El Quijote

El Quijote

13a Brougham Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9JS

Telephone 0131 478 2856
Food served Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri–Sun 12.30–10pm
Average price £20 (lunch); £20 (evening meal)
Email
Website www.quijotetapas.co.uk

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Eating & Drinking Guide

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

The happy bustle of the well-fed diners clustered into El Quijote’s snug interior tells you all you need to know about this unassuming Tollcross tapas bar. Spaniards Maria Giminez and head chef Oscar Mateos show off a different side to Spanish cuisine, eschewing predictable tapas in favour of Andalucian specialities like salmorejo, a chilled soup garnished with salty ham and grated egg and bursting with the flavour of fresh tomatoes. The menu is heavy on pork, but the emphasis can be forgiven when the meat is treated so diversely: whether smoky, juicy griddled Iberian shoulder or tender cheeks stewed in an intense peppery liquor, a delicious result is guaranteed. Many dishes come in three sizes, ranging from tapas to mains, so you can start with some bites before moving on to more substantial portions, or just order a selection of tapas. Be warned that menu descriptions don’t do justice to the food: you might get the impression that chips come with everything, when in fact they’re crisp sautéed potatoes. But it just goes to show that appearances can be deceiving: where it counts, El Quijote is doing everything right.

High point: Salmorejo is sunshine on a spoon
Low point: Some of the earthenware crockery is a little chipped and greasy

Number of wines sold by the glass: 11
Provides: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Live music, Free wi-fi
Music on stereo: Flamenco music
Capacity: 24
Largest group: 24
Open since: 2010
House wine: £13.95 per bottle

Comments & ratings

11. bandl – 17 Aug 2012, 9:07pm El Quijote Report: Just had a fantastic meal at El Quijote. The food is excellent - Ok the restaurant is a bit small but the atmosphere is really friendly and hassle free. I tried the coffee with cinnamon & lemon & condensed milk - absolutely THE BEST- amazing flavour. I'd skip the dessert next time and just have one of these.

10. Saucy Sal – 13 Jun 2012, 10:12pm El Quijote Report: Loved the food. And the wine was lovely. Very laid back. But oh, those greasy stained menus and very chipped plates. Can they be hygienic?

9. young_team – 15 Oct 2011, 4:53pm El Quijote Report

I have eaten in El Quijote several times now and enjoyed it immensely on every visit. Forget any of your high street tapas/Spanish restaurants and go here for the real deal!

The food is fantastic, staff are friendly and the menu/wine list is all very well priced. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal in Edinburgh. 5*

8. Ginnieb – 25 Aug 2011, 4:17pm El Quijote Report: Wow!! Walk past this place and you are walking past a gem! It's a must visit! The food is 'real'. The atmosphere is Spanish, in fact close your eyes and you are transported to Madrid or Andalucia. The chilled tomato soup with chorizo, garlic and chopped boiled egg is to die for and I keep asking for the recipe! Maria is very friendly and welcoming. I have been in a number of times now and El Quijote never fails to impress.
Marisa

7. Kenny Sword – 25 Jun 2011, 7:54am El Quijote Report: We visited El Quijote on a recommendation and found it to be absolutely superb in every respect. Right from the outset we found the restaurant to be really friendly and inviting. Maria was fabulous and fun loving. The food was amazing and truly Spanish unlike the all too common pseudo tapas bars that are springing up everywhere. Portions are large - remember that when you choose - and prices are very acceptable for both food and wine (perfectly sized list). The restaurant and facilities are spotless. El Quijote also has a "deli" to allow the purchase of terrific olive oil and other truly Spanish products to take home. We have already booked to return with Friends in two weeks time.

6. bse96 – 18 Apr 2011, 8:55am El Quijote Report: Called in for a quick bite to eat, the menu looked really good,
had such tasty food (the venison was fantastic) we stayed and spent most of the night there, the staff were really friendly and helpful.
If you would like a real Spanish night out in Edinburgh then this is the place,

5. kelekoalba – 7 Apr 2011, 9:11am El Quijote Report: I'm born and bred in Edinburgh and I can honestly say I have never been to a better restaurant in the city. El Quijote is small but this adds to the experience. Apart from the staff being really friendly, the food is also amazing. I reccommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic meal!

4. Lego-Boy – 17 Mar 2011, 12:11pm Report: This is the kind of place that effortlessly transports you.
Dishes are beautifully cooked and seasoned with authenticity rarely seen outside of Spain.
Staff are gracious and friendly making the entire experience that of a warm holiday with good people met along the way. Undoubtedly to become one of your favourite haunts.

3. asier – 5 Feb 2011, 7:27pm El Quijote Report: Spent the weekend in Edinburgh couple weeks ago. Since I am spanish I always try to avoid "spanish" restaurants in the UK since they tend to be a british decaffeinated version of the true thing.
However we went in on a recommendation that this place was OK and I can testify that is the REAL SPANISH THING, real quality, real food and even the price that we paid was what you would have expected in Spain!!
The service was perfect, the food true to spanish style and mouthwatering, if I am to put a thing that for me was not a 10/10 that would be the coffee which lacked the punch that you will enjoy on a mediterranean expresso.
If you like spanish food and live in Edinburgh, this place is a must for you!!

2. Javi-True-Andalusian – 30 Jan 2011, 2:17pm El Quijote Report: Fantastic food with a real Spanish taste.
Being honest as an Andalusian person,there isn´t a Spanish restaurant in Edinburgh that can offer this variety of food quality.
Fresh ingredients and really friendly staff.We will go back again and again.

1. xabobo – 24 Jan 2011, 9:27pm El Quijote Report: Very cosy place and fantastic food. Very friendly staff. Really enjoyed it, will go back again.

Average rating 5/5 from 10 reviews of El Quijote.

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