I took a picture of Paloma on the corner of Leith’s Henderson Street a day before it opened, popped it on social media and was surprised by the buzz it got.
I was even more surprised when I could book a table for the next day. I didn’t get to any fancy preview event, but this blogger got to Paloma on opening day. Preen!
Paloma is just a stone’s throw off the Shore, Leith’s super popular and touristy part. It’s situated where posh Michelin star-style restaurants have been. Paloma is also pink and green with outside seating.
My gut instinct is that Paloma has hit the ground running and will be so successful that it’ll grow the super popular part of the Shore up to its Henderson Street corner. I think it’ll lift the area.
Paloma’s food
It’s tacos! Two large tacos cost about £9, which is about the same as you’ll pay on Leith Walk.
Right now, the menu features pork belly tacos, fried chicken, chilli and lime prawn, fried avocado, shimeji and black bean, and lamb birria tacos.
- I went with the fried chicken – which was delicious.
- I also had the chilli and lime prawns – also delicious.
- I finished up with the avocado tacos – not surprisingly, delicious.
By the way, these are corn tortillas and are 100% gluten-free.
I was so excited that I did a bad job of photographing the food when it arrived. The image you see here is extracted from a 2-second video I took. Perhaps I thought the camera phone was on photograph mode?
Importantly, there’s more than just tacos at Paloma. There’s a Sharer section, which is always good for date night, that includes oysters, whipped feta tostada, monkfish morcilla skewers and others.
There are also side dishes like charred sweetcorn, jalapeno slaw, nachos and Fritos.
If the Sharers nudge this neighbourhood taco spot into Date Night candidacy, then the cocktail menu, which offers a pretty impressive selection and is each around £10, is a slam dunk.
It’s not running yet, but I believe a soft-serve ice cream machine is in Paloma’s near future.
Mexican food is, I think, my favourite. While I’m easily pleased with dinner, I have high expectations for any Mexican dish, and Paloma’s tacos met them.
I was also pleased at the speed at which they arrived, not quickly enough to be suspicious but fast to soothe my impatience.
Paloma’s vibe
Okay, it was opening night, but it was a great vibe!
Paloma managed to feel special without being pretentious. The colour scheme is interesting, different and not garish. The Ruaridh Crighton art on the walls is eye-catching. Birdy is our artist. I’m an idiot, but even I could recognise those Crighton faces as I walked in. Mind you, I didn’t actually check! Let’s hope I’m not wrong! Haha.
Despite the buzz and the crowd (even at 8:30pm, which is when I got my seat), the staff were lively, and there were plenty of them. The owner, at least the key guardian from Instagram was making time to visit tables and make sure everyone was okay.
Things to do in Leith
Ocean Terminal is changing, and entertainment venues will be added to it, but it’s not there yet. The Port of Leith Distillery and tour is open, though, and that’s just next door.
Closer, just slightly, to Paloma, there’s the Moonwake brewery, and almost next door, there’s the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
It’s not all food and drink, though. The Ritchie Collins Gallery is across from Paloma and Coburg House Art Studios a little further up. You can even book an appointment tour at the kilt-makers Kinloch Anderson, who has been operating since 1868. I’m yet to do it.
Overall
Paloma’s opening night was excellent. I’m thrilled for the neighbourhood, even though I’m hardly a local any more.
I strongly suspect that my first trip to the taco spot will not be my last, especially if it continues to have these long opening hours. I’ve had neither oysters nor pina coladas before, but Paloma offers both. Dare I put those on top of the To-Try list?
A review of Paloma
Summary
Paloma is a new and delightful late-night taco spot just about in the beating heart of Leith’s vibrant shore. It has a pleasant buzz and an interesting menu of drinks and Mexican food, and it is an ideal destination for any taco lover.
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