Tucked into a quiet corner of Thistle Street, just steps from the bustle of George Street, Paz Taqueria is a vibrant Mexican restaurant that’s fast becoming one of Edinburgh’s most talked-about dining spots. Founded by seasoned restaurateur Stuart McCluskey, formerly of El Cartel and The Bon Vivant Group, Paz is a love letter to Mexican street food - bold, fresh and full of character.
The menu is compact but bursting with flavour. Tacos are the star of the show, with fillings like roast chicken thigh with mole, pulled lamb shoulder with arbol salsa, and charred prawns with tajin and watermelon. Vegetarians are well catered for too, with options like sesame-battered courgette with tahini lime salsa and roasted red pepper with fennel and pumpkin seed crema. Small plates such as bombas de papa (panko breaded potato with spinach and sheep’s cheese), esquites (sweetcorn with spicy arbol cheese and lime mayo), and tostadas layered with chickpeas, chorizo or red peppers round out the offering. Everything is hand-pressed, thoughtfully seasoned and served as it’s ready - hot, fresh and packed with punch.
Inside, Paz is intimate and full of charm. The space is small but cleverly designed, with duck egg blue walls, retro posters and a few nods to Mexican pop culture. The open kitchen adds energy, while the bar shakes up spicy Margaritas and tequila-forward cocktails that pair perfectly with the food.
Service is warm and knowledgeable, with staff praised for their enthusiasm and attention to detail. The space might be compact, but diners have fallen in love with its bustling charm and atmospheric vibe, offering a fun, chilled-out spot to enjoy cocktails and tacos with friends. You can find it located on Edinburgh New Town's Thistle Street, with walk-ins welcome at any time of day.