To remedy this, we have compiled a list of our favourite Spanish restaurants which are sure to make you fall in love with Spain's cuisine.
(19 Shore Pl, EH6 6SW, 0131 476 6776)
Tapa made it into our best Edinburgh Spanish restaurants
Leith is well known as a foodie's paradise, so competition between restaurants in this area is fierce. Despite all this, Tapa holds its own.
The chef, Paco Martin Romano, is Andalusian, and prizes both authenticity and innovation in his cooking. For example, his chistorra hot dog with mustard salsa is made with the finest Spanish ingredients, but influenced by modern tastes. Another must-try dish is the Iberian pig cheeks braised in red wine.
Speaking of wine, the restaurant has an excellent selection of Spanish reds and whites, but also fortified wines, such as Manzanilla sherry.
The décor of this converted warehouse space has a perfect mix of tradition and contemporary design. The high ceilings, simple light fittings, Spanish posters and kitschy bull's head make the restaurant both cool and cosy at the same time.
(13 Brougham St, EH3 9, 0131 478 2856)
El Quijote made it into our best Edinburgh Spanish restaurants
For a taste of Spanish home-cooking, El Quijote is the place to go. Old tapas favourites are on the menu, as well as less well-known specialities, which the staff will be happy to tell you about.
You might like to try the comforting Sancho, made with ratatouille, chorizo, ham, and a fried egg.
There is also a diverse selection of Spanish meats and cheeses to try, including Cordoban goat's cheese and Iberian chorizo. The owners are Spanish themselves, and so use their expertise to find the best Spanish produce for the restaurant.
The interior is typically rustic, with terracotta and cartwheels everywhere, and its small size makes for an intimate meal.
(6-8 Howden St, EH8 9HL, 0131 667 3600)
Lasal Edinburgh made it into our best Edinburgh Spanish restaurants
Lasal is the home of all things Spanish, from tortillas to tapas, from paella to patatas bravas. It is conveniently close to the Festival Theatre, making it an ideal spot for a pre-theatre dinner. The dark walls and brightly coloured prints make for an atmospheric space, while on a sunny day, customers can sit outside and watch the world go by.
There are a range of Spanish omlettes on offer, as well as an a la carte menu full of authentic Spanish flavours. The drinks list is comprehensive, with all the wines, beers and sherries imported from Spain.
(262 Portobello High St, EH15 2AT, 0131 669 7711)
Malvarosa made it into our best Edinburgh Spanish restaurants
This Portobello gem is a welcoming, family-friendly tapas restaurant, where the food is the star of the show. Fresh local produce is cooked with skill, and the resulting dishes are truly delicious. Large groups can order a set menu of tapas, followed by a magnificent and massive paella.
The restaurant is decorated in warm colours, with stylish pictures adorning the walls. The owner is always there to greet you, and the service is thoughtful and speedy.
The restaurant is named after the Valencian beach, perhaps due to its proximity to Edinburgh's beach. Although Edinburgh is not usually sunny, Malvarosa will give you a taste of Spain's beautiful climate through its cuisine.
(297 Leith Walk, EH6 8SA, 0131 554 0955)
Edinburgh Spanish restaurant Serrano & Manchego
Despite its achingly trendy stripped-back interior, this tapas bar is an informal and relaxed place to hang out with friends. During the day, breakfasts and sandwiches keep the restaurant buzzing, but it's in the evening that the real magic happens. The tapas are prepared behind the bar and then displayed on the counter, so you can get a good look at the goodies on offer.
The eponymous serrano ham and manchego cheese are obviously popular, but prawns in paprika and octopus salad are also good choices.
As well as the usual Spanish wines and sherries, there are also a variety of gin and tonics, as well as a list of fantastic coffees which will get your taste-buds tingling.
