ITALIAN FOOD JAMIE’S ITALIAN
Italian cuisine has a long and prestigious history in Scotland, and Edinburgh boasts some of the best Italian restaurants
The Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street www.jamieoliver.com 0131 202 5452
The Naked Chef needs no introduction, as Jamie’s healthy and hearty recipes are known worldwide. True to his signature style, Jamie’s Italian follows simple, traditional recipes which bring out the natural flavours of fresh ingredients. Rooted in authenticity but with an added Jamie twist, the menu features dishes such as turkey Milanese and the famous prawn linguine.
AMARONE 12-13 St Andrews Square www.amaronerestaurant.co.uk 0131 523 1171
This stunning restaurant on the corner between George Street and St Andrews Square exudes grandeur and style. The building is awe-inspiring and its stylish interior offers the cool ambience of a contemporary Milanese restaurant. If it’s a sunny day, you can enjoy al fresco dining in the purpose-built area outside, perfect for people-watching while you sip on a glass of Cab Sauv.
authenticity in mind, the familyrun establishment is the ideal spot to grab a bite after a day of shopping. The veal scaloppine funghi e crema is a must try. CONTINI RISTORANTE
ASTI 73 Broughton Street www.astirestaurant.co.uk 0131 558 9156
103 George Street www.contini.com 0131 225 1550
From the menu to the staff to the atmosphere, everything about this charming little eatery will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a busy restaurant in Rome. It’s a great spot to spend a leisurely evening catching up with friends over wine while you tuck into a delicious linguine al granchio.
Victor and Carina Contini’s awardwinning restaurant occupies a former bank, a truly beautiful space. Classic dishes are expertly put together to tantalise your palate with modern versions of classic Italian dishes. Try the asparagus pizza finished off with Ciacca extra virgin olive oil, or the signature piccante sausages with cime di rapa.
BAR ITALIA
ICE CREAM
100 Lothian Road www.baritalia-edinburgh.co.uk 0131 228 6379
Bar Italia is the perfect example of a traditional, family-run, Italian restaurant. It’s family friendly and its welcoming staff and charming décor have been making diners feel at home for years. Unsurprisingly, homemade pasta and pizza are the stars of the menu yet they are complemented by a wide range of other authentic staples such as the risotto rustico or the pollo al pesto. BAR NAPOLI 75 Hanover Street www.barnapoli.co.uk 0131 225 2600
Situated just off George Street, Bar Napoli has been feeding Edinburgh residents and visitors for over three decades. Serving modern and classic dishes yet always keeping
www.edfestmag.com
111_135_EF_Food.indd 123
LA FAVORITA
Top: Contini CUCINA AT G & V ROYAL MILE HOTEL 1 George IV Bridge www.quorvuscollection.com 0131 240 1666
On the first floor of the G & V Royal Mile hotel, the award-winning Cucina delights diners with its modern take on classic dishes. Head Chef Mattia Camorani is the mastermind behind the fine dining menu, which features stunning dishes such as the juicy pork fillet in ‘sarmoriglio’, as well as the creamy three grain risotto with peas and pancetta. The colourful décor and vibrant atmosphere reinforce the boutique feel of the hotel and restaurant and are the perfect backdrop to enjoy a tasty meal.
AFFOGATO
MARY’S MILK BAR
36 Queensferry Street www.affogatogelato.co.uk
19 Grassmarket www.marysmilkbar.com
If you are craving authentic, melt-in-your-mouth gelato, Affogato in the West End is the place to go. It has a wide range of creamy and refreshing flavours and serves cracking coffee and pastries.
Fresh, homemade gelato and chocolate are the speciality at Mary’s Milk Bar, a glamorous deco parlour. Try one of their interesting ice cream flavours or picnic boxes and you’ll instantly know why.
FRISKY 13 Forrest Road 37 Lothian Road www.friskyfroyo.com
Scotland’s original frozen yoghurt brand, Frisky is a must stop for those looking to indulge in a refreshing cup of creamy froyo. With a wide selection of toppings and a changing guest flavour (who knew macha froyo was a thing?), you’ll be spoilt for choice!
SCOOPZ 25-27 West Nicolson Street www.scoopz-uk.com
If you are in the city’s Southside and are in need of a sweet treat to cool you down, Scoopz boasts Edinburgh’s largest range of icecreams, sundaes, Belgian waffles, pancakes and sweet crepes to get you through the summer.
325-331 Leith Walk www.vittoriagroup.co.uk 0131 554 2430
Award-winning La Favorita is considered one of the best pizzerias in Britain and, judging by its always busy, bustling atmosphere and delicious menu, it’s no wonder why. Their doughey delights have become very popular in the city. You’ll feel like you are tucking into an authentic pizza on the bustling streets of Rome from the very first gooey bite. LUCANO’S KITCHEN 37-39 George IV Bridge www.caffelucano.com 0131 225 6690
A vibrant little café by day and a boutique restaurant by night, this charming eatery in the Old Town has something for every palate and every occasion. Grab a homemade pastry with your morning coffee or enjoy a delightful evening meal, when the restaurant is transformed into a bistro-style Italian paradise. You’ll want to have something from the changing specials board, which might feature a sumptuous pork belly ragu or scallop risotto. VITTORIA ON THE WALK 113 Brunswick Street www.vittoriagroup.co.uk 0131 556 6171
This institution has been serving authentic and fresh food for fortyfive years. It is a bustling, vibrant and family-friendly eatery, ideal for little fussy eaters as well as for adults with more developed palates. On sunny, warm days you can sit outside and watch Edinburgh go by while you tuck into their delicious vitello alla parmigiana.
EDINBURGH FESTIVALS 2015
123
23/06/2015 21:27