Restaurants, Italian, Budget, Pre-theatre menu

Owner Gino Stornaiuolo named his establishment in tribute to his two grandmothers, whose faces adorn the walls of a room in which space has been well exploited. However, it is the contribution of his parents that brings the restaurant to life. While…

With its reputation for authentic north Italian cuisine and rich seafood served in elegant surroundings, dining at Fratelli Sarti’s Renfield Street branch is meant to be a special occasion. Peruse the leather bound Tuscan specials and enjoy the light of…

The Battlefield Rest enjoys a high reputation as a reliable local. It has a large and loyal clientele that it has built over 20 years, so at the weekend it can be very busy The menu is thoroughly old-fashioned Scottish-Italian fare, with dishes ranging…

The newest member of the Tony Macaroni family, Assaggini follows the trend of Italian food as tapas, but it is no mere bandwagon jumper. Each small plate leaves the diner wanting more, from veal meatballs in a velvet basil sauce, to focaccia with sticky…

Despite holding residency in Alexandra Parade since 1982, Celino's has only just entered its fourth year of seated dining. Over the past three decades, it has, arguably, established itself as Glasgow's chief Italian delicatessen, meaning the transition…

Ti Amo's position opposite the Festival Theatre ensures its enduring success. Amusingly dated décor distracts from perusing menus bearing the brunt of many a thumb and spilled vino: menu-matching, smoke-aged, stencilled walls; pillars, statues, and an…

From the street Bella Napoli looks like a run-of-the-mill Italian deli, but discerning food lovers know that through the back, past the racks of wine and tins of olives, is a reliable restaurant of some worth. While the front cafe offers casual…

The interior here is reassuringly familiar. There’s no designer brick, glass and leather – it is faux Italian trattoria of a dying breed. There’s a market for it though as this place has a loyal following. The chef’s special recipe fish cakes to start…

Set in the heart of Candleriggs, Guy's is an unusual find, it has the feeling of a place where something extraordinary could happen. Eclectic décor reflecting the owners fun-loving tastes – film posters, white wood paneling hung with paintings, china…

Situated in the fashionable Merchant City area, Qua likes to think of itself as a stylish place to eat quality Italian food, the way they do back home. The décor is minimalist, with red and black furniture dominating the large dining area which is…

Although not the most inviting of restaurant interiors, with a slightly canteen-like feel, there’s nothing canteen-like in the flavour of some of the food. The beef tagliata; sirloin steak served on a bed of rocket with parmesan shavings. There’s…

This restaurant has little in common with its better known older sibling Di Maggios. The décor is contemporary and stylish featuring leather booths for intimate dining as well as a larger space for bigger parties. The menu includes Italian classics with…

There’s a reason Giuliano’s has been a stalwart of the Edinburgh Italian scene since 1990. There is a vibrant buzz to the long, sprawling restaurant, which is effectively two adjoined rooms decorated with pictures representing each of the 22 regions of…

Scallops wrapped in pancetta is a good way to start in this large, airy and stylish basement dining room. The portion is generous and the scallops not overcooked. The antipasto misto is described as a signature dish, but is a little disappointing. It…

In Glasgow’s trendy Merchant City the competition among restaurants to attract discerning diners is high. Artà stands out architecturally. Once the location of a medieval cheese market this listed building was developed Baroque style in 2000 into a…

The pillars holding aloft the Georgian ceiling at Centotre and clever use of booths provide nooks and crannies for romantic tete-a-tetes and broader spaces for parties and business lunches. There is a clear focus on the ingredients here: mozzarella…

Regulars order without glancing at the large menu which covers everything from steak pie to fillet steak, from chicken curry and chips to pastas, and from pizzas and fish. The atmosphere’s buzzy and busy and you should probably book – even mid-week – to…

A stalwart of Glasgow’s Italian scene, Dino’s has been plugging away on Sauchiehall Street for over 50 years. Renowned for their pizza, which is available for takeaway, inside it is completely unreconstructed. Behind the modern façade and green and red…

Although the menu is a touch conservative, classics are well executed with the kitchen showing care and keen attention to detail. Air-cured bresaola is taken to room temperature before serving and sharpened by generous shavings of parmesan. A special of…

Not far from Haymarket’s busy hub, Morrison Street’s Papoli is a little ray of sunshine. While still retaining its roots in Italian cuisine, in August 2012 it welcomed new management and a slowly evolving shift in emphasis towards a more rounded…

It’s of very little surprise to find this small local restaurant packed out whatever time you visit. Over the last three years, owners Aris and Rico have built a reputation that would make them the envy of many city centre Italians. Having begun life as…