Gaia — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Gaia is a real Sicilian Italian Deli run by the Dragotta family, from Palermo. Gaia offers a superb selection of panini, antipasti snacks, Italian cured meats, cheeses, jarred vegetables and pasta dishes. I ordered and devoured the Panino Gaia (Smoked Ham, Smoked Cheese, Mozzarella and Grilled Aubergine) plus a San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water, a 10/10 treat. Real Italian coffee is available and brewed the Italian way, as it should be. They have 7 tables inside and a couple more outside (weather permitting of course) and it could be rather busy so there might be a small waiting time till you get served. Gaia has an amazing cured meats and cheeses counter (with my favourite, genuine guanciale, meat from pork jowl or cheeks that can be used to cook a proper Bucatini all’Amatriciana) which is real treat for connoisseurs. Service at Gaia is always friendly, welcoming and un-pretentious, which is always a plus!!! No WiFi available at the moment. Great service and superb food, no wonder they are...

In a sad coffee world dominated by faceless tax evading corporates (I'm looking at you Starbucks) this italian deli/coffee shop is a breath of fresh air. and a reminder of how coffee shops could be. The epitomy of a family business, their young (10 or 12?) year old daughter, who I believe is Gaia herself was waiting the tables, and another daughter of a similar (or younger age) was helping her father make the food orders. Decorated in sunny bright Mediterranean colour, this place is a haven of happiness even on rainy days, comfy cushions strewn around, a lovey window seat, an small array of italian delicacies intheir "shop" a fabulous cured meats counter.

I had a speck, mozarella and grilled Aubergine pannini, which was lovely, and my cappuccino was faultless, creamy fluffy and un-bitter, I certainly didnt need my usual two sugars. My new favourite sunday spot. Why would you give your hard earned money to Costa or Nero, when you could...

A great place to eat with friends

What can I say about Gaia? The variety of dishes is small, there are a couple of regulars and a few that alter each day. The menu covers soup, choice of pasta dishes, filled paninis and desserts. Small, varied menus usually means fresh and homemade.

Lasagne is made each Saturday and arancini each Thursday.

This is a family run deli, each dish is lovingly prepared by Mum & Dad in a kitchen area that can be seen from the tables whilst son and daughter enthusiastically add support.

We have eaten here a few times and each occasion we have tried something different. And each time has been a success. And If you don’t fancy a full meal? We have popped in just for a coffee, or some coffees and cake and have always been...