This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

The newest muchacho on Edinburgh’s Mexican block may appear to offer the standard range of fajitas, burritos and tacos but, thanks to a pick ’n’ mix formula, every wrap is made to measure. With a decent range of styles, fillings and toppings available, there’s scope for fine-tuning whatever your palate. Novices might be wise to go for the soft tacos – a trio of tortillas that can be filled with different ingredients – for the chance to experiment with flavours and sample excellent home-made salsas of various strengths. The name Los Cardos means ‘The Thistles’ in Spanish. Its chef-owner was inspired by a childhood divided between North America and Scotland and this is reflected in suggestions for wrap combos and alternative fillings, such as haggis. As for where to eat your fajita? Although this is mainly a take-away, there’s the choice of simple seating in this cheery venue or, on a Sunday, those drinking in the nearby Victoria can take their purchase back to the pub.

A huge hit now for many years in the US, Tex Mex done fast and well is making its much-welcomed way to Edinburgh, first with Illegal Jack’s on Lothian Road, and indeed to Leith in the form of Los Cardos. Owner Neil has spent a lot of time across the pond (he’s part Coloradan and his wife is the real deal) and found himself realising the potential of the burrito-to-go back in bonny Scotland. It was there, also, that he pondered the possibility of marrying the tastes of two countries with his signature haggis burrito. As an American in Scotland, I of course had to get to the bottom of this!

With a fellow American and burrito connoisseur as co-taste tester, Los Cardos had a tough audience but needn’t worry about anything at all. The first sign of satisfaction came with the tortilla chips,which (for us) must be housemade, and they are. Their accompaniment was the housemade salsas, which are such proven successes that two of them (Medium Verde and Roastin’ Red) are now bottled and available to enjoy in abundance en tu casa.

Next up I had the soft taco trio (prices vary depending on what fillings you choose, up to £6 for 3). I chose a mix of fillings, my favorite of which was the carnitas: pulled pork that’s slow-cooked, marinated in verde salsa and uber succulent. The vegetarian filling was a surefire hit with hot blackbeans, grilled peppers and onions plus all the fixings. And, of course, I had to further research their unique concept by quickly devouring a haggis-filled taco and found it wildly delicious and not at all something worth the apprehension I experienced beforehand. It just works.

Now, the burrito (Up to £6). Balmoral chicken anyone? Filled with both haggis and chicken, pinto and black beans, rice, sour cream, salsa and cheese, it was enormous in both size and flavour and, sigh, mind-bogglingly great. The ‘red tractor chicken’ was grilled and marinated in their chili-citrus concoction. Yum. We both also noted the tasty, fresh soft tortilla – truly a special thing from our perspective.

Go onto justeat.com to drool over the menu and get yourself the delights of Los Cardos delivered right to your door. (K Smith)

July 2011

Los Cardos has been open a couple of months now and is a welcome addition to the takeaway choices currently offered in Leith. The bonus with Los Cardos is that you can actually eat at one of the few tables inside if you don’t live close enough to take the food home whilst still hot.

I’ve been in Los Cardos twice now, but this review covers a visit earlier on this week, but the staff thought I was experiencing their food for the first time.

My dining partner and I asked how the menu worked amongst many other questions and was given clear information by the staff who were friendly and patient. I enquired as to how Macsween’s haggis works inside the usual Mexican suspects of fajitas, burritos and quesadillas – but was reassured it was very tasty.

I couldn’t decide between trying the haggis and the juicy Aberdeen Angus steak, so the staff member said I could half n’ half which sounded like an excellent plan (£5.85). A variety of soft drinks are available to accompany the Los Cardos food – priced around £1 each. I was also allowed to taste the different salsas with a few corn chips to see how hot I could go (not very), which was great rather than risk ruining the meal as I’d gone one notch too hot.

A few minutes later, I was presented with this quesadilla, filled with haggis and steak.

I sat at the table as my dining partner was still deciding on what to have. The menu might appear basic – but there are still a large number combinations to choose from.

My haggis/steak quesadilla combo was a first for me and the filling was of generous size and piping hot. The flavours worked well together and the steak had indeed been grilled to perfection. I added lashings of sour cream and salsa on top and munched my way to ‘Fresh Mex’ happiness.

My dining partner chose the basic burrito with black beans and some guacamole, cheese and salsa, £4.95. He went for the super hot sauce, so I stayed clear of tasting his dinner but he assured me that the contents were excellent.

You can of course, pick and choose your combinations to make it a healthy choice should you wish and do without the sour cream etc. Tracy Giffen who runs Griffen Fitness suggests a healthy option which is trying lots of beans in a bowl with no tortilla, no rice, grilled peppers and guacamole, then verde salsa, salad and just a sprinkle of cheese on top. This combination demonstrates how Los Cardos food can be done without the calories of normal takeaway.

Verdict? Excellent quality ‘Fresh Mex’ food at reasonable prices with friendly and efficient service.