Antojitos            
Edinburgh Street Food, Leith Street & Paradise Palms, 41 Lothian Street
This all-vegan outfit burst onto the Scottish street food scene in 2020, serving crispy fried banana blossom in soft tacos, and quesabirria with vegan queso and chipotle jackfruit. A popular stop at Edinburgh Street Food, Antojitos have taken over the kitchen at Paradise Palms near Edinburgh University.    

The Basement 
10a-12a Broughton Street
Margaritas so deliciously sour they make your face pucker plus plates of fusion soft tacos make this subterranean bar super-popular. At times, it’s almost impossible to walk in and bag a table. But, as you’re licking homemade guacamole off your fingers and ordering another tipple from the huge tequila selection, you’ll know making that reservation was worth it.

Bodega
14-15 Albert Place
Light and lovely Bodega is a vision in pastel pinks and greens, and offers a warm welcome on Leith Walk. The menu is simple with a few starters, then a handful of tacos, small plates and sides. Start with charred padron peppers then tuck into pork al pastor tacos glazed with chilli pineapple and served with salsa verde. 

Paloma
50-54 Henderson Street
Sunlight streams through the big windows at neighbourhood taco joint Paloma, and the mint-and-pink interior adds to the breezy feel. Try crunchy nuggets of fried avocado in a hand-pressed corn taco, and garlicky prawns with pico de gallo. Cocktails and alcohol-free versions are refreshingly different: try the bell pepper and jalapeño shrub.

Paz Taqueria    
64 Thistle Street
Come for the sultry atmosphere and the punchy Margaritas, stay for the tacos. The menu splits between antojitos (sharing dishes) and pairs of tacos (sharing optional). Every taco pair is intriguingly different: the battered cod with charcoal and squid ink crema is delicious. Try sopes de choripapa: thick chewy corn patties, with creamy refried beans, crisp potatoes, chorizo and goat’s cheese.

Taco Libre 
3 Shandwick Place
Mexican owned and run, the tacos are hot, fast and authentic at this gloriously kitsch Technicolor restaurant. Order the fish baja tacos, guacamole, loaded sweetcorn, sopes with refried beans -- and plenty of napkins. The Margaritas are outstanding too. Cash only. You can also now find them at Taco Libre Bar, 85 Rose Street. 

Also try... a seat at the bar at Chorrito Cantina on Leith Walk for delicious hand-pressed tacos. It’s open Thursday to Sunday because the rest of the time they’re making hot sauce. The barbacoa beef tacos at Topolabamba on Lothian Road are also worth a whirl.

This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital.