I recently took my mum on a culinary adventure to Café Andaluz in Edinburgh– it was nothing short of a tapas extravaganza! From the vibrant ambience to the mouthwatering plates that kept arriving at our table, it was a dining experience that left us grinning from ear to ear (and maybe unbuttoning a trouser button or two).
If you’re a tapas lover—or just someone who appreciates good food—you’ll want to read on. Here’s the scoop on our sensational Spanish feast!


The Feast Begins: A Serrano Ham Showstopper
We kicked off our culinary journey with the Tabla de Serrano (GF), a platter of thinly sliced Serrano ham so perfectly arranged it felt almost criminal to dig in. But dig in we did, and oh—the flavours! The ham was silky, rich, and beautifully complemented by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil that added just the right touch of luxury.
Let’s just say we didn’t leave a single slice behind. Zero regrets.

Freshness on a Plate: Asparagus and More
Next up: the Espárragos a la Parrilla (GF)—grilled asparagus crowned with grated Manchego cheese, a generous drizzle of lemon hollandaise, and a sprinkle of crushed black pepper. It was like a little flavour fiesta dancing on our taste buds. Fresh, zesty, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Then came the Ensalada Andaluza (VG), a refreshing mix of asparagus tips, artichokes, sun-blush tomatoes, and a sweet cinnamon dressing. Yes, cinnamon in a salad—and trust me, it works! Each bite was a little burst of Mediterranean sunshine.

The Comfort Dish: Tortilla Española
If comfort food had a Spanish cousin, it’d be the Tortilla Española (V). This thick, hearty omelette filled with sliced potato and onion was like a warm hug on a plate. Accompanied by Pixto salsa, it was simple yet packed with flavour—the kind of dish you don’t realise you’re missing until you taste it.

For the Meat Lovers: Pollo Perfection
For our protein fix, we dove into:
Pollo al Ajillo (GF): This dish? A flavour explosion. Think succulent chicken thighs simmered with garlic, rosemary, and red chillies—bold, aromatic, and absolutely addictive.
Pollo y Panceta (GF): Skewers of juicy chicken, pancetta, and red onion, grilled to perfection. The pancetta added a smoky richness that paired beautifully with the tender chicken.

Cheesy, Crispy Bliss: Croquetas de Jamón y Queso
Could we resist the temptation of croquettes? Absolutely not.
The Croquetas de Jamón y Queso were little golden nuggets of happiness—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, stuffed with Serrano ham and oozy mozzarella cheese. Honestly, if heaven had a snack bar, these would be on the menu.
A Toast to Tapas: The Perfect Libation
No Spanish feast is complete without a good drink, and the house wine at Café Andaluz didn’t disappoint. It was light, crisp, and the perfect partner to our eclectic tapas spread, balancing the rich flavours with ease.
The Vibe: A Slice of Spain in Edinburgh
As soon as you step into Café Andaluz, you’re transported from Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets to a sun-drenched Spanish courtyard. The warm, rustic decor, complete with colourful tiles, wrought-iron accents, and soft ambient lighting, sets the mood for a relaxed yet lively dining experience.
The buzz of happy diners, the aroma of sizzling garlic, and the friendly, attentive staff make you feel like you’re part of one big, joyful Spanish family. It’s the kind of place where you could spend hours eating, laughing, and toasting to life.

Where to Find Café Andaluz
Ready to embark on your own tapas adventure? Here’s where you can find Café Andaluz across the UK:
Location | Address | Phone |
---|---|---|
Edinburgh George IV | 10-11 George IV Bridge, Old Town, EH1 1EE | 0131 226 1002 |
Edinburgh George St | 77b George Street, EH2 3EE | 0131 220 9980 |
Edinburgh Stockbridge | 122-124 Raeburn Place, EH4 1HG | — |
Glasgow West End | 2 Cresswell Lane, G12 8AA | 0141 339 1111 |
Glasgow City Centre | 12-15 St Vincent Pl, G1 2DW | 0141 222 2255 |
Aberdeen | 5 Bon Accord Street, AB11 6FX | 01224 581 100 |
Newcastle | 87-89 Grey St, NE1 6EG | 0191 230 5805 |
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for Tapas Lovers
If you’re in Edinburgh (or any of their locations), Café Andaluz is a must-visit. The vibrant atmosphere, mouthwatering tapas, and stellar service make it the perfect spot for:
- Family gatherings
- Date nights
- Catching up with friends
- Or simply treating yourself to an indulgent Spanish feast
Pro Tip: Go hungry, bring friends (so you can try more dishes), and don’t forget to order the croquettes—you’ll thank me later.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your appetite and get ready for a fiesta!