Bella Mbriana
This restaurant has ceased trading.
- Food served: Mon 5–10pm; Tue–Sat noon–4pm, 5–10pm; Closed Sun.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 38
- Private dining: Up to 55 covers
- Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access
- Music on stereo: Inaudible due to volume of diner conversation
- Capacity: 75
- Largest group: 75
- Open since: 2007
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Buzzy Bella Mbriana balances the by-the-book brick-and-tiles look of the 'rustic' Italian restaurant with the retro leanings of its lighting, bar and downstairs lounge. Attempting to show that the beating heart of Italian cuisine is far removed from stereotypes, 'it's more about what we don't do' says partner Andrea Cuomo. So there's no pizza or carbonara, but a seafood-studded weekly menu that draws on the experience of chefs from four regions of Italy. Southern accents in the cooking are strong, with warm Sardinian – and especially Neopolitan – to the fore. This means a menu full of dishes such as mare nel piatto, zingy frittura di pesce and the cheesy potato mussel-mash terrine that is the timballo di patate. Disappointing sides such as decorative salad and distracting drizzle, and desserts as a rule, do not live up to the rhetoric of this confident ristorante. Service is brisk, and a little brusque, but best let Bella Mbriana show what it can do by taking a tailor-made tasting menu, offered to groups of four or more.
- High point: Fine calamari fritters
- Low point: Lack of effort with desserts
Reviews of Bella Mbriana (7–11 East London Street, Edinburgh)
- 9. Ceri, Edinburgh – 27 June 2010, 1:33pmBella MbrianaReport
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Can' t fault the food - but the service was appauling. We arrived at 8pm - didnt get a menu until 8.45 !! We didnt see any food until 9.20!!! 1 hour and 20 mins after coming through the door!!! Not good enough. When this was raised we were told ' we are very busy!' - Saturday night in June in Edinburgh - suprise !!!!!
- 8. Jonny, Edinburgh – 20 September 2009, 8:27pm
Bella MbrianaReport -
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.
- 7. fairly_poncy, Stockbridge – 12 July 2009, 9:02pmBella MbrianaReport
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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.
- 6. Cameron, Edinburgh – 21 May 2009, 10:10am
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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.
- 5. charlotte ferguson, edinburgh – 13 May 2009, 3:59pmBella MbrianaReport
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Had an excellent dinner at Bellambriana! Fresh sea food and vegetables, good Italian wine, true Italian atmosphere! A great place to dine!
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