Strada

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

Strada is the most upmarket in the range of Tragus Group restaurant chains which includes Bella Italia and Café Rouge. Situated in among the high street stores at the Princes Street end of Castle Street, it’s not an obvious target for an evening meal. Inside, however, it is stylish, clean and elegant with polished dark wood floors, grey walls and a red accent around a high-stool framed bar with a hint of 1950s American drug store about it. Differentiating itself from its sister chains, everything at Strada is made from scratch with fresh ingredients such as seafood, delivered daily. Thin and crispy garlic and rosemary pizza bread can be enjoyed while leaving room for big, soft king prawns well cooked in strong garlic, white wine and lemon or perhaps a fresh, tasty mozzarella with plum tomatoes delicately dressed with fresh basil and olive oil. Mains include a good choice of Italian staples, although a risotto verdure with a range of green veg including asparagus was bit on the salty side. Paper thin pizzas are light and doughy and include a couple of lower calorie options for the health conscious. Desserts are worth leaving room for and include a fine tiramisu and a rich fondente cacao with a melted chocolate centre.

• High point: Surpisingly stylish and welcoming interior
• Low point: Careful with the seasoning