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.

Bella Mbriana

Bella Mbriana
7–11 East London Street
Edinburgh, EH7 4BN
Phone: 0131 558 9581
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  • Food served: Mon–Fri 11am–2.30pm, 5–11pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Closed Sun.
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 38
  • Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access
  • Music on stereo: Cleo Lane
  • Capacity: 75
  • Largest group: 40
  • Open since: 2007
View larger map of EH7 4BN
  • Average price 2 courses:
     £8.95 (set lunch)
     £17.50 (evening meal)
  • House wine: £9.50 per bottle
Nominate this restaurant for
The List Reader Award 2010
Eating & Drinking Guide 2009

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.

Behind Bella Mbriana is a happy set of circumstances. Co-owners Rosario Sartore and Andrea Cuomo have the good fortune of being a) immersed in Italian food culture, b) experienced in Edinburgh's dining scene, and c) young, talented, and imaginative. It's the last of these that really makes the difference here, as both the space and the menu appear classical, but for some tweaks and touches that bring them bang up-to-date. The dining area sits tastefully in the spectrum between twee and gaudy, as if the kitchen had been redecorated to make a cocktail bar, but didn't quite get finished. On the weekly menu, the old-meets-new theme is expressed by clever little quirks. Linguine alla puttanesca, for example, goes from rustic to sophisticated with the simple addition of juicy nuggets of monkfish, while a crisp pizza bianco is a rare case of when brie works as a topping – and with porcini mushrooms, rocket and a drizzle of truffle oil, the flavours meld deliciously. Unfortunately, desserts aren't given the same imaginative attention, and bring a slightly drab end to an otherwise excellent meal. Still, this is somewhere that sticks to its roots while looking at the sky and, by keeping the prices at ground level, it has a lot going for it.

  • High point: A little imagination goes a long way on the menu…
  • Low point: …but not as far as the desserts.
Bella Mbriana

Bella Mbriana - restaurant review

20 Sep 2007

There are, probably, too many Italian restaurants around. Don’t take this the wrong way: Italian cuisine and, perhaps more importantly, the Italian attitude to food, bows to no-one on earth. Yet a month hardly passes without the appearance of another…

Comments for Bella Mbriana (7–11 East London Street, Edinburgh)

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5. charlotte ferguson, edinburgh – 13 May 2009, 3:59pm(4s)Report

Had an excellent dinner at Bellambriana! Fresh sea food and vegetables, good Italian wine, true Italian atmosphere! A great place to dine!

6. Cameron, Edinburgh – 21 May 2009, 10:10am(4s)Report

I live close by to this little gem and can only say good things about it. I have been for lunch, dinner, with kids, friends, dinner for 2 and every time it has been fantastic. The food is wonderful and the staff are always so accomodating (especially with the kids). Highly reccomend it.

7. fairly_poncy, Stockbridge – 12 July 2009, 9:02pmReport

Hmmm - where to begin. The service was at best surly and at worst appallingly rude. Fawlty Towers levels of charm - we left no tip. The food was mediocre to poor. And not cheap. We had a starter that was a large blob of mozarella baked in a soupy substance that the waiter insisted was provolone. We had a risotto that was completely dry to the point of being inedible, and when it was pointed out to the staff they literally shrugged and wandered away. The wine was ok but wildly over-priced. Apparently this is all in the name of 'authenticity' - it didn't remind us of anywhere we've been in Italy - and frankly I've had better meals at Pizza Express with the kids.

8. Jonny, Edinburgh – 20 September 2009, 8:27pm(2s)Report

Disappointed. Having previously visited this restaurant over a year ago I was looking forward to going back, however, standards appear to have dropped and prices risen. One meal arrived 15 mins after the rest of the main meals, the pasta main was small and over priced and, in general, the dining experience was not what you would expect for the price paid. Overall, average at best.

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