Pancho Villa’s

Here I was thinking I was a smarty pants finding another “place in Glasgow with the same name but different owners to a place in Edinburgh” when I stumbled upon Pancho Villa’s, in the Merchant City. However, quick reference to Google soon revealed that the two were in the same ownership.

Funnily enough, there’s a place called Blackfriars, just next door, that I’m confident has no direct relation to Edinburgh’s fine establishment, so that’s now on the list for a visit.

Anyhoo, my visit to Pancho’s Edinburgh branch had been for a quick lunchtime takeaway, which I’d really enjoyed. I was at greater leisure on this occasion, so took the opportunity to sit in.

There was a two course set menu for £8.50 on offer, so I was happy to go with that. My decision was made even easier by the waitresses enthusiastic description of the soup of the day, which was a “not too creamy, just delicious” tomato soup. I sought a view as to whether I should try the veggie or beef filling for the enchiladas, with the latter recommended.

The soup arrived looking very neat and tidy. It proved to be solidly good, with nicely sweet tomato flavour. It was a good opener.

The enchilada wasn’t quite so thrilling. I have fond memories of the quality of the beef in the burrito I had in the Edinburgh branch, but this wasn’t to the same standard. The refried beans were as tasty as ever, but the salsa lacked punch. It was decent and filling but little beyond.

So overall, Glasgow’s Pancho Villa’s did the job of chasing away lunchtime hunger, but there was room for improvement. In this particular battle between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Edinburgh was the resounding winner.

Scores
Blythe scores Pancho Villa’s
3/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 13.5/20

I ate: cream of tomato soup; beef enchiladas

I drank: water

I wore: action footwear

Total bill: £8.50