Vittoria's is the perfect restaurant to sample a real taste of Italy. Renowned for its high level of service and fresh Italian food, book online with Vittoria's on Leith Walk and experience over 40 years of history. You can now also book online at Vittoria's on the bridge and at La Favorita too.
La Fiorentina
- Food served: Mon–Sat noon–2.15pm, 5.30–10.30pm. Closed Sun
- Pre-theatre times: Mon–Fri 5.30–7pm; Sat 5.30–6.30pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 3
- Private dining: Up to 50 covers
- Also offers: Children's portions, Wheelchair access, Takeaway, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Nothing
- Capacity: 140
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 1989
- Average price 2 courses:
£9.95 (set lunch)
£23 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £12.50
- House wine: £14.50 per bottle
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.
With its traditional décor of statues, vines and terracotta tiles, La Fiorentina is a Southside institution approaching its second decade with old-fashioned service that's deferential and efficient, keeping the chat to a minimum. To start, a platter of Mediterranean antipasto is an exemplar of freshness, with lightly roasted vegetables topped by glistening mozzarella. Chicken with dairy is difficult to keep light, but here the pollo Romano, a char-grilled breast with tart goat's cheese in a red wine sauce, is filling rather than overwhelming. Plump and diabolically crimson – warning of the piquant herbs and spices within – the Italian sausages are served with home-made potato gnocchi and a roasted polenta wedge for soaking up a dense pizzaiola sauce. Desserts are worth perusal. Zuppa Italia is an extravagant soaking of sponge with maple syrup and Marsala wine, layered with cream and chocolate sauce and covered in meringue. The chocolate fudge cake is at once less showy and more appealing. Having absorbed the Little Tuscany trattoria next door, La Fiorentina now plans to turn one dining room into a more family-orientated operation. Alongside the à la carte choices on the main menu, lunch and early-dining options offer excellent value.
- High point: Delicious warm bruschetta
- Low point: Spurting, scalding toilet taps
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