24/02/2025
Edinburgh may be known for its cobbled streets and historic charm, but it’s also home to a thriving Italian food scene. From family-run trattorias to wood-fired pizza spots, the city is bursting with authentic Italian flavours that locals and visitors can’t get enough of.
Italians have been a part of Edinburgh’s culture for over a century, with early immigrants bringing their love of food, family, and hospitality to Scotland. Their legacy lives on today, not just in old-school delicatessens and ice cream parlours, but in some of the city’s best restaurants, where chefs continue to serve up handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and proper Neapolitan pizza.
If you’re craving a true taste of Italy, these three top-rated spots should be at the top of your list.
1. One20 Wine Café
📍 Address: 120 Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 5DQ
A mix of wine bar, café, and boutique deli, One20 Wine Café is where great food meets a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day with a perfectly brewed espresso, pop in for a casual lunch, or settle in for an elegant dinner paired with a fantastic bottle of Italian wine.
One reviewer calls it “a civilised, sophisticated joy. Quality pervades everything from the food to the wine selection.”
⭐ Menu Highlight:
Aberdeen Angus Lasagne (£16) – Rich, slow-cooked, and packed with flavour, it’s a dish that gets rave reviews. One diner summed it up perfectly: “Hands down, the best lasagne I’ve had outside of Italy.”
Beyond the restaurant, One20’s boutique shop is a treasure trove of Italian delights, selling handmade pasta, aged balsamic vinegar, and award-winning olive oils. It’s the perfect spot to pick up something special to take home.
2. Locanda de Gusti
📍 Address: 102 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2DW
If you’re looking for a proper taste of Naples, Locanda de Gusti is the place to be. Run by chef Rosario Sartore, this family-run spot is all about fresh ingredients and traditional Southern Italian cooking. The seafood here is some of the best in the city, sourced fresh and prepared with absolute care.
A recent visitor raved: “Would give six stars if I could! Authentic dishes and the friendliest service—a little slice of Italy in Edinburgh.”
⭐ Menu Highlight:
Lobster Linguine (£40) – A whole Scottish lobster, tossed in a rich, silky bisque with handmade pasta. It’s a showstopper, and as one happy diner put it: “Pure indulgence. If you love seafood, this is heaven on a plate.”
The restaurant itself is cosy and welcoming, making it perfect for a romantic meal or a special night out. Locanda’s à la carte menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect bold, vibrant flavours that transport you straight to the Amalfi Coast.
3. Mr Wood Fire
📍 Address: 59 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9JA
You don’t need a fancy restaurant for top-tier Neapolitan pizza—sometimes, the best food comes from a humble blue van. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Mr Wood Fire, where Naples-born chef Danilo serves up some of the best pizza in the city.
The secret? A 48-hour fermented dough, top-quality Italian ingredients, and a 90-second blast in a roaring wood-fired oven. One pizza lover declared: “The best pizza I’ve had outside of Italy—simple, fresh, and utterly delicious.”
⭐ Menu Highlight:
Margherita (£10) – A classic done to absolute perfection, with a crispy-yet-chewy base, rich tomato sauce, and the kind of mozzarella that stretches for days.
Beyond pizza, Mr Wood Fire also offers rustic Italian dishes, including the Panuozzo (£9.50)—a pizza-dough sandwich stuffed with nduja-spiced sausage or fried meatballs. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting outside with a cold Italian beer, this place delivers a proper slice of Naples in Edinburgh.
Conclusion: A City with a True Taste of Italy
From a candlelit wine bar to a cosy family-run trattoria to a buzzing pizza van, Edinburgh’s Italian food scene is second to none. Whether you’re after indulgent lasagne, fresh seafood, or the perfect slice of pizza, these restaurants bring authentic Italian flavours straight to Scotland’s capital.
So next time you’re craving a taste of Italy, skip the chains and head somewhere with history, passion, and proper Italian cooking. You won’t regret it! 🍝🍷
