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Scott Dixonvia Google

about 1 month ago

Topolabamba is a well-established and popular Mexican restaurant that has been part of the Edinburgh food scene for many years. I vaguely recall visiting pre-Covid, so I was looking forward to returning mid-week with friends and it didn't disappoint. The decor is colourful and lively, with multi-coloured lighting and Mexican themed trinkets. I particularly liked the small booths for two, which feel cosy without being cramped. I opted for two soft corn tortillas (£7.25) filled with shredded honey pork, chipotle peanut mole sauce and pickled cabbage. They were small but packed with flavour – spicy, tasty and leaving a zingy aftertaste. Just be careful if you pick them up and try to eat them as wraps, as the sauce can easily spill everywhere. They are best eaten with cutlery. I also chose the Albondigas con Cascabel (£8.95), described as Mexican beef and nduja meatballs in a cascabel cream sauce. Three fairly plain meatballs arrived in a small ceramic dish. They were nice enough, but I was expecting a bit more punch and depth of flavour based on the description. The salt and chilli pepper fries (£3.75) came in a small metal bucket and were well seasoned. The standout dish for me and others was the cauliflower wings (£6.95). Deep-fried, crispy florets tossed in a chipotle honey sauce, generously portioned and deliciously sweet. We were all impressed by it, and it was easily one of the highlights of the meal. Someone else ordered the Baja fish (£7.75), described as coming with slaw and shaved jalapeño. It arrived well presented as two small pieces of deep-fried fish in a crisp batter. The verdict was that it was fresh, tasty and enjoyable. It looked really good and is a dish I would opt for in the future. I had two pints of El Major (3.5% ABV) at £6 a pint. I was surprised to find it was a bitter rather than a lager, but it was pleasant, easy to drink and went well with the food. The bar staff certainly know how to make a great margarita, based on what others said. The dishes we chose can all be best described as tapas, so don't expect anything else. That said, nobody had any complaints at all and it's great value for money for a city centre restaurant, even without the offer. The final bill was £160.98 including the 40% discount promotion on food and 10% discretionary gratuity for six, which we thought was exceptional value. My share was £12 for food, £12 for drinks and we all agreed to pay a £3 tip each. Overall, great food, a fun atmosphere and fantastic service from Fern, our waitress, who was easy going, friendly, attentive and knew the menu inside out. Although a couple of dishes could have delivered a bit more flavour, others were a standout and it was a great night out. I'd happily return during the day or night, and would recommend it to anyone.

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Paula Lukawskavia Google

about 2 months ago

We came today for dinner and it was amazing. The food was lovely! The atmosphere was great and the staff we so friendly and helpful. Would come back again.

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Lorinda Wvia Google

4 months ago

Topolabama do really good margaritas and delicious Mexican food. All the food on their menu is great but really love their tacos and quesadillas. They make their own torilla chips which they serve with salsa. This time it was salsa Verde where as the first I went here it was tomato salsa and more tastier. Definitely go and try this place

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Magda Floresvia Google

4 months ago

Being Mexican means, no good Mexican food is to be found outside of Mexico or my kitchen... mostly when restaurants abroad say "Mexican food", it means some version of Tex-Mex. Topolabama surprised me. I loved the barbacoa (beef) tostadas, the pork tacos (very close to cochinita pibil). The quesadillas are indeed Tex-Mex but more into the "Mex" side. "Hochata" ice-cream was delicious but, I must say it doesn't taste to any horchata I've ever had, more like dulce de leche. I could not give the food 5 stars due to 3 main things. 1. The salsa is no where near any Mexican salsa. For a god taco or tostadas you MUST have a good salsa. 2. The cilantro rice was tasteless. Any Mexican rice is always so flavourful. And 3. The queso fundido is definitely a miss, although it was nice, Mexican queso fundido has a completely different taste and flavour, of course it's made with Mexican cheese, which can be hand made but that's a different topic. Other than that, I enjoyed my visit very much. The staff is super friendly, very fast and efficient service, we all ordered from the lunch menu but while walking around the the restaurant, I saw lots of great things on the tables. I can't wait to go back and try more things.

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calistavia Google

4 months ago

Got the picante chicken loaded fries which were delicious and came out super fast. Service was excellent, special shout out to Tom who was just lovely. He was so friendly and I think he may be a mind reader because he always seemed to appear right as we needed something. Loved the atmosphere as well :)