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Recommended Reviews - Café Andaluz
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Great atmosphere with lovely decor. I enjoyed sitting down for a meal. The food is good! I really enjoyed the sweet chili shrimp and the virgin pina colada is amazing! I didn't really care for the seasoning on the calamari but my mom didn't mind it. I love all the food options, a good amount to choose from. Definitely a great place to stop for dinner.
I came here with my friend and we absolutely loved the interior decor and the wait staff were so kind and accommodating. We ordered six tapas as there was a three tapas for 17 pounds lunch deal going on. We ordered the pimiento peppers, the mussels, the paella tapa, the eggplant dish, the croquetas and the plate with the black pudding.
This is my new favourite restaurant on George street. The food is absolutely delicious and although small tapas servings, I recommended the meatballs, it was all very filling and delicious. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm, relaxed and friendly and service was good. I would highly recommend!!
Great tapas spot near princes street. Come in a large group, so you can order more menu items. We came here for late night dinner (like close to closing at 9:30 pm), so we weren't hungry enough to order a full paella, but the paella tapas did not disappoint. They also make a mean sangria and have a nice selection of draft beer.
I've been waiting a few days for the opportunity to spend a couple of hours here and it did not disappoint! I got the Tapas for anchovies which were just like the ones I had in Spain and then I had a shrimp dish with garlic and then a lamb dish with a little bit of cinnamon in it which was excellent. Started it off with some sangria and just to let you know it has a little bit of fizz in it but was very good. Place has a very nice bar and a great ambience if you happen to be on a date or meeting with folks. It is situated in a great location and the people inside are so friendly so if you have time to speak some Spanish, you are all set.
Really 3.5, but I think it's probably worth a visit if you're not in the mood for more Scottish food while in Edinburgh. We came our first night and shared some tapas. Not a lot, and I would have liked to have tried some other dishes, such as the paella and jamon. The ones we had were good, and the service was pretty good. We also got seated quickly, and the atmosphere was interesting and fitting for tapas. We shared the meatballs (a little dry), croquettes, tagine of lamb (a little short on lamb), prawns in garlic and coriander, and goat cheese with orange and chili marmalade (phenomenal). Again, not a lot, but for us it was good.
My daughter and I stumbled across this place and we totally fell for the whole experience; the servers were friendly and efficient, the food was outstanding and the atmosphere welcoming. Our food choices were: TAJINE DE CORDERO Slow-cooked lamb tagine with paprika, cumin, tomatoes, cinnamon, sultanas & apricots ENSALADA ANDALUZA VG GF Asparagus, artichokes, sun blush tomatoes & lemon hinamin dressing read more
I'd give Cafe Andaluz a 2.5 stars based on this first time visit. The restaurant is actually quite large - it expands far back, which you initially can't tell when you walk in. We arrived after the lunch rush, assuming it would be easy to get a table. We could be seated right away as long as we could finish our meal in 90 minutes. Evidently Cafe Andaluz is very popular even in the afternoon! I took this as a good sign that the food must be good then. Unfortunately more disappointing than I thought. We ordered the patatas bravas, calamari, gambas pil pil (king prawns roasted in olive oil, chilli, paprika and garlic) and pollo y panceta (skewers of chicken, pancetta and red onion marinated in chimichurri, with rocket, pine nuts and chimichurri salsa). I've had patatas bravas many times in Spain so was excited to see this on the menu. Cafe Andaluz's interpretation of patatas bravas is not as authentic. The potatoes were mushier rather than firm. The calamari was lukewarm and tasteless - like I was eating semi fried rubber. The real head scratcher was the pil pil. It looked appealing and promising but the whole dish was tasteless. The shrimp sat in red oil that was tasteless. There was zero garlic flavor. We were perplexed at how something colorful and vibrant would have no taste?! The only thing that truly redeemed this meal was the pollo y panceta. The garnishes and chimichurri helped enhance the dish. So all in all, an overpriced and mostly flavorless tapas late lunch that did **not** meet expectations. read more
If tapas are your jive this restaurant is a must stop. We arrived with no reservations on a busy night and the staff were more than accommodating. We had a variety of tapas and all were plentiful and delicious. Our cocktails were beautifully presented and tasted fantastic!! read more
Great atmosphere with lovely decor. I enjoyed sitting down for a meal. The food is good! I really enjoyed the sweet chili shrimp and the virgin pina colada is amazing! I didn't really care for the seasoning on the calamari but my mom didn't mind it. I love all the food options, a good amount to choose from. Definitely a great place to stop for dinner. read more
3 months ago
8 months ago
1 year ago
I came here with my friend and we absolutely loved the interior decor and the wait staff were so kind and accommodating. We ordered six tapas as there was a three tapas for 17 pounds lunch deal going on. We ordered the pimiento peppers, the mussels, the paella tapa, the eggplant dish, the croquetas and the plate with the black pudding. read more
1 year ago
This is my new favourite restaurant on George street. The food is absolutely delicious and although small tapas servings, I recommended the meatballs, it was all very filling and delicious. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm, relaxed and friendly and service was good. I would highly recommend!! read more
2 years ago
Food was so good here! Everything was amazing. Service was also good place was super busy but the food came out quickly. It was really big inside and felt comfortable. read more
Great tapas spot near princes street. Come in a large group, so you can order more menu items. We came here for late night dinner (like close to closing at 9:30 pm), so we weren't hungry enough to order a full paella, but the paella tapas did not disappoint. They also make a mean sangria and have a nice selection of draft beer. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
I've been waiting a few days for the opportunity to spend a couple of hours here and it did not disappoint! I got the Tapas for anchovies which were just like the ones I had in Spain and then I had a shrimp dish with garlic and then a lamb dish with a little bit of cinnamon in it which was excellent. Started it off with some sangria and just to let you know it has a little bit of fizz in it but was very good. Place has a very nice bar and a great ambience if you happen to be on a date or meeting with folks. It is situated in a great location and the people inside are so friendly so if you have time to speak some Spanish, you are all set. read more
Really 3.5, but I think it's probably worth a visit if you're not in the mood for more Scottish food while in Edinburgh. We came our first night and shared some tapas. Not a lot, and I would have liked to have tried some other dishes, such as the paella and jamon. The ones we had were good, and the service was pretty good. We also got seated quickly, and the atmosphere was interesting and fitting for tapas. We shared the meatballs (a little dry), croquettes, tagine of lamb (a little short on lamb), prawns in garlic and coriander, and goat cheese with orange and chili marmalade (phenomenal). Again, not a lot, but for us it was good. read more
3 years ago
Very few places open this late, especially on a Sunday. Found Andaluz and it ended up being such a lovely evening. Rohid went above and beyond to make sure our meal was spot on. Rhoid made our night! read more
7 years ago
Cafe Andaluz, by far has the best interiors of all the cafes and restaurants I've been to, so far. The colour, vibrance and the Andalucian crafts that adorn the wall and the chandeliers representing the Ottoman period in the region's history give it an authentic feel. They also have a statue of a bull at the bar. By the way, they don't use pedestrian terms like Gentlemen and Ladies or Kings and Queens for their restrooms. If you're male and need to use their restroom, you are a 'Caballero' and if you're female, you are a Senorita! Well, Caballero and Senorita are Spanish words for Gentleman and Lady, respectively but, it does feel fancy. We went there just before lunch time but just after brunch time, so we were not all that hungry. So we opted for a scone, a bacon butty, a latte and a tea between the two of us. The bacon butty was excellent and the latte was well brewed. My wife said her scone was tasteful and the tea refreshing. The staff were very friendly and polite, which, again, is a great asset to this industry. As with everywhere else, I sincerely hope they maintain their levels of quality and service. They do have a bigger food menu that I am keen to try the next time we visit Edinburgh. So, Caballeros and Senoritas, next time I am in Edinburgh,I will definitely be visiting this cafe again. read more
After walking several miles in the damp and cold evening we were in much need of sustenance. Someone had recommended this place to us, and I'm glad they did! The waiters recommend three dishes per person, which is more than sufficient. Nine tapas dishes later we were full and delighted. Particular highlights for me were the aubergine couscous and the patatas bravas (you can't really go wrong with these guys). Of course we had to try dessert: creme brulee was crunchy and creamy perfection, the white chocolate caramel cheesecake, well the ingredients speak for themselves. Bliss! Quick service, gorgeous food and a pleasant ambience earns this place five stars. Great job! read more
11 years ago
Very good Spanish tapas restaurant with competitive prices, altogether superior to La Tasca. Located in central Edinburgh, Café Andaluz offers a welcome alternative to the La Tasca chain. I went there for dinner in July 2014 and picked a selection of 4 tapas: Solomillo con Setas, Pollo Rebozado con Miel, Salmón con Espacias, and Carne de Res Picante. The salmon and the beef were very nice indeed, but all four dishes were freshly prepared and of good quality. I would recommend all of them. The food seemed less streamlined than the one at La Tasca. The salmon had a nice bite, and the beef was a little spicy and characterful. See my photos. Although the place was packed when I visited (and it usually is even on weeknights, so make a reservation to avoid disappointment), the dishes were served rather quickly. The service there is friendly and efficient. Spanish restaurants routinely offer only a small selection of beers, usually lagers, and Café Andaluz is no different. So, basically, go for San Miguel. If you want a nice real ale afterwards, the huge JDW The Standing Order is close by. Atmosphere and decor at Café Andaluz are pleasant indeed, and the place is certainly recommendable even for larger groups, advance booking provided. read more
16 years ago
This place might have a great central location, and it might stand out from all the other multitude of eateries in the George Street area because there aren't that many spanish places around, but I still don't rate it. Loads of Spanish restaurants, in my opinion, leave you tasting nothing more than paprika and grease in your mouth for the rest of the evening/week, and Café Andalúz didn't really much to dispel that theory. I also couldn't help thinking it was overpriced. Not because the food wasn't good, but because with it being tapas the portions were really small and so I left thinking I could easily go for the same again. They do offer really good deals on their website, and in the snapfax for the benefit of students, but everyone I know who's tried to take them up on this has had no end of problems. Unless you quote the offer code or snapfax page at least ten times when calling up to book, or when you first arrive, you can expect to see abosultely nothing of the promos or discounts you thought you were going to receive. It's lucky the setting is lovely, and the service is efficient, or I'd definitely be giving this 2 stars. read more
8 years ago
The first time I had a meal at Cafe Andaluz, after it had just recently opened, I have to admit to being quite disappointed. I lived in Spain for a good wee while, so I do know a bit about how tapas are meant to taste, but it's not even that, even if you haven't set foot in Spain in your life before, it's pretty obvious what constitutes something tasty. The tapas were definitely a bit below par on this occasion, but I put that down to early teething problems, because when I decided to revisit Cafe Andaluz again recently to take advantage of a good lunch deal they had going, everything was so much better, and could definitely be described as tasty. This is certainly a good option if you're looking to book somewhere for a group in the centre of town, and it's also great banter ordering lots of different dishes and trying out and sharing a variety of different tapas. read more
16 years ago
I keep getting this idea that George Street is full of soulless cafeterias with high prices and low atmosphere. Cafe Andaluz wasn't that much different. First of all I hate getting fobbed off with things like free olives if you have to wait for your table because deep in your heart you know it's to get you to drink more. "Can I just dab your mouth out with cotton wool while you wait for your table ma'am"... The decor was mainly Moroccan themed and give it it's dues, the lighting did make it rather intimate. The night definitely picked up when the food came and it was lovely. I just felt that somewhere down the line it was missing a bit of heart. read more
Came here for our work Christmas night out. Was an extremely busy Saturday night but the service was excellent. Our food came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. The scallops and prawns were my favourites! Treated ourselves to dessert and it was definitely worth it. Very rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake to choose from and both were tasty. We forgot to pick up our receipt for our expenses but when we phoned them the next day they could not have been nicer or more helpful. The lady was friendly and got us a copy of the invoice no bother. All in all a great experience and would return for sure. read more
Up until a few months ago, my knowledge of tapas was all theoretical. As part of one of the classes I was supporting in this year we were learning all about Spanish culture and food, was a big part of the culture. As a treat to the class, we went on a field trip to Cafe Andaluz and we all tried two dishes each from the tapas menu. Upon walking in you enter into a little corridor, almost like walking into your parents house, and we were very quickly greeted by a member of star and shown to our reserved table, there were jugs of juices and water on the table within moments of us being seated and then we were given time to assess the menu. And what a menu, obviously it is all traditional Spanish cuisine, and most of the young people went for the safe options such as the albondigas and the tortilla, I was desperate to try good calamares and was not disappointed by them, but the star of the show was my plate of Scallops. I've never eaten scallops before and so was not sure what was about to happen, but from the first bite, I knew I was on to a good thing, up until this point we had all shared a little of each thing, but the more expensive things were only eaten by the person who had put up the money for them, to keep it fair, and I have never been happier, because I couldn't have shared my scallops, even if I'd wanted to. Frankly three was not enough. The only downside to the day was the fact that although we were in a Spanish restaurant, we could not order in Spanish, even though the young people tried really hard to do so. The waiter serving us was French, the other waiter was Italian I believe, and then another waitress was another nationality. It made for a fun conversation with each of them, when our young people tried there hardest to talk to them in Spanish, to be told I don't speak Spanish but I can speak English if that helps? Such a good day, and my only qualm is that I haven't been back yet, although this time, I might just have to have a glass of wine with my meal. read more
15 years ago
I was greatly looking forward to going to Cafe Andaluz, as tapas can be a real delight. My experience was, well, lukewarm. The food was not bad, if a bit mass-produced tasting. I had the Piementon de Padron, Paella Valencia, and Honey-chilli glazed pork cheek. I enjoyed it all, had my coffee to wrap-up a meal nicely, tipped my waiter and left, planning to take my fiance back. That, however, will not be happening. In checking my bank account, I guess my waiter was not happy with my tip because they went ahead and added another one on! They may have made a few more quid that evening, but they've lost a potential long-term client. I f*ing got robbed. read more
8 years ago
Great glass of wine, Tempranillo... was excited for the set menu of 3 tapas and ordered albondigas, goat cheese, and pearl couscous. Perfect amount and great combo, goat cheese and tomato sauce from meatballs complimented each other. I hate orange marmalade but the one on the goat cheese was so amazing I ate every last bit of it! read more
6 years ago
The bread was delicious. Ordered meatballs, cod, croquetas, and potatoes brava. Favorite was the cod and the bread. The rest was just okay, croqetas we're not good. read more
7 years ago
If you are up for Spanish tapas, you may choose this place over La Tasca. The food here is prepared much better and tastier than their rival. However, some of the dishes do come a cross bland so my suggestion would be to order a selection of what meat / vegetables you would like to eat instead. The menu here is quite big and the good thing about their tapas is that they are slightly bigger portion as well. So just be wary of the portion in case you order too much. You really get good value for what you pay. Try and reserve if you can or come early to avoid disappointment. That said, the times when I am here and I had to wait, it was never a long wait. The sitting area is huge and it covers 2 floors so you definitely do not have to wait long. read more
11 years ago
Got this place recommended by a friend who told me her husband 'hates' restaurants, except for this one. Had to go check out what makes this one so special... We sat near the entrance, which is a mistake I just keep making draft-wise. But we were happy to have a spot without having made a reservation. The raspberry daiquiri was a yummy start! We shared 5 tapas and a creme brulee as dessert. The highlight tapas were the cod pieces and the goat cheese with marmelade. The rest also yummy, cant wait to go back to try others! For me personally what blew me away and makes me give this restaurant 5 stars is that when I asked what dishes have no onion (as I am sensitive to those) they actually had a NO ONION menu!!! And the chef came out asking if traces would bother me. Wow!! Ok to have this for gluten or nut allergies, but they have a whole range of menus for different diets available! I have never seen this anywhere and was in heaven!! This restaurant is high on my 'to go back to' list, and I could say for up til now my favorite one that I have tried in Edinburgh! read more
7 years ago
11 years ago
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Café Andaluz - tapas - Updated May 2026
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