Jolly Ristorante & Pizzeria
Leith Walk
- Food served: Mon–Sat 11.45am–2.30pm, 5–11pm; Sun 4.30–10pm
- Pre-theatre times: Mon–Sun 5–11pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
- Delivery: N
- Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Pre-theatre menu, Post-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Classic love songs
- Capacity: 80
- Largest group: 80
- Open since: 1975
- House wine: £10.60 (carafe) £9.95 (special offers) per bottle
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A bright red sign pronouncing the restaurant's whereabouts cheerfully stands out amid Elm Row's other established businesses, beckoning in passers-by from the bustle of the town centre. The interior is dark and slightly worn by contrast, but incoming diners are greeted cheerfully by a moustached Mona Lisa and pleasant staff. Owner Vito Alongi can be seen flitting between tables, attending to those who need service or simply greeting regulars – of which there are many; a joking altercation over a favoured table is a pleasant sight. The lunch deal may be the reason for their loyalty, as three courses can be devoured for a meagre £5.30, and this menu is changed weekly. Log-fired pizza bases and unusual pasta shells in the main course stand out amid traditional toppings and sauces, although the dessert and starters are pretty standard. The a la carte menu verges on the large side, and can be a little confusing for those who find a wealth of choice impossible, though the dessert selection is a little average by comparison. Then again, after a particularly filling main lunch dish, dessert may be the furthest thing from your mind.
- High point: Log-fired pizza bases
- Low point: Decor could do with updating
Reviews of Jolly Ristorante & Pizzeria (9 Elm Row, Leith Walk, Edinburgh)
- 7. ASHLEYc, EDINBURGH – 2 April 2011, 7:35pm
Jolly Ristorante & PizzeriaReport -
At £5.70 for a pretty extensive 3 course meal it was certainly good value for money. Service was attentive and decor kitchy kitchen Italian Would recommend it for a good meal out at sensible prices.
- 6. KatduGers, D&G – 9 February 2011, 12:04am
Jolly Ristorante & PizzeriaReport -
Great welcome, the food was great,the house wine was good. We had a lovely meal here, it was reasonably priced, and the music was nostalgic to say the least - Madonna's entire back catalogue gave us a laugh!
If you like Italian food, give it a go!
- 5. Egon Ronay, Edinburgh – 29 December 2010, 2:32pmJolly Ristorante & PizzeriaReport
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We live locally and have known the Jolly, Vito (its' owner) and staff for over 20 years. The food is terrific, the house wine very palatable, and the service friendly. The decor adds to the whole dining experience. This may not be the exclusive establishment that some may seek, but you could certainly never describe it as cheap and cheerful! Well done The Jolly - heres to the next 20 years!!!!
- 4. Citygirl, Edinburgh – 19 October 2010, 2:00pmJolly Ristorante & PizzeriaReport
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Jolly is one of the best kept secrets in Edinburgh. I go to Jolly regularly, to meet friends in a welcoming and home-like place, to cheer myself up after a hard day or to celebrate a good news. Is it just about the food? No. Yes the pizzas are perfect and I tend to flex the menu a bit now- it hasn't changed in many moons so I'll customise it when I make my order (who else allows you that?!) - Portions are large enough to see you through a few hours of relaxed entertainment, the house wine is a must... but ... what really sets this place way above any other Italian restaurant in Edinburgh is the fact that you can feel among friends. Vito, absolutely magic, gets to know you, teases you out of a bad mood and genuinely participate in the celebrations you bring in. This is an honest, wholesome New Town treasure, and if you are not just visiting, one to become part of your weekly routine. P.s. lots of famous Edinburgh people can be seen here especially on week nights.
- 3. SAB, Lothian – 21 December 2009, 9:43amJolly Ristorante & PizzeriaReport
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I cannot believe anyone enjoys this place. Cheap and cheerful? Well its definately cheap but the taste of the food confirms this. Starters are a throw back from the 80's, look and taste awful. The pasta was over powering with garlic that I could taste it for hours afterwards. The bacon was frozen cubes that were full of water. Myself and my boyfriend barely ate anything that was put infront of us. The music - Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep and YMCA?? We felt we were are a kids party.It couldnt have been any cheesier. The chef obviously does not know what italian cusine should taste like. And for everyone that says how great the pizzas are. Well of course they will be great - To sprinkle some cheese and mushrooms over a dough and pop it in a lovely woodburning oven - what a hard job for any chef to do????????? Dissapointed is an understatement. If you are going to go to the trouble of spending some money on a night out iand looking to dine italian cuisine - in this current economic climate - sdont waste your money and stay clear of this place: Im sure for a few extra few pounds a head you could at least get something that is you can eat, tastes italian, without the kids part music, and not walk away feeling you have been ripped of!
- 2. Evilone, USA – 23 November 2008, 2:56amJolly Ristorante & PizzeriaReport
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Jollys was great! saved our vacation on a very very rainy oct. night love food and deserts! We also had their house wine with our meals. Does anyone know the name of it. We really liked it and wanted to see if we could find it at home.
- 1. cutie kat, jolly – 2 July 2008, 6:58pmJolly Ristorante & PizzeriaReport
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This is a fab wee place great pasta / pizza epecially on a Friday night after work , many a good night here, been coming here for years and wouldnt change a thing , well ....maybe the decor.Great atmosphere .
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