The Spanish venues you don’t want to miss in Edinburgh

Quite the institution in the city, Cafe Andaluz has been operating from its place on George Street for many months — the dining space here is enormous, set across two levels and decked out in a traditional style that’ll have you feeling as if you’re in the heart of Madrid.

The menu too is extensive and the venue is able to cater for large parties, with special menus. Other diners can order from a la carte of set selections and there are often offers to be had midweek and off-season. But Cafe Andaluz has since expanded its empire, adding a second restaurant to George IV Bridge.

Kids have their own menu here and there are boozy brunches and Spanish brunches available, the latter providing two plates and four drinks per person (it’s a great excuse to drink sangria or to have a cerveza in the morning).

If you want your Spanish food served up with a side of live flamenco, get down here at the weekend. Try the likes of anchovies on a baby gem with chopped tomato and garlic; mojama (a salt-cured tuna loin with toasted almonds and picos); goats cheese and smoked salmon salad with a drizzle of honey mustard dressing); pulpo a la gallega (chargrilled octopus, potato, paprika, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt); and tarta de la abuela (“grandmother cake” with chocolate, vanilla and milk and brandy cookies).

The restaurant has an authentic but urban feel, with exposed brick walls and bar seating as well as tables. It’s right opposite the Playhouse Theatre so very handy for pre or post-show feeds — you’ll get a great view of it through the huge windows. You’ll spot La Sal with its pretty blue-painted frontage.

Tapas3 is another option if you want to catch some flamenco dance — the venue is connected to Alba Flamenca, where you can take part in dance classes and workshops, as well as watching the professional shows. Then take you Peruse the menu of tapas as you sip on a Spanish craft beer (Estrella Galicia is on draught), a sherry, a glass of wine, cava or a cocktail. Calamares al Andalus, berenjenas con miel, chorizo con vino tinto, padron peppers and morcilla con cabra are just a few of the options you can choose from.

Located on Shore Place, Tapa is a popular Spanish restaurant that specialises in Spanish small plates, the “tapa”. The restaurant has an authentic and welcoming atmosphere, with high vaulted ceilings, white washed walls and red accents to evoke the feel of a true street bar in Spain, as well as a sizable outdoor terrace. Their menu includes a variety of mouthwatering tapas dishes like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, croquetas and churros. Tapa even has its very own brand of rum, so do try one of the house mojitos.

This is a contemporary seafood restaurant, based on the Spanish port city. The furnishings are fashionable with a coastal leaning — deep blue paintwork, exposed original stone walls, sea-related artworks, fishing lantern lighting, leather upholstered dark wood chairs and Moorish tiles. Come here for an upmarket feast of lobster and prawns, or book for Paella Sundays, to experience Spain’s national dish cooked using premium Calasparra rice and a choice of three variations (you’ll need to share with at least one another person and each is cooked to order, so allow around 30 to 40 minutes). Classic ingredients like Cebo de Campo Ibérico ham, aged Manchego cheese and aioli all make an appearance throughout the menu.