The Basement

Name: The Basement
Address: 10A - 12A Broughton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH13RH
Telephone: 0131 557 0097
Price range: £26 to £40
Rating: 4.6

4.6

677 Reviews

£26 to £40

Mexican

Top tags:

Great chat, tasty food, a crackin' selection of mezcal and tequila, creative cocktails and even an understanding of how to use a semicolon; The Basement has it all.

Our menu is the guac of the town. We’re not going to bore you with paragraphs about how our ingredients are locally-sourced (they are), how our love of Mexican-cuisine has inspired everything on our menu (it has) or how the person reading this is our favourite customer (they are).

Here’s a summary: Our food doesn’t just look tasty; it tastes even better. We have the largest selection of mezcal and tequila in Edinburgh, and boy do we know how to use it. Best-seller? It’s our iconic margarita. Give it a shot.

We make our famous guacamole at the table, definitely try share a portion with your friends over a few drinks. The good times are rolling here, now all we need is you.

Children under 18 are permitted until 8pm, so last bookings including under 18s are at 6pm.

Walk-ins always welcome!

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

30 Jun 2022

19:00

Booked 20 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern, American
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 16:00–00:00 Fri–Sun 12:00–01:00
Phone number
0131 557 0097
Website
http://www.basement-bar-edinburgh.co.uk/
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We have a separate area in the back which can hold up to 15 people.
Private party contact
Reservations: 0131 557 0097

Location
10A - 12A Broughton Street Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH13RH
Area
New Town
Cross Street
York Place
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
York Place Tram Stop, Edinburgh Bus Route 08. We are around a 10-minute walk from Waverley Train Station and are just around the corner from the Bus Station.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 677 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Edinburgh/Midlothian
Handcrafted Cocktails
Edinburgh/Midlothian
Hot Spot
Edinburgh/Midlothian
Vibrant Bar Scene
Edinburgh
Handcrafted Cocktails
Edinburgh
Hot Spot
Edinburgh
Vibrant Bar Scene

Sort by

Filters

T
Teearr
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience5
A good selection of Mexican food available, staff were very friendly and accommodating. Prices were slightly high given portion sizes. Overall a great venue that I'd rather go to than a chain!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edinburgh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Loved the ambience and decor. Staff were super-friendly and efficient. Disappointed with the cheesecake as it tasted very cheesy!! Like eating Philadelphia cheese. was advertising as strawberry cheesecake but not a strawberry in sight-just a few frozen berries! Chicken Fajitas were delicious but thought portion size a bit on the small size for the price charged. Both felt the Churros a little oily? But as we found the same when we went to Cafe Andaluz it’s maybe more a case of not liking what Churros are rather than any error on The Basements part? Would come back but not pick these desserts next time.
S
Steph
Glasgow
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely food, great staff and nice atmosphere. Will be back!
AW
AnneW
Cumbria
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved everything about this little place, the choice of food and friendly service was just right for our night away.
MB
MarkBev
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Really nice Mexican restaurant, good selection of dishes and drinks, the staff were friendly, good atmosphere and it's very handy for the Playhouse (most folk seemed to be heading for the theatre after their meals)! We would definitely eat here again.
AS
AngieS
Aberdeen
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place! Best food and margaritas! Tacos are amazing! Guacamole and tortillas is a must! Service is top quality too!
The BasementResponded 7 days agoHi Angies, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us at The Basement. We're happy we could meet your expectations! Thank you, and have a fantastic day!
LH
LornaH
Aberdeen
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 June 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Really good vibe. Friendly & efficient staff. Food good & cocktails delicious.
The BasementResponded 7 days agoHello Lornah, we appreciate you taking the time to leave us this feedback. We hope to see you soon!
HM
HannahMac
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and drink and really lovely service.
The BasementResponded 7 days agoHannahmac, thank you for the high star rating! Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything additional we can do for you.
SP
StefaniaP
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great cocktails, tasty burritos and fantastic staff.
The BasementResponded 7 days agoStefaniap, we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit to The Basement! Thank you again for the great review!
RC
RosieC
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Delicious food and drinks. Friendly staff too. Will definitely be back!
The BasementResponded 7 days agoThank you again for taking the time to let us know how we did. We hope you have a great day!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edinburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our 4th or 5 visit always a good ambience with excellent food and service thanks again for a lovely meal
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Opentable Diner, we're happy to hear you had such a positive experience with our team! Thank you again for letting our team know how we did! We look forward to helping again in the future. Take care!
AK
AshleighK
Edinburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the food Service was fantastic and the cocktails were delicious
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Ashleighk, we're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. Thank you again for letting our team know how we did! We look forward to helping again in the future. Take care!
ME
ME2022
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 13 June 2022
overall4food5service2ambience5
Great food! We really enjoy going there. But it took 15 minutes before anyone came to our table to get our order. After that service was good. But then we asked for bill. Waited 10 minutes then got up to find someone to get our bill. It was a Monday night so they were not too busy. And when we asked for the bill there was only 2 other tables in the restaurant. We usually have great service but this time was not the best.
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Me2022, your satisfaction is our top priority. Thank you so much again for your feedback! We hope you have a great day!
SS
StephanieS
Edinburgh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 13 June 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Quite hidden (thanks Google Maps ;D ) You love mexican food? Then visit The Basement! I would say an insider tip in Glasgow.
The BasementResponded 7 days agoThank you again for taking the time to let us know how we did. We hope you have a great day! Thank you again for the great review!
FC
FraserC
Glasgow
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 11 June 2022
overall1food1service1ambience4
Turned up on time for our booking. Staff just pointed to a table in the distance to go to not taking us over. Sat for 30 mins at the table without staff taking any orders. Tried to get the one person’s attention who was there but couldn’t. Eventually, we just got up and left. Hard to say that experience would make us return.
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Fraserc, we regret to hear that you had this experience with us. Please contact us at hello@basement-bar-edinburgh.co.uk so we can work with you to make this right.
KV
KirstyV
Edinburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 11 June 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
It’s such tasty food and I love the drinks there are so many to choose from. Guacamole is THE BEST
The BasementResponded 7 days agoHello Kirstyv, thank you; we appreciate your feedback! Thank you again for the great review!
PD
PamelaD
Glasgow
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 11 June 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Lovely venue , menu could have additional vegetarian meals.
The BasementResponded 7 days agoThank you again for taking the time to let us know how we did. We hope you have a great day! If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!
CN
ChristyN
Dunbartonshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal with excellent service. All staff were very friendly and helpful, made the meal even better.
N
Natasha
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Love it here! The service is great and so is the food! The margaritas are the best!!
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Natasha, we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit to The Basement! We hope to see you soon!
WT
WilliamT
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a lovely place, the staff were very friendly, the food was delicious, we ordered guacamole and the server came out and made it in front of us and gave us the option to put whatever ingredients in we like. The find was amazing and the prices were very fair.
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Hi Williamt, thank you so much for your positive comments about The Basement! Thanks again for taking the time to leave us this information about your recent visit. Take care!
NF
NatalieF
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing as always! Super friendly staff and the best Mexican food in Edinburgh!
MG
MairiG
Edinburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 7 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thanks for looking after us! Great staff, great food and definitely come back again x
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Hi MairiG ! Thanks so much for posting this awesome review. Really appreciate you taking the time. Hope to see you again soon :) Cheers, The Basement Team
u
unknown123
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 6 June 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Once arriving we got ID straight away which was no problem, but once we were sat down we both felt as if we were being talked about by staff in a unmannered way and i felt uncomfortable whilst being sat at the table as well.
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Unknown123, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience with us. If you'd be willing to provide more feedback, please reach out to us at hello@basement-bar-edinburgh.co.uk so we can assist you further.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Mexican food I’ve ever had!
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Opentable Diner, your wonderful feedback and rating mean a lot to us. Thank you again for the great review!
BK
BrianK
Dublin
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall3food5service1ambience4
Great food. Fantastic drink. Really good atmosphere. Service from wait staff left much to be desired, not very attentive and pretty rude at one point.
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Briank, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service, so we are disappointed to hear that your visit with us was anything less than satisfactory. Thank you again for taking the time to let us know how we can improve. We hope you will consider us again in the future. Take care.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Glasgow
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lovely cosy restaurant in a great location, amazing staff who really showed off what the restaurant was about. The food was amazing and the cocktails were well worth their price. Also had a great tequila selection to round the evening off. Will definitely be back!
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Opentable Diner, we're so glad that we were able to go above and beyond your expectations! Thanks again for the recommendation, and have an amazing day!
TS
TheresaS
Edinburgh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 3 June 2022
overall4food5service5ambience1
The place was great though they placed us in the corner where a door gets used for supplies for kitchen staff that was unfortunate. They apologised but not really shouldn't be used as a safety issue for the kitchen staff. They charge a service charge at the end also. Food was great. Not busy so food was served quick. We had non alcohol drink the coconut drink was really good. Very friendly waitresses and deserved the service charge and would of paid more if they hadn't cheeky added it before being offered.
The BasementResponded 7 days agoThank you again for taking the time to let us know how we did. We hope you have a great day! Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you; we are more than happy to help!
CH
CharliH
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 30 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, great and friendly service, best food we have had for a very VERY long time. Highly recommend.
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Charlih, thank you so much for the positive review! Thanks again for the recommendation, and have an amazing day!
A
Aidan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 29 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and drinks here. I wish we were much hungrier when we came here but the problem was we did a whole day of eating before so we were fairly stuffed but it really didn’t fail to disappoint. The service was outstanding, from having your guac made Infront of you, to the general friendliness of the staff. One gentleman was extremely friendly and gave us tips on where to go around glen coe etc (he recommended glen finnan which we did exactly and the English group with us loved it) thank you for a lovely time and lovely drinks. We loved this place
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Aidan, we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit to The Basement! Thank you again for leaving us this response!
LF
LianneF
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 28 May 2022
overall3food5service4ambience4
Small menu but food was fabulous. Cocktails were great too although they did take a while to come but worth the wait. Service was good, staff were lovely and super helpful. We went at 6 for pre-show meal and it was already so loud that we struggled to hear the waitress or each other. It was a lovely atmosphere though and I would definitely return
AM
AnneM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 28 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and cocktails, friendly staff, lovely little place!
M
Moodie64
Edinburgh
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 27 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
First visit to the Basement since Covid and it didn’t disappoint. The food was excellent. We had guacamole followed by steak and chicken fajitas - delicious! The service was good, the food arrived quickly and there is a decent drinks menu.
The BasementResponded on 17 June 2022Hi, Glad you had a great time. Looking forward to see you soon. Regards, The basement team.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edinburgh
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 27 May 2022
overall2food4service3ambience3
Food was very overpriced for the quality
RM
RossM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed the visit. Staff were energetic and helpful. Will come again!
HF
HannahF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food, great cocktails and fabulous service.
SD
ScotDot
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 May 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
So welcoming and friendly. Food excellent and great value for money. Highly recommend.
LS
LyndseyS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 May 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Met by a friendly & efficient waitress . Attentive throughout . Fantastic ambience . Food really good . Slightly limited menu - would have liked a fish option burrito or enchilada . A very enjoyable experience !
R
Rebeccaedinburgh
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing. Food and staff and drinks all were top notch
BG
BunnyG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Super tasty food and excellent service, the staff were very friendly.
SR
SamedinR
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was amazing (the best nachos I've ever tried), and drinks as well. I've tried mezcal for the first time in my life their, and I would give it 9/10. Great overall experience.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waiting staff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Basement is rated 4.6 stars by 677 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

30 Jun 2022

19:00

Booked 20 times today

10A - 12A Broughton Street Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH13RH

Additional information

Cross Street
York Place
Area
New Town
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 16:00–00:00 Fri–Sun 12:00–01:00
Cuisines
Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
York Place Tram Stop, Edinburgh Bus Route 08. We are around a 10-minute walk from Waverley Train Station and are just around the corner from the Bus Station.
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.basement-bar-edinburgh.co.uk/
Phone number
0131 557 0097
Private party facilities
We have a separate area in the back which can hold up to 15 people.
Private party contact
Reservations: 0131 557 0097

The Basement

Make a booking

Additional information

Menu

What 677 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is The Basement restaurant rated?

Is The Basement currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information