Where to find Caribbean food and drink in Edinburgh

Mexico’s eastern coast borders the Caribbean, and at this cantina, you can sample the country’s cuisine by the bucketload. The restaurant’s name is a combination of “Topolo,” a short form of Topolobampo, a city in Mexico, and “Bamba,” which refers to the Mexican dance style “La Bamba.” Latin music plays in the background, creating a festive atmosphere and making it an enjoyable dining destination for friends, colleagues and families.

Topolabamba’s menu features a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, ranging from street food faves to traditional mains. Tacos, tostadas and quesadillas are a highlight, with fillings like slow-cooked beef, spicy chicken and roasted sweet potato catering to different tastes. Vegetarian, vegan and kids’ options are also available, making the restaurant inclusive for all diners. The bar serves an array of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails.

This contemporary and minimalist taqueria found its home in the foodie heart of Leith. It uses gluten-free flour and panko crumbs, and has separate fryers and a gluten-free cooking area, so is ideal for those needing peace of mind in this area. Along with its menu of street food, it has a fantastic list of Caribbean cocktails. Sip on a u tiki me tiki (Plantation 5 rum, El Dorado 3 rum, Midori, Passoa passion fruit, lime, pineapple and ginger) or a mezcal negroni (Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Campari and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino).

This bright and cheery Caribbean-themed bar and restaurant located in the city centre is the place to be for the full immersion experience. Trenchtown Edinburgh captures the spirit of the islands with its buzzing atmosphere, reggae music and colourful murals. Naturally, the menu features dishes from Jamaica and the other Caribbean islands. Jerk chicken (available in varying degrees of hotness to suit all palettes), curry goat, rice and peas, and plantains make an appearance, paired with tropical cocktails and native drinks. Laid-back and welcoming with eclectic surroundings, guests can enjoy their meals in a relaxed setting, surrounded by Caribbean-inspired artwork that adds to the authenticity of the experience.

Want a drink that’ll take you to the beaches of Antigua, the Dominican Republic and Barbados? Paradise Palms specialises in tropical potions to send you to, well, paradise. Go for a Kingston Express (Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, Appleton Estate Signature, Blackwell’s Rum, Kahlua and espresso); a Jamaican Rum Punch (Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, lime, nutmeg and bitters); or a Calypso (Porter’s Tropical Old Tom Gin, Velvet Falernum, passionfruit, lemon and Tiki Bitters). Serving fully plant-based street food, the team at Lucky Pig (providers of the food menu at Paradise Palms) straddles many nationalities of cuisine with their tasty menu.

There are plenty of nods to classic Caribbean ingredients in there. Get some BBQ corn ribs or roasted corn on the side. And lashings of chipotle; be it in the cheese on your tortillas, slathered on your burger in mayo form, or dunked in your mac and cheese.

Offering a very different dining experience away from the tourism of the city centre, the Apprentice Restaurant is a part of Edinburgh College. It exists to teach students the ways of hospitality and cheffing, while also providing bargain lunches and dinners to the public. The menus change regularly, plus there are frequent international theme nights. So keep an eye out for Caribbean spreads and dishes on the lineup.