Experience rustic, family style cooking at award-winning French restaurant La Garrigue. Sample the tastes of Languedoc at one of the most authentic restaurants in Edinburgh (Hitlisted in The List Eating & Drinking Guide 2012) or visit our fantastic little bistro in Leith.
Restaurants, Italian and "Edinburgh"
- Vittoria ‘On the Bridge’
The perfect restaurant to experience a real taste of Italy. - Vittoria ‘On the Walk’
One of Edinburgh’s best known Italian Restaurants. - Valvona & Crolla Caffé Bar
Worldwide food products and wines from an Italian family company, established 1934 - Eatalia's
Great Italian food to go - with a delivery service
Nonna's Kitchen
45 Morningside Road,
Edinburgh,
EH10 4AZ
With a warm welcome from the Stornaiuolo family, this corner venue in Morningside is everything anyone could want in a neighbourhood restaurant. One thing certain is that you could never get bored of the menu – despite a short à la carte selection, the…
La Favorita
325–331 Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH6 8SA
The hectic craft of kneading and folding pizza dough is the first thing you see on entering this busy Leith Walk eatery. Walk past the front counter, through the lively, three-pronged dining area, and you'll notice most diners are working their way…
Divino Enoteca
5 Merchant Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2QD
Divino is the charming, seductive brother to fun-loving sister restaurant Vittoria upstairs. Pretty well hidden under George IV Bridge, this wine bar and restaurant combines candle-lit romance with cutting-edge wine gadgetry. In its strictest sense, an…
Mamma's American Pizza Company
30 Grassmarket,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2JU
This Grassmarket stalwart seems to exert a gravitational pull on small to medium sized groups of both locals and tourists looking for an impromptu food stop. Starters like sweet potato fries and macho nachos are decent enough, but their function is to…
Cruz Bar and Restaurant
14 The Shore,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6QN
A First World War minesweeper boat anchored right at the heart of Leith’s bustling Shore district, Cruz has to be among the most distinctive drinking venues in Edinburgh. A popular watering hole with the area’s young party crowd, Cruz serves up an…
Jolly Ristorante & Pizzeria
9 Elm Row, Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH7 4AA
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…
Centotre
103 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 3ES
Centotre manages to pull off a neat trick. Despite the austere, ex-bank interior, from those lost days when financial edifices were akin to cathedrals, it still manages to maintain a feeling of warmth and intimacy in the evenings or bright and breezy…
Asti
73 Broughton Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3RJ
Owned by the same people who run the neighbouring Rapido, Asti is a refined, relaxed eatery in comparison to its neighbour, specialising in decent Italian dishes rather than fast food. Painted a pleasing shade of mocha, this café-cum-restaurant takes…
Valvona & Crolla Caffè Bar
19 Elm Row, Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH7 4AA
No one who cares about good food in Edinburgh is unaware of the Contini family’s excellent Italy-inspired deli and café, the former being an Aladdin’s Cave of cured meats, fine cheeses and fresh-baked breads. The caffè bar itself is a deserving stop for…
Amarone
13 St Andrew Square,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2BH
This vast contemporary Italian themed restaurant complete with pastoral photographs, high domed roof and colourfully lit ceiling art opened in the summer of 2011 and is already bustling. From the restaurant family that includes DiMaggio’s and Café…
Vittoria
113 Brunswick Street, Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5HR
The latest addition to the Vittoria family comes in the shape of a stylish and atmospheric basement wine bar, Divino Enoteca, in the belly of their George IV bridge outlet. Divino is proof positive that the Vittoria formula is a winning one, and the…
Giuliano's
18–19 Union Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3NQ
Situated directly across the road from the Playhouse Theatre, Giuliano’s has achieved Edinburgh institution status due to its popularity with theatre-goers, tourists and large parties – including hen and stag dos. Its cavernous interior is resplendent…
Cucina LC
68 Haymarket Terrace,
Edinburgh,
EH12 5LQ
The initials LC come from the owner’s name (Lorena Crolla), but they could just as easily stand for ‘Lotta Choice’ considering the amount of items on the menu here. Including Asian, Italian and Scottish elements, there are almost 40 sandwich…
Jamie's Italian
Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2LR
Edinburgh Council faced criticism for introducing commercial tenants after spending £9 million refurbishing the Assembly Rooms, but no-one could dispute this A-listed edifice was criminally under-used. And given that Edinburgh’s relationship with…
Papoli
244a Morrison Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 8DT
Papoli really is a little gem. Outside, the Haymarket traffic rumbles by, while inside its dinky dining room is a retreat of warm orange and yellow pendant lighting hanging low. Prints of Provence (perhaps?) and Greece hint at the culinary offering but…
Café Domenico
30 Sandport Street,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6EP
Tucked away behind the Cameo Bar in Leith, it’s easy to pass the small entrance to the Café Domenico by. Don’t make this mistake, though, as, housed in this tiny bistro with its eclectic decorations, scattered wall tiles and red and white check…
Prezzo
25 Pier Place,
Edinburgh,
EH6 4LP
Prezzo in Edinburgh's Newhaven Harbour is one of two sojourns north of the border for an ambitious London-based chain that aims to offer value-for-money Italian food in stylish contemporary surrounds. An aim which has, to some extent, been accomplished…
Eatalia's
1 Brunswick Place, Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5HP
Owned by Ida Scarano nee Crolla, of the Leith Walk dining dynasty who run Vittoria’s next door and La Favorita down the road, it almost goes without saying that Eatalia’s is a dependable local takeaway joint. The menu was refreshed in March 2011 and…
Rapido
77–79 Broughton Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3RJ
The usual chip shop favourites are neatly arrayed in sparkling stainless steel counters, but Rapido's vibrant blue and orange frontage promises – and delivers – more than your average chippy. The wide-ranging menu truly does offer something for…
Valvona & Crolla Vincaffè
11 Multrees Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3DQ
Valvona & Crolla’s Vincaffe is only a short distance but several years away from the densely packed cornucopia of the family-run business’s original branch on Elm Row. With a bright, contemporary décor, evenly spaced, white dressed tables and a bank…
Al Fresco
22 Union Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3NQ
There’s something of a Giuliano’s theme to this stretch of Union Street, with the original restaurant, the takeaway next door and this incarnation, Al Fresco, just a few doors down. Try and get a table before a show at the Playhouse opposite, however…
Café Marina
61 Cockburn Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1BS
Forget Ikea: this is where you’ll find the best meatballs in town. They're more of a hearty sausage shape than a ball here: get them cut up in pasta or squeezed into a ciabatta for a chin-dripping panini – but whatever you do, get them. With just a…
Gordon's Trattoria
231 High Street, Royal Mile,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1PE
Gordon Scott is keen to promote his restaurant as a family venue. And there is no risk that he will fall foul of the trade descriptions act, with brother Gary imparting his profound industry knowledge, daughters Daniela and Vanessa now involved in the…
Gusto
135 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4JH
The bars and restaurant’s of Edinburgh’s George Street are a magnet for youthful business people, footballers (and their wives), and the wealthier section of the city’s student population. A pretty girl in a mini skirt meets diners at Gusto’s door and…
La Partenope
96 Dalry Road,
Edinburgh,
EH11 2AX
Named after a mythological maiden who died of heartache on the Bay of Naples, La Partenope offers a taste of Napoli on Dalry Road. This family restaurant is operated by a sibling trio: chef Paolo creates magnificent dishes, brother Renato is the…
Positano
85–87 Newington Road,
Edinburgh,
EH9 1QW
If you are eager to experience some proper Italian hospitality, this is the place to come. The charming service, combined with the cheerful exuberance of the proprietor Guiseppe Votta (who also owns Il Castello on Castle Terrace), gives this relatively…
Ti Amo
16 Nicolson Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9DH
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…
Zizzi
Building 5A, Edinburgh Quay, Fountainbridge,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9RU
Zizzi's three Edinburgh restaurants are located in busy areas of the city, and seem to have been placed to make the most of passing trade from tired shoppers and hungry cinema-goers. As branches of a UK-wide chain of almost 100 restaurants (and…
Zucca
15–17 Grindlay Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9AX
Adjoining the Royal Lyceum, Zucca is an obvious target for pre or post-theatre diners, with the ground floor café serving sandwiches and deli snacks until late, and the upstairs dining room offering hearty dishes which fuse Italian and Scottish flavours…
Il Castello
36 Castle Terrace,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2EL
Il Castello takes its name from Edinburgh’s best-known landmark, which towers over this compact, split-level restaurant in the city's busy theatre-land. They have been feeding hungry theatre-goers here since 1991, from a menu that reads as a long list…
La Lanterna
83 Hanover Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1EE
Hanover Street is home to several other restaurants but perhaps none as long-standing as family-run La Lanterna. Since 1982, vivacious hostess Toni Zaino has welcomed diners into the wood-panelled basement, decorated with candles and rose-shaped…
Librizzi
69 North Castle Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 3LJ
On the corner of Queen Street and North Castle Street, a mere stone’s throw from the shrill excesses of George Street’s style bars, Librizzi’s offers something that’s rare to find in the area: an old school Italian. Bow-tied waiters move between the…
Ristorante Sambuca
101–103 Causewayside,
Edinburgh,
EH9 1QG
Nestled on Causewayside, off the south-east tip of the Meadows, this humble little Italian restaurant produces dishes that are quite different – principally the ones that have a trademark shot of sambuca drizzled over them as they are served. The spirit…
Al Dente
139 Easter Road,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5QA
This cosy little neighbourhood restaurant is easily missed as you walk along one of the less salubrious stretches of Easter Road – an uninspiring frontage with frosted windows doesn’t exactly motivate passersby. However, enough people have seen beyond…
Amore Dogs
104 Hanover Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1DR
The canteen-like interior of no-frills Amore Dogs is softened on entrance by a pair of red velour-covered Chesterfield armchairs, that patrons can lounge in while sampling some of the lighter dishes on the menu and enjoying a drink. Those with a bigger…
Bar Roma
39a Queensferry Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4RA
Celebrating its 31st birthday this year, Bar Roma remains the consummate family run, and family friendly, Italian restaurant. This is a large, bustling, brightly lit place – and while they’re more than happy to cater to couples, this is a perfect venue…
La Bruschetta
13 Clifton Terrace, Haymarket,
Edinburgh,
EH12 5DR
Chef/owner Giovanni Cariello clearly loves his little Haymarket restaurant. Warmth and comfort pervade, despite the stiff Mackintosh furniture and the elbows-to-neighbours intimacy of the place. It feels rustic and convivial, augmented by the charm and…
Ecco Vino
19 Cockburn Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1BP
This understated, grown-up wine bar has been calmly getting it right for over a decade. The bottles that line the walls are laid out intuitively in the wine list, and there’s a reassuringly generous hand with the advice and the tasting glasses if you’re…
Ristorante Gennaro
64 Grassmarket,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2JR
The busy Grassmarket area attracts a mix of tourists, revellers and locals, and the same can be said of this family-run establishment. It claims to offer a true taste of Italy, and that starts from the moment you are greeted by one of a clutch of…
Good Seed Bistro
101/102 Dalry Road,
Edinburgh,
EH11 2DW
With terracotta flagstones, dark red walls and dim lighting there’s a definite Mediterranean feel to the surroundings at Good Seed, in keeping with the food. It’s one of a clutch of good restaurants now established in an area that was long…
Locanda de Gusti
7–11 East London Street,
Edinburgh,
EH7 4BN
The restaurant formerly known as Bella Mbriana continues to choose the road less travelled by and offer what they describe as a genuine Italian experience as opposed to the more anglicised fare available elsewhere. Tucked around the corner from…
Origano
277 Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH6 8PD
Leith Walk is rich with Italian restaurants vying for a share of the passing custom in this busy part of town, so it was a brave move of Simon Fletcher and Dominik Blicharski to open Origano on a shoestring in mid-2011. The pair are aiming to bring a…
Pizza Express
1 Deanhaugh Street,
Edinburgh,
EH4 1LU
Almost a British institution, Pizza Express offers affordable food in pleasant surroundings. Edinburgh boasts five establishments, ranging from the riverside architect-designed Stockbridge branch, to the politically local Holyrood building. There are…
La Favorita (Takeaway)
325–331 Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH6 8SA
A slick and confident operation based halfway down Leith Walk, La Favorita's pizzas have set a marker for the genre in Edinburgh, the blast of heat from proper wood-fired ovens giving the dough its distinctively smoky flavour and charred edge. Now…
La Fontana
1 Howard Street, Canonmills, New Town,
Edinburgh,
EH3 5JP
The arrival of La Fontana in mid-2006 continues the Mediterranean tradition for this prominent, but ever-changing Canonmills site. The neon 'Ristorante Italiano' sets the tone for a faux-brick bar and rousing Italian pop music. There are more than two…
Italian Kitchen
18-24 Deanhaugh Street,
Edinburgh,
EH4 1LY
This small basement restaurant shows promising will to put the mediocre high-street Italian chains in their place by bringing original dishes and quality produce to Stockbridge village. A relationship with the community is evident with their sourcing of…
Itri
169–173 Gilmore Place,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9PW
Stylish, contemporary Itri is a great find for Edinburgh residents in the Polwarth area and if you're prepared to venture off the beaten track is not too far for those paying a visit to the Cameo cinema or King’s Theatre. Opened in 2008 by three friends…
Prezzo - Edinburgh - North Bridge
7 - 9 North Bridge,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1SB
Serving irresistible Italian cuisine in casual, friendly surroundings, Prezzo uses only the finest seasonal ingredients to create their award-winning pizzas, as well as other dishes prepared with produce sourced directly from Italy, all at prices that…
Ristorante Ferrari
1 Merchiston Place, Bruntsfield,
Edinburgh,
EH10 4NP
What was once the Bruntsfield Post Office has now been transformed into an airy oasis of tea lights and exposed stonework, chocolate brown walls and cream tablecloths. A correspondingly modern yet classic menu accompanies a stunning wine list, offering…
Strada
15 Castle Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 3AH
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.
Bella Italia - Edinburgh Hanover Street
9/11 Hanover Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2DL
Bella Italia on Edinburgh's Hanover Street boasts a superb city central location close to the National Galleries of Scotland.
A big draw amongst visitors to the city, this affordable Italian restaurant from the nationwide Bella Italia restaurant…
Bella Italia - Edinburgh Northbridge
54-56 Northbridge,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1QN
Found just down the road from the Edinburgh train station, right in the heart of the city centre, Bella Italia Edinburgh Northbridge is ideal for great value Italian meals.
Part of the well known Bella Italia restaurant group with outlets throughout…
Giuliano's on the Shore
1 Commercial Street,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6JA
Kids have been making their own pizza at Giuliano’s on the Shore for the best part of 20 years, with many growing up and bringing their own children to pick up the prized party hat. They are warmly welcomed by long-serving head waiter Daniele, who…
Santo's Bistro
23 Canning Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 8EG
In the context of the starkly oppressive high-rise offices off Lothian Road, this family-run café is a welcome retreat in which to linger over comforting daily specials or grab lunch to go. With their older sister Locanda De Gusti – one of Edinburgh’s…
Cucina
Hotel Missoni, 1 George IV Bridge,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1AD
One thing that can be said for dining in a hotel restaurant owned by a multi-national, designer fashion house, is that it's likely to be a glamorous affair. From the smile on the Missoni-kilted doormen to the toilets worthy of a film star, the…
Salvo Caffè Restaurant
4 Earl Grey Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9BN
With the Cameo Cinema just blocks away, Salvo Caffè's Tollcross location is ideal for treating kids to a pre-movie knickerbocker glory or sticky chocolate sundae. The black, white and red themed décor is kitsch and cosy, with Marilyn Monroe the clear…
Sprio
37/39 St Stephen Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 5AH
St Stephen Street on a summer’s day could almost be mistaken for a Milanese back street, and it’s this atmosphere the owners of Sprio succeed in reflecting. This isn’t just an Italian-themed café, it’s one which reflects the sights and smells of the…
