Salsa Mexican Bistro in Eden

Extraordinarily bland food. Not even spicy, just unseasoned and uninspired, both in the overall experience and the dishes. The chips as a starter were basically Doritos with canned tomatoes; not even real salsa, and plain tasteless guacamole and sour cream. Very poor start. Our mains of beef tacos and chicken burrito were incredibly disappointing. Dry tasteless corn tortillas (clearly old and over heated) were served with under seasoned ground beef and not much else of note. Burrito was more than 50% flour tortilla and the rest was completely tasteless chicken and white rice. No sauce, no cheese, no spice. Both were served with ‘Mexican rice’ which was plain white rice and a tiny bit of chopped onion and jalapeño. Again, bland. Our margaritas were quite unbalanced; weak, far too much lime juice and salt. Staff were ok; food was delivered quickly, but weren’t interested in providing good service and didn’t check on us once. And at £17 for a main, not even good value, especially considering the portion size. There ARE good Mexican restaurants in the UK, but this is not one of them. It’s as if the kitchen staff haven’t ever heard of spices or sauce! If your idea of spicy and adventurous is an English Tikka Masala, you might enjoy it. If you’ve ever had real Mexican food or even tex-mex, steer clear. I can’t imagine why I’d return here any time soon. Definitely not recommended I’m afraid.

Sadly, the food was very bland so I was waiting for one of the 7ish members of staff to ask if anything was okay/could they get us anything. Unfortunately, this never occurred so we had to flag someone down which proved difficult as it was obvious the staff did not want to engage with customers. For some reason, they were turning multiple customers away despite many empty tables that weren’t filled for the whole duration of our stay. Seems like a decent doss job for the local youths but not great for customers!

It was OK but won’t return. The food was below par, my fajitas definitely weren’t sizzling and were in a sloppy chilli sauce which made my tortillas wet. The lettuce was turning brown and there was only a small amount of sour cream etc. However the side dish of roasted root vegetables were good. The service was OK, friendly enough and quick. You can see why they don’t ask you was everything OK as they know what the answer will be and don’t want any hassle. The place needs a good clean, the table, chairs and floor is sticky and don’t even go to the toilet!!! Had been looking forward to visiting here and was disappointed.

Unbelievably stupid to include a birds eye chilli pepper in the salad garnish. I had a dreadful teary, numbed but incredibly painful reaction to eating the birds eye chilli in the salad garnish. I ordered BBQ ribs. Ate one bite of the salad garnish - so stupid of them to add a HOT birds eye chilli pepper to this garnish. Felt absolutely violated. Ruined our evening as couldn't taste a thing after this. Dreadful.

Food was absolutely superb and good beer on tap also

Quick to seat, friendly staff. Lovely menu choices and good clear labelling for veggie, vegan and gluten free. I had the ribs which were really tasty. Nice selection of beers available on tap and loads of choice on the drinks menu. Dinner for two with drinks was £50.

Great gluten free and vegan options and tasty cocktails

From the minute we walked in, the blonde female staff member at the front was so unnecessarily rude. judging by the other reviews on here, I think there’s a pattern of the female staff there being rude to younger groups of girls. I have never felt so uncomfortable in a dining setting before, I wish I would’ve walked out straight away. The plates were practically thrown at the table, we were given dirty looks, and we were made to feel stupid for asking a question about the serving sizes. The food was average and definitely not worth going through the horrible treatment. I was so surprised to see such high ratings given the experience that we had. Definitely one to avoid.

Never in my life have I had a worse experience at a restaurant. There was one member of staff who was okay and polite, the rest were absolutely awful, rude and hostile. We had been turned away the day before for an ‘issue in the kitchen’ but I do not believe this to be the truth for a second as when we went back the next day we were made to feel equally as unwelcome and they did not even want to serve us. The worst hospitality staff I’ve ever been served by. Being given dirty looks when we’re ordering or sat at the table, plates being clattered onto the table, did not come over to check how food was or really at all when they didn’t absolutely have to. We were supposed to get a shot of tequila with our food but I could not even bare to ask the rude and unwelcoming staff. We just wanted to get out as to be honest I was absolutely livid. We had to approach the staff behind the bar to ask for the bill which was also clattered on the table to the point where the bill fell on the floor. Didn’t tip as it was not at all deserved and we got dirty looks on the way out. Average food, the only reason we came back after not being able to the day prior was because it looked as though it would be a nice place to go- absolutely not would not recommend the place to anyone. I would recommend some intensive customer service training for this team of staff as the several that served us were horrendous- I’ve worked in hospitality for years and I know it’s a stressful job- absolutely no need to treat customers like they’re not welcome. Made us feel so uncomfortable and as I said came out absolutely livid. Do not go here!!!

Staff were good, atmosphere fine but food a bit bland. Nachos starter for 4 is huge and we hardly had room for the main meal.

Everything here was wonderful. Great service, menu, and drinks! We loved everything here. Kids and adults had burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas and we shared a meat combo platter to start. This was another gem to find in Penrith and very kid friendly! Highly recommend this restaurant for their Mexican food and great vibes!

The food was fanatical. It's been a long time since I've had such delicious tacos.

Great food here. We came across this place, while camping in the area. Worth a visit.

There was a large party of us and the staff were really understanding and accommodating when some of us were going to be late due to shortage of taxis. The food was yum with generous portions and the owner even gave some of our party a lift back to our accommodation when one of us became ill. Lovely people highly recommend this place 👌

Really friendly service, prompt and helpful, food was delicious especially the quesadillas and burrito. However a star lost as the churros were not the best and the toffee sauce didnt taste 'home made'. Recent visit had the naked burrito - definitely a good choice!

Husband loved it. Too spicy for me and the daughter. Staff lovely though

Fantastic place, fast service of amazing food. Possibly best place to eat in Penrith.

We tried to have a meal here for our friends 22nd birthday. We were greeted with a frosty and rude reception from the waitress. This then continued through to taking our drinks order, where one of the group members asked if a small change could be made to one of the cocktails. This was then responded to extremely rudely by the waitress, which we felt was unnecessary. Unfortunately the environment was so uncomfortable that we ended up leaving the restaurant, which was a shame as we were really looking forward to eating there. We strolled into The Lounge restaurant, which we really enjoyed and was a pleasure to experience!

Popped in here whilst on a visit to the lakes and it was all booked up. I booked for the following night and really enjoyed it. Food is really good and has a nice bar vibe too which isn’t easily found in this area.

The food was ok and the service was brilliant. It was lively enough for a Monday night. Overall, not a bad place to get a bite but I wouldn’t say that the food was outstanding.

Quick service, beautiful food and very filling great value for money , highly recommend

Great mexican restaurant, always full, recommended to book ahead!

Cozy place, very generous portions, delicious and fresh food, the bill was certainly adequate, a place to recommend if you are nearby

Visited for an evening meal and it was lovely. The enchiladas, ribs and chips and dip were all really tasty. We didn’t order cocktails but the cocktail selection was impressive. The lads that served us were both really welcoming and friendly. The room was a bit chilly but otherwise a great place and central to Penrith.

An excellent Mexican restaurant. Good food served well. Lovely place. Try the chicken burritto 😋

Cold, bland, store bought food, that lacked any care in terms of taste and presentation. Extremely poor service. Staff were scruffy, rude, and didn’t seem to know anything about the menu. One of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. The atmosphere and the cocktails are fine.

Visited for dinner while on a work trip. The experience was fantastic. Staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was something else though. I had the goat chilli and it was spectacular. If I'm in the area again, I will definitely visit. 100% recommended.

Great food and service. Fairly priced for the portion sizes too.

Great food,great service we book here every time we visit Penrith will book again

Found the food extremely bland burritos was 90% rice, theres no atmosphere maybe a bit of music would help, definitely not worth the £35 per head new years package on the plus side the service was very friendly and helpful

Third visit to what was a fantastic restaurant. We had booked as, we were travelling for a wedding. The menu was more extensive but think this detracted from Mexican theme. The bar was busy. We felt ignored possibly because of clients at bar, who were rather noisy.

Excellent Mexican food + atmosphere! I’ve been wanting to try here for ages and it did it disappoint. We loved the burritos, fajitas and the enchiladas. The food was really hot and tasted delicious. The quality of the ingredients was brilliant and the atmosphere was really fun. A real gem. Thank you!

Great place to dine-in and very close to the Penrith Station

Very nice place with lovely staff and great selection of beers. Would recommend !

Beautiful fresh food. Excellent cocktails at a reasonable price. Service very attentive. Would definitely recommend.

love this place very tasty food, many options. Good service love it

Food not Mexican in the true sense, rice a bit flat, olives tasted a bit off salsa chicken no flavour. What made it pleasant was the staff, lovely, attentive, regular asked how we were nice drinks.

Great tasting food with generous portion sizes

It's an ok restaurant. Nothing special. Couple of spider web infested cacti dotted around makes it a "Mexican" restaurant! Service is friendly. Food is tasty, but the two stars rating for the food is a reflection of the microscopic portions, especially in relation to the high prices.

We discovered this fabulous bistro during a few days stay in Penrith and just had to go back. We only wish we could stay longer! Compliments to the chef and hats off to waiter Sonny Nelson for speedy, efficient, and cheerful service.

We came here hoping for a really great Mexican meal but unfortunately all food was incredibly bland, no flavour and no seasoning. Two adults and one child and the bill including a tip came to over £100 so would expect much better than what we got. They were quite busy so might have just been an off night. Disappointing

Lovely food and selection, good atmosphere and very friendly staff with good recommendations. Food was very tasty. Loved the quesadillas!

The food was amazing, tasted incredible and the portion sizes were fantastic. Only criticism could be the service - was a Saturday so was busy, ee were booked in for half 7 and out table wasn't ready until almost 8 and service was slow however this didn't detract from how nice the food was.

Lovely food and good service. Great night had by all 👍👌

Quirky small restaurant with a good range of Mexican dishes. Quick and efficient service by polite staff.

Small Mexican style restaurant in Penrith. Offered the normal Mexican choices but lacked any style to separate it from the best. Service was ok.

Very little attention paid to atmosphere (a few generic "Mexican" posters and a cactus in the corner) plus quite basic food without much punch or spice. Not much that couldn't be made at home just as well. But pleasant enough and friendly staff, and good to see vegan cheese on the menu (but just grated on the side instead of melted over the meal)

Came here whilst visiting Penrith. The food was amazing, very filling! Staff were all helpful and friendly.

This place is amazing just like the food I recommended the duo ribs Staff are very friendly

Delicious food service a little slow but worth the wait

Great service, friendly and delicious authentic Mexican.

Really tasty. Everything top notch!

Great food and very nice and attentive staff. The only thing the English don't have is wiping the table. Everything sticks so much, disgusting.

The staff were friendly and helpful. They moved a chair to make space for my wife's wheelchair. The food was excellent and huge portions

Just eaten the most Dewishus ( delicious) burritos. My kids said they were the best they ever had. We didn’t book and when we arrived it was fully booked - just had to wait 30 mins for takeaway. Food was exemplary and I would say the owner managers must have a fecund approach to their business Five stars from me and the kiddies - thank you

Dropped in before going to an event, food and service was quick and efficient. Enjoyed the food and the cost was reasonable. Would go again If I get the chance

Always a great place to visit. Unpretentious, lovely fresh food and great cocktails.

Had food here tonight and it was lovely, we inhaled it before we got the chance to take pictures! Staff also great and quick service! Will defo be back when we’re next in the area.

Great food, service and atmosphere. We will definitely be back.

Great welcome, good food and service

Very good food had a superb goat dish

Outstanding service food and ambience

Nice place. I'm not a fan of spicy food but my partner hadn't tried Mexican food so booked it for his birthday. As I don't like spicy food I'm very limited for choice. Had chicken suiza which was very nice and mild

Really great mexican food and great beers on tap. Try tge garlic bread with spicy chicken!

We stopped here for a drink after dinner and wished we'd stopped for food earlier, the drinks went down all too easy and we're very moreish. The staff were very friendly and amiable too.

Great place for a night out, excellent staff, great atmosphere

Was passing through and stopped by for a take out meal for three. It was pretty good food and fairly quick service. We're happy 😁

Delicious food and great service 👍

The food was below average, especially for the price they charge you. I definitely wouldn't go again.

Can’t wait to go back, the food was fantastic and service was very good too. A nice friendly staff team. My friend is vegan and there were several options for her to choose from.

Excellent tasty meal with superb staff

This is a lovely vibrant setting in Penrith. The staff are lovely and very helpful with recommendations etc. The food came out in good time and was beautifully presented. However, some of it lacked flavour/depth of flavour. I wanted a little more than just heat. That being said, I ate all my food with little complaint. It was also a nice change from the standard pub fare that other places are serving. The atmosphere is great, and so are the drinks. I would recommend if you're in the area.

Very nice place to eat at. Good friendly service and great atmosphere.

Very poor food and no heating - not for us I'm afraid £61 wasted

Good selection of drinks and a fun place to be, but the food had very little flavor especially compared to what you expect from Mexican food. The refried beans were completely overpowered with cumin to the point that they were a little gritty. Peppers were good tho. And fine place to come for drinks!

Stylish Mexican restaurant with free gluten free dishes.

First visit and didn't disappoint. Food was excellent. Great service and very friendly staff

Had a great meal here better than any mainstream chain Mexican I have had, great friendly staff and nice atmosphere. Highly recommended.

We were visiting the Lake District and stayed in Penrith.Decided to take a little walk to find a place to eat.Found this lovely place.So glad we chose it as had a lovely meal . Absolutely loved the food, service, ambience. highly recommend it

Wow just wow, fantastic food and really good and friendly service

Great place to get some dinner, been twice and it doesn't disappoint. Friendly staff and tasty food.

Excellent authentic Mexican food and great staff, public parking near by

This was a lovely place, felt really welcome and staff was friendly. The food was so good and good portion.

The staff are lovely, the food is great and the real ale range is brilliant!

Relaxed Mexican restaurant. Fresh ingredients and good Gluten Free options.

Staff were super friendly and the food was amazing! I had beef tacos and my friend had a vegan version of the same - both absolutely delicious! Highly recommend this one!

Lovely restaurant who accepted our last minute walk in. The mexican food was delicious. Would thoroughly recommend to others.

Funky eatery and good service. But my two moans are; the air con was working overtime and the place was freezing + the tortilla bread was so small that it was impossible to make a decent wrap with chicken, salad and sauce. Please change from four small "breads" to two large "breads"..... Despite my moans I would return here and therefore recommend eating here.

Food was excellent and so was the service. Good variety of gluten and dairy free

Arrived at around 8pm and were initially told they weren’t serving anymore due to staff shortages. After a bit of pleading the waitress relented and showed us to a table. I’m glad she did. We had a delicious meal, it looked fresh and vibrant with just the right amount of spice. I’d highly recommend trying this lovely restaurant.

Delicious food with very generous portions. Staff were helpful, attentive and charming. Very enjoyable meal.

Had a beautiful meal here over the weekend, lovely small business, very welcoming and beautiful food! Cocktails were also amazing! Would love to visit again when back in the area!

Very pleased with the vegan options here and the service was wonderful too. Lovely lady at the front of house looking after everyone with a smile. Delicious jackfruit burrito with mixed veg wedges, a worthwhile place to eat if visiting or driving through Penrith. Thank you for a lovely meal!

Excellent food , we had delicious chicken fajitas. Efficient service , good value for money .

Amazing as always. Great food and very pleasant staff every time 5stars

Low key but friendly staff. Food quickly prepared but unremarkable.

This was a late Christmas party from 2021 which had now morphed into a leaving do for a colleague. There were 18 of us and the restaurant coped with our mini-take over, including false moustaches, sombreros, and maracas, admirably. The food and service was good, and the atmosphere perfect. Thank you for a lovely evening.

A great little hidden treasure. I would regard this more as a Tex Mex restaurant. Meals well presented - large portions, decor maybe slightly rough round the edges but bright and fun. Beer and cocktails were good. Look out for the specials on the screen. Lady serving us was fun and super helpful. Would have come back for a 2nd night if we had more time in the area.

Smashing restaurant, lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent food. Recommended!

Nice place with a great atmosphere, do really nice food and cocktails 👍