El Jefe’s
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.
Good to know
“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.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lamb quesadilla, cauliflower tacos, sunday roast and watermelon salad.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lamb quesadilla, cauliflower tacos, sunday roast and watermelon salad.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly single out the Sunday roast as a standout, praised for its value and taste, though one reviewer describes ordering it ahead only to be told on arrival that it had run out. Close behind, several mention Mexican staples like the lamb quesadilla, cauliflower tacos, and pardon peppers, calling the tortillas and sauces flavourful and the portions generous. The vibrant decor, music, and attentive service draw repeated comment, with servers and bartenders described as friendly and quick to offer recommendations. A few note the food leans mild despite its flavour, though hot sauces sit on the table. One reviewer raises a hygiene concern, describing several toilets out of service and the remaining one visibly unclean. Otherwise meals are consistently called generous and reasonably priced, with one diner celebrating a birthday recalling being given free sombreros to take home.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly single out the Sunday roast as a standout, praised for its value and taste, though one reviewer describes ordering it ahead only to be told on arrival that it had run out. Close behind, several mention Mexican staples like the lamb quesadilla, cauliflower tacos, and pardon peppers, calling the tortillas and sauces flavourful and the portions generous. The vibrant decor, music, and attentive service draw repeated comment, with servers and bartenders described as friendly and quick to offer recommendations. A few note the food leans mild despite its flavour, though hot sauces sit on the table. One reviewer raises a hygiene concern, describing several toilets out of service and the remaining one visibly unclean. Otherwise meals are consistently called generous and reasonably priced, with one diner celebrating a birthday recalling being given free sombreros to take home.
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.”
Location
Restaurants near El Jefe’s
- Fountain Desserts4.62790.1 miWheelchair accessible
crepes, milkshakes, pistachio milkshake
- Nile Valley Cafe4.78080.2 miVegan optionsVegetarian optionsGood for kids
falafel wrap, chicken wrap, aubergine
- The Foodies Bistro4.72760.2 miVegetarian optionsGood for kids
full scottish breakfast, eggs florentine, bistro waffle
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Jefe’s | 4.2285 | — | lamb quesadilla, cauliflower tacos, sunday roast |
| Fountain DessertsWheelchair accessible | 4.6279 | 0.1 mi | crepes, milkshakes, pistachio milkshake |
| Nile Valley CafeVegan options · Vegetarian options · Good for kids | 4.7808 | 0.2 mi | falafel wrap, chicken wrap, aubergine |
| The Foodies BistroVegetarian options · Good for kids | 4.7276 | 0.2 mi | full scottish breakfast, eggs florentine, bistro waffle |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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