Pinto Mexican Kitchen has already made quite a name for itself in Glasgow, so expectations were high for the opening on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road. The restaurant staff were as warm and inviting as the colourful decorations on walls and tables, and they were incredibly helpful when it came to picking from the plethora of meals and fillings on offer.
Their menu boasts an enticing selection of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and authentic Mexican drinks, as well as salad for the more health-conscious diner. Canteen-style ordering familiar to Subway or Red-Box Noodle Bar lovers, along with the vegetarian and halal options available, ensure that even the pickiest of eaters will be able to customise any Pinto meal to their liking.
The restaurants website promises ‘fresh, healthy and exciting street food’ and neither the Char Grilled Steak Burrito nor the Char Grilled Chicken Quesadilla were a disappointment. Served steaming hot and marinated in barbacoa and adobo rub respectively, both meals were juicy and very satisfying. Portion sizes were good considering the reasonable price; a meal could range from around £4 to £7. They offer a variety of spices, too, and being a spice friend my personal favourite was the habanero hot sauce, but there are milder options for any less adventurous diners. I would also recommend not overfilling your burrito, as it will have a tendency to fall apart.
The only problem may be the location. For Edinburgh University students, Lothian Road isn’t the most convenient. The good news is there are already plans to open another two restaurants in the city; hopefully at least.
VERDICT
A burst of spice and flavour to heat up your typically chilly evening in Edinburgh. Would definitely recommend.