Locanda de Gusti — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

This is an excellent Italian restaurant. Unlike other posh Italian places, it gives me the warm feeling of visiting a friend’s home whenever I walk in. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff—both waiters and waitresses—are exceptionally friendly. As soon as we sat down, they kindly offered to hang our jackets, which made us feel well taken care of from the start.

Before we even ordered, I noticed a small but impressive detail—the hand-drying machine in the bathroom. Though the bathroom itself is not large, I was genuinely surprised by the machine that automatically dispenses paper towels. It’s a thoughtful touch that reflects the restaurant’s attention to detail.

As for the food—it was fantastic. The staff gave us helpful recommendations, and we started with an octopus dish and some fresh bread. For the mains, we ordered “Seafood on the Plate” and a beef pasta. Both were outstanding. The pasta with beef was truly legendary—rich, juicy, and cooked to perfection. The seafood platter was generous, with an impressive variety of fresh seafood. We finished everything, even the bread.

We also had two vanilla desserts, which were excellent. I ordered a glass of rosé wine, which was smooth and paired perfectly with our meal. Additionally, we were given two small portions of tomato sauce, which tasted incredibly fresh. To top it all off, the staff brought us two complimentary shots of lemon vodka—an excellent way to end the meal.

While the price is slightly on the expensive side, it is fair considering the quality of the food and service. Unlike many fine-dining restaurants, they don’t automatically add a service charge to the bill. I chose to leave a 15% tip, along with a little extra, as the experience truly deserved it.

Having lived in Edinburgh for four years, I can confidently say this is a restaurant I will return to often. If you’re looking for an exceptional Italian dining experience, or a special place to celebrate an anniversary, I highly...

A Slice of Naples in Edinburgh – A Must-Visit Locanda!

From the moment you step into this charming Italian locanda de gusti, you’re greeted with warmth, humor, and professionalism by the incredible staff who make you feel right at home. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an experience of authentic Neapolitan hospitality. The atmosphere brims with the vibrant charm of Italy, creating a perfect setting for a memorable meal.

The heart of the place is undoubtedly Chef Rosario, whose warm and personable nature shines as he welcomes each guest with genuine care. It’s a delight to see him occasionally making rounds, ensuring every dish meets his high standards. His passion for cooking and connecting with people is truly contagious!

The food? Simply outstanding—especially if you’re a seafood lover. Each dish bursts with the rich flavors of Italy, crafted with precision and love. Portions are generous and satisfying, leaving you with that wonderful feeling of contentment after a hearty meal. As if that wasn’t enough, you’re occasionally treated to a complimentary glass of champagne and a delightful homemade “pappetta” to kick off your dining experience—a lovely touch that sets the tone for what’s to come.

The wine selection complements the cuisine beautifully, rounding out an exceptional dining experience. If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine and a genuine Italian atmosphere, this is the place to be in Edinburgh. Bravo to the team for...

This is like dining in someone’s home who is an expert cook!

Both seekers of a fish platter in the UK & abroad but neither a big fan of pasta we were thrilled to find this place offered two! Was also an education on the different foods from different regions of Italy. Not a pizza in sight!

Variety of diners but it maintained a personal feel with little tables in alcoves.

Presented with cucumber, tomato & bread salad with lush olive oil. I found myself concerned I’d eat too much before “actual food” because it was so good.

Chef came to inform us of fish of the day that would feature on the fish platter & was good banter. Five varieties of fish, langoustine, scallops came with med veg-a huge serving that includes wedges of potato.

The crustacean in rich tomato broth Wa an enormous bowl of delight! Massive toasted slabs of bread were used to mop this up. It was so moorish that even when all the sea critters were fished out, we squashed the potatoes in to shovel more in our bellies.

Each platter was around £40 each Affogato was a soothing easy sweet treat followed by a coffee. Even for this non coffee slurper, it was good! So good we enquired about it and again the staff & chef spoke with passion seeming to genuinely keep no secrets & all the more giving that homely friends feel.

A cute bottle holding two shots of Limoncello surprised us after paying & was a great palate cleanser.

This place is a hug on a cold...