Wahaca Edinburgh: Winter Mexican feast & Tequila Tasting review

The restaurant is at South St Andrew Street

Thomasina Miers was ahead of the street food curve. After winning MasterChef in 2005, she co-founded Wahaca and authored Mexican Food Made Simple (2011). A self-described “cook not a chef,” Miers introduced UK diners to the vibrant textures, sounds, and colours of Mexican markets—far beyond the refried beans and tequila slammers of ‘Tex Mex’ lore. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and soon she’d become a culinary leader.

Wahaca has endured perhaps due to its canteen-style dining and deep commitment to sustainability. Mexican cuisine is peasant food at heart and rooted in resourcefulness—nothing wasted, everything celebrated. In 2016, Wahaca became the UK’s first carbon-neutral restaurant, and today its menu is 45% vegetarian.

Mr Bite and I visit in October to explore the newly launched Winter Menu and to try the Tequila Tasting experience.

Read our review of the Torta Birria at Wahaca here

Tacos & Small Plates

We opt for tacos—served in twos, perfect for sharing. Chicken & Avocado, Beef Gringo, and Sweet Potato & Feta arrive swiftly, each colourful and satisfying. But the standout is a butterbean dip with confit garlic and chorizo sobrasada. The spreadable, soft spicy meat plays beautifully against creamy beans and sweet garlic slices; we scoop the dip hungrily onto Wahaca’s signature bruise-hued, crunchy tortilla chips.

Tequila Flight

Mr Bite enjoys a flight of three tequilas. ‘Blanco’ is lively and served with a garnish of pink grapefruit, ‘Reposado’ comes with orange and Mr Bite’s favourite ‘Anejo’  is served with a dust of tajin (a dry seasoning of chili peppers, dehydrated lime juice, and sea salt) garnished with pineapple. The flight is fun, theatrical and good value.

Chocolate Mole Cake

Dessert Showstopper

An absolute showstopper arrives in the form of Chocolate Mole Cake with blanco-spiked cream. The cake is so rich, smoky and squidgy that one portion is plenty for two. The cream is genius and cuts through the richness beautifully. We should stop there can't resist ordering a Roast Ancho Mushroom Burrito to take home for lunch the following day.

Wahaca’s not just for feasting. It’s a great spot for coffee, churros, or a vegetable smoothie—like the Vampiro (carrot, beetroot, ginger). You can eat and drink your fill affordably and ethically, and not a slammer in sight.

Wahaca Edinburgh: 16 St Andrew Street, EH2 2AU - 0131 202 6850O

Open daily: 11:45am – 10:00pm