem come together with upbeat…

'South of the border' passion is always served up at Chiquito. A menu of bold Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine is prepared however the diner likes it. Burritos, sizzling fajitas and tacos can all be customised for vegetarians or those wanting more spice. A…

At this simple Thistle Street diner they can get a dish of flaming fajitas from chef to customer in about 15 seconds. That tells you quite a lot about the size of the place, the agility of the staff and the general chutzpah – which is nothing less than…

‘Whenever he goes on holiday, he comes back with another one.’ Fifteen tequilas ranging from pure blue agave unaged silvers right up to oak-aged añejos suggest that somebody is clocking up serious air miles, and make for a drinks menu that’s a definite…

After 25 years cooking the food of her Mexican childhood on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Mayra Nuñez and her team have their successful formula off pat. Twinkly lights and bold colours are cheery on a quiet weekday evening, though a stack of sombreros…

Bright and lively, Nachos Fiesta brings a South American buzz to Scotland. Blending hearty home cooking with authentic Mexican recipes, the Nachos Fiesta menu presents a flavour-filled feast, with fajitas and nachos heading the selection. A fun and…