Gordon's Trattoria
Royal Mile
- Food served: Sun–Thu noon–11pm; Fri/Sat noon–midnight
- Pre-theatre times: N
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 3
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Outdoor tables
- Music on stereo: 1970s/80s/90s
- Capacity: 64 (+24 outside in summer)
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 1982
- House wine: £13.95 per bottle
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Gordon Scott is keen to promote his restaurant as a family venue. And there is no risk that he will fall foul of the trade descriptions act, with brother Gary imparting his profound industry knowledge, daughters Daniela and Vanessa now involved in the business and niece Giulia adding a real Italian flavour. After more than 25 years, Gordon's has acquired a loyal following that ensures the winter is almost as hectic as the peak season, when regulars jostle with tourists for tables both inside and out in the High Street. Like the slightly dated décor, the menu appears to have undergone little change over quarter of a century. Mushrooms stuffed with salmon and deep-fried in breadcrumbs deviate slightly from the norm, but alternative starters include a hearty minestrone that is loyal to tradition. Milanese is a substantial offering of another established dish, and risotto marinara combines a mountain of rice with a cocktail of seafood. If there is room, profiteroles live up to gooey expectations. But don't be daunted: half or even quarter portions are available for smaller appetites – after all, this is a family establishment.
- High point: Relaxed dining in buzzing atmosphere
- Low point: Background music not to everyone's taste
Reviews of Gordon's Trattoria (231 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh)
- 6. Alladins girl, Scotland – 24 November 2009, 10:34pmGordon's TrattoriaReport
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I have visited this restaurant over many years and have to say I have never had a bad meal.The staff are consistently professional and friendly. Even at their busiest I have never felt that I am being rushed with my meal.Quite the opposite been encouraged to take our time and have another drink if we want.
- 5. Disgusted diner, Sunderland – 12 August 2009, 9:01amGordon's TrattoriaReport
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I took my daughter and three grandchildren to visit Edinburgh on the eleventh of August.
We went into Gordons Trattoria and were met by very nice waitresses and got a table right away. We ordered the Antipasta as a starter between my daughter and myself, A piza between two of the grand-children. A spagheti Carbonara and a half portion of spagheti for myself, three soft drinks and a Moreti Beer.
We expected a relaxing lunch. The drinks appeared immediately and a couple of minutes later they brought the starter and the main courses together giving us no time to eat and enjoy the starter. The pizza was soggy and the antipasta disgusting value for about £9-50. The pasta was extremely average but the bill!!! WOW £54. It was fast food, they obviously wanted the table for the next fools who were waiting. Never again, never, never, never. Its not a restaurant its a RIP OFF FAST FOOD JOINT with inflated tourist prices. NEVER, NEVER AGAIN
- 4. dekker, london – 8 August 2009, 11:39pmGordon's TrattoriaReport
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My girlfriend and I ordered the Ravioli, and our dishes arrived after few minutes. We were both very dissapointed with the dish, sent it back and ordered a starter instead. The manager then appeared and demanded to know what was wrong with the dish. I replied that I just did not like it very much, but am happy to pay for it. He did not seem to accept the fact that we just did not like their ravioli that they have been preparing for the past 27 years. What an idiot.
He seemed more preoccopied with the fact that they do 600 covers a day than the fact that occassionally someone might not like one of their dishes.
We did get the £4.00 bruschetta starter on the house, which was very generous indeed. I would rather have paid for it than have the unpleasant conversation with the manager earlier, to be honest.
- 3. steviejambo, Livingston – 29 January 2009, 1:10amGordon's TrattoriaReport
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I took my mum & sister here for mothers day & was supprised at the wee place.
we ordered 2 bottles of wine (1 white, 1 red) which for the centre of edinburgh was very reasoniable. it is a famliy run buisness & it showed we got chattin to the waiter who was a chef also & he recommended the steak, so i duly obliged & wasnt dissapointed.
steak is steak & it wasnt nothing special but was cooked to perfection, my mum ordered the steak but she is such a fussy eater she complained & got another one that was more of her likeing. my sister oredred the pasta & she said it was rather bland, but pasta can be, its a source of carbohydrate!
please be aware of the service charge, like what the OP said customer is King & it is up to the consumer to leave a tip or not.
we spent just under £100 for a meal, i think I should decide weither I should leave a tip or not.
- 2. Hala and Jazek, Edinburgh – 8 November 2008, 9:54pm
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Me and my boyfriend visited Gordon's Trattoria to celebrate our anniversary. First of all, the Italian food was delicious and the portions very big! Keep in mind if the waiter suggests a half-portion you first must considerate how hungry you are. We ordered two starters, regular size main plates and a bottle of wine- everything in total summed up to a reasonal price. But also watch out for the service charge, which happened to be included within the bill automatically. As far to the music in a background.. yes- it wasn't our taste at all :) Finally, the staff was brilliant and very enthusiastic. We definitely enjoyed ourselves!
- 1. Chris Copland, East Kilbride – 21 August 2008, 11:26am
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Gordons Trattoria has become the place my family and I look forward to visiting as much as edinburgh itself. It meets all the requirements you look for in an restaurant, Excellent Menu with a large selection of choices for everyone. And Importantly The most Efficient and well mannered staff who not only are polite to customers But are extremely curteous to each other no matter How Hectic and busy they are The food is presented well and fast. Overseen by one of the family who keep things running smoothly and ensures customer's needs are being met. Once when I took my grandchildren they could not have been more helpfull.
I have no hesitation in recommending Gordon's Trattoria to anyone......Excellent Food, Excellent fast curteous service, Great staff
What do I know about restaurants? hey I'm 53 I'm a Parent my eldest is 33 my youngest is 16 and I've eaten out a lot over the years.
But in this Country it's nice to know a restaurant in a town you visit actually knows about Customer Service...After all the customer is KingThank you Gordon
www.chriscopland.com
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