
El Jefe’s
“El Jefes is a popular restaurant chain in Scotland known for its vibrant Mexican cuisine and lively atmosphere. With multiple locations across the country, El Jefes has established itself as a go-to destination for those craving authentic Mexican flavours.”
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Quick info
About El Jefe’s
El Jefe's is a Mexican restaurant on Nicolson St in Edinburgh, taking walk-ins rather than reservations. The menu runs from padron peppers and watermelon salad to cauliflower tacos, black bean sweet potato tacos, and a lamb quesadilla, with gluten-free and dairy-free options available alongside. On Sundays a lamb roast is offered as a pre-order item. Tables are covered by servers who take orders and check in over the course of the meal, and a bar at the front pours a beer selection along with prepared shots. Portions run large enough that leftovers are common. The room pairs its decor with music through service.
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Menu & Prices
49 dishes · mains £9–18- Pollo Asado Burrito£16.00
- Crispy Cauliflower Taco£15.00
- Pollo Asado Quesadilla£17.50
- Beef Birria Burrito£16.00
- Barbacoa Lamb Burrito£16.00
- BBQ Chipotle Pulled Pork Burrito£16.00
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lamb quesadilla, sunday roast, cauliflower tacos and gluten-free options.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lamb quesadilla, sunday roast, cauliflower tacos and gluten-free options.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“My experience at El Jefes was exceptional. The service and food were excellent, but what stood out to me was the stunning decor, atmosphere and vibe combined. Food was so good I had to go back for seconds!! Highly recommend this place, special shout out to Liz, Millie and Jose for their flawless 5 star service and delicious food.”
- Google user
“We ordered ahead for the lamb roast on Sunday, but when we arrived they told us they were out of it, despite the pre-order, which was disappointing. The quesadilla was good, but the chicken tacos were underwhelming.”
- Google user
“The food was great, Jeff who served us was incredible & very attentive and the decor and music is vibrant. We stopped in randomly for lunch and were welcomed very warmly and had an incredible meal.”
- Google user
“Some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in Scotland. Great beer selection, good atmosphere, and friendly staff. Unfortunately, I couldn’t rate it higher because half the toilets were out of service, and the remaining one had snot and blood on the walls at eye level. Not exactly what you want to see after a great meal.”
- Google user
“Waitress was very nice and gave great recommendations, bartender did an amazing job making our shots and food was overall very good. Definitely a go to for comfort food in the area.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the authenticity of the Mexican food, with the lamb quesadilla, cauliflower tacos and sweet potato and black bean tacos named as highlights, and the pardon peppers and watermelon salad described as fresh and flavourful. Close behind are the Sunday roast, called great value and taste, and the lively decor, music and friendly, attentive staff. Several mention generous portions and plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options. The complaints are specific. One diner says a pre-ordered Sunday lamb roast was unavailable on arrival, and that the chicken tacos were underwhelming. Another reports half the toilets out of service and blood and snot on the walls of the remaining one. One reviewer found the food lacking in heat, though hot sauces were on the table. One reviewer describes a birthday table sent home with free sombreros.
Location
Restaurants near El Jefe’s
- Kebab Mahal4.21,5100.1 mi
fresh naan, chicken tikka curry, samosas
- The Mosque Kitchen4.12,2340.1 mi
curry with rice, lamb rogan josh, homemade naan
- Fountain Desserts4.62790.1 miWheelchair accessible
crepes, milkshakes, sundaes
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Jefe’s | 4.2285 | — | lamb quesadilla, sunday roast, cauliflower tacos |
| Kebab Mahal | 4.21,510 | 0.1 mi | fresh naan, chicken tikka curry, samosas |
| The Mosque Kitchen | 4.12,234 | 0.1 mi | curry with rice, lamb rogan josh, homemade naan |
| Fountain DessertsWheelchair accessible | 4.6279 | 0.1 mi | crepes, milkshakes, sundaes |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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