Somewhere by Nico - Latin America

Located in the West End of Edinburgh

Tucked away in a grimy West End lane, Somewhere by Nico stands in opulent juxtaposition to it's surroundings. Entering through a subtly marked side door to the better-known Six by Nico, we are immediately transported into a theatrical wonderland. Every inch of the space has been meticulously designed with dramatic flair—walls adorned with surreal artwork, lighting that shifts the mood from intimate to energetic, and carefully curated sculptural details that demand our attention. The decor slightly clumsily blends the studied cool of a speakeasy with the camp pageantry of a nouveau riche wedding reception, but it's certainly fun!

In the tradition of its better-established sibling, the menu at Somewhere by Nico offers a themed dining experience which changes regularly. The Latin American theme when we visit is unobtrusive and lends itself well to food and drink. I'm less convinced by more gimmicky themes such as Alice in Wonderland. 

The food is good, not great. Buttery Spicy Corn 'Ribs' arrive with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, Smoky Beef Short Rib Kebab stands out with tender meat and a rich anticucho salsa, while the restrained Barbecued Onglet demonstrates that simple, well-executed classics still have their place. 

The Fiesta menu is running until March 23

FiestWhere ‘Somewhere’ truly shines is behind the bar. The cocktail menu combines classic serves with more innovative options, and there is plenty of smoke wafting from bell jars at the table. Most impressively, the non-alcoholic options receive the same attention and creativity as their spirited counterparts—a refreshing departure from the cloying fruit juice mocktails offered elsewhere. My boozeless Pisco Sour is perfectly puckering, while a Paloma is refreshingly bitter. 

The blurred line between dining and drinking, small portions and strong drinks, means that as the evening progresses, an increasing number of "merry" patrons create a sometimes too lively atmosphere that might not appeal to those seeking a more sedate dining experience.

Somewhere by Nico's dual identity left us confused as to whether the venue is a food-forward cocktail bar or a mixology-focused restaurant, an awkward hybrid. However, Somewhere is memorable, and decent food rubs shoulders with excellent cocktails. We had a fun evening, but next time, we might go somewhere else.

Somewher By Nico - 40a Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4RA

Monday & Tuesday closed, Wed-Thurs 4.30 pm-11.45 pm, Fri-Sun noon-1 am