El Cartel (New Town)

• True to his word he hotfooted across the road midway through our drink to let us know that our table was available whenever we were ready
• Our root to our table was narrow to say the least
• This combines well with the stylish but rustic modern decor which is littered with 'Mexican' finishes
• We ordered twice because the first order was so tasty and we wanted to try all the remaining options
• All in all the favourites were the ox tongue and turkey tacos (all were great though)
• The mezcal and tequila Old Fashioned were both a fantastic liquid accompaniment to what was simply a perfect casual Saturday catchup dinner
• S hard to argue that Edinburgh is not spectacularly well served for this type of cuisine
• They recommend 4 5 dishes to start with and then you can order more
• The passion fruit margarita was exceptional
• D had yet again rubbish service on George Street so hot footed it down in the hope that there was a table for two waiting for us
• T know El Cartel is a Mexican Street Food style restaurant and after drooling over many pictures on Instagram and Twitter we decided we really need to go
• Unfortunately the first time we tried to go they had just suffered a fire and were closed but thankfully they were back up and running and actually had a table for us
• The dishes are served as and when they are ready rather than in bulk
• The plantain crisps which came with the dip were resounding favourites
• Everything was colourful and fragrant and fresh
• Small portions so try many things( drunken bean and the steak taco proving to be scrumptious) the cocktails were hellishly expensive(more than the food of two overeaters) and frankly rather disgusting
• On the way I was drawn towards this little taco den by its fresh appearance
• I started off with one pair of tacos
• Filled with sweet potato and chipotle sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds
• Tinted my meal a little with the rose coloured ecstasy of alcohol
• Consisting of two tacos filled with tequila soaked beans and fried avocado
• As it is small you cannot pre book so it is a gamble as to whether there will be a table available for you on arrival
• T have that problem but the place was quite busy
• Whilst there is some choice
• We both went for the apple and apricot version that was on offer on the specials board (although it was a bit confusing as to whether they were two separate flavours or combined until we ordered)
• Home made Mexican food served with amazing Tequilas and Mezcals
• MY favourites are the Guacamole with feta and pomegranite
• Closely followed by everything else on the menu and washed down with a frozen margrita
• On the specials board hibiscus and pomegranate ribs were outstanding
• The margaritas were beautifully presented
• My favourites were the carne asadas and the corn fritter versions
• The ingredients used were unusual (but probably very Mexican
• ) but the result was very tasty indeed
• My friend thought the tacos were a teeny bit expensive but I wasn't too worried
• Two wholesome tacos with flings for £
• Duck tacos (I think it was this that was particularly fiery) and delicious cod tacos with light and crisp battler
• All washed down with a tasty frozen margaritas (I had a rhubarb one) that are churned in machines grown up slush puppies (I'm not really a tequila fan but when in Rome
• Everything comes out as and when it's ready with friendly service and
• Course) and they will get you when a table becomes ready which is a nice touch
• The dishes are quite small so you are told to order a few dishes and share them
• I had the quesadillas which were really yummy and then the pumpkin tacos which were really good
• All the staff were friendly and quick to recommend dishes
• I'll have to come back with an empty stomach so I can taste more that they have on offer
• Went here last night with my friends who were visiting from Bristol
• We tried a good selection off the menu with the help of the really friendly staff
• All the dishes we tried were incredible really fresh ingredients with a good kick to a lot of them aswell
• The frozen paloma was also amazing
• Due to a fire they unfortunately had to close for a short period but since reopening this has been the place to go for fresh Mexican flavours and is proving to be a very popular eatery
• If there are no tables available you are encouraged to have a drink in Bon Vivant
• Considering Bon Vivant is owned by the same people I have to admire how smart a business move the no booking rule is
• Ordering multiple dishes is the best way to sample the innovative offerings
• My favourites are the ranchero taco (fried avocado
• The uniquely flavoured frozen margaritas are fantastic as well
• Tacos are my favourite food and El Cartel is my favourite place to get them in Edinburgh
• The setting is very intimate
• Because it's so busy there is always a great atmosphere
• I have been here a couple of times and I've enjoyed it more with every visit
• The tacos especially were a taste sensation
• All items had a kick but they were nice and spicy rather than overly spicy
• If you're looking for authentic corn tacos you will not be disappointed by El Cartel the cocktails are also yummy
• Equally delicious were their beefy counterparts "
• Succulent strips of flat iron steak (an underused cut in my opinion) combined with a complimentary mix of chunks of avocado and roast cherry tomato
• Only problem is that it's popular and doesn't take bookings
• Fantastic Mexican street food place with great drinks and really friendly staff
• If you are a local the likelihood is high that you have either tried to get in and failed (as its so busy) or you&rsquo

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