Lothian Road is a bustling artery of the city, and Topolabamba has become a reliable go-to for many, myself included. When you’re busy and in need of quick, filling, and flavourful food, it consistently delivers. It’s a spot that’s clearly doing well, always busy and buzzing, even if the neon sign outside is feeling a little temperamental.
My top tip is to aim for the pre-theatre menu. At three courses for £20, it represents fantastic value, especially for a restaurant in this part of town.
The Food and Drink
Topolabamba specialises in Mexican street food, served as small plates designed for sharing, or (more likely) for building your own multi-dish feast. The menu is a classic roundup of tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, burritos, and chimichangas.
The idea is to order three or four plates for yourself. If you are with friends, you can mix and match, but be warned: sharing might get problematic. Most plates come with two items, so a “sharing” approach with a large group can end in polite disappointment.
From the “Classics” section, the jalapeno poppers are a must. When it comes to tacos, the Baja fish tacos are a highlight. Other firm recommendations include any of the burritos and all of the loaded “Gringo” fries. The shredded Barbacoa beef taquitos and chorizo tostadas are also excellent. It’s a menu where it’s hard to make a bad choice.
The Tepito honey-back ribs are delicious, but like any ribs, they are incredibly messy. They are perhaps not the best choice for a first date.
The drinks menu features some lovely, hard-hitting cocktails. These are not included in the pre-theatre deal and will definitely add to your final bill, but they are a key part of the vibrant ambience.
The Vibe and Service
The restaurant itself is clean but quirky. The walls are covered in colourful, Mezcal-style art. It feels like a genuine nod to the heritage of the food, rather than a slide into appropriation.
Service is, as a rule, nice and quick. They know what they’re doing. This is a team accustomed to the pre-theatre rush and diners who have places to be.
I have visited often, and while it hasn’t always been perfect, I have never left without a problem being corrected. On one occasion, the kitchen was running slow. Before I even had a chance to notice, the staff had taken my drinks off the bill automatically. I like that level of attention. This is a restaurant that knows how to fix its own mistakes.
There is a loyalty program, which is a nice touch for repeat visitors, though the rewards aren’t immediate. The only other caveat is space. The tables are mostly set for two or four, making it an awkward choice for a large after-work party of ten or twelve.
Things to do in the City Centre
Topolabamba’s location on Lothian Road places it right in the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural and transport hub. It’s an ideal spot to fuel up before a show at the nearby Edinburgh Playhouse or the Usher Hall.
The area is perfectly served by transport. It’s a short walk from Haymarket and a slightly longer one from Edinburgh Waverley, both easily booked via TheTrainLine.
If you’re making a day of it, you can leave your bags with a service like Radical Storage and explore Princes Street Gardens or the Castle, which are all within walking distance.
Accommodation is plentiful. While large chains dominate, you can find hundreds of options on sites like booking.com or by looking at dedicated apartment rental platforms for a longer stay.
Overall
Topolabamba remains a firm favourite. It’s fast, friendly, and delivers a fantastic burst of Mexican flavour just when you need it. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-show dinner, a quick lunch, or a lively catch-up with a friend. It’s reliable, tasty, and knows how to look after its customers. Recommended.
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Review: Topolabamba
Topolabamba offers a vibrant and fast-paced Mexican street food experience on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road, perfect for pre-theatre dining.
Summary
Topolabamba on Lothian Road is a fast, vibrant Mexican spot. Its pre-theatre menu is great value, offering small plates like Baja fish tacos and loaded fries. Great cocktails, quirky art, and service that proactively fixes any issue. A solid recommendation
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