Wondering where to feast on pasta in the UK’s cultural capital? From bustling Italian eateries to authentic local haunts, if you’re looking for a taste of Italy in Edinburgh, look no further, for here is our guide to the best pasta in Edinburgh.
Or, if you’d rather enjoy restaurant-quality pasta in the comfort of your own home, why not check out our delivery service? We deliver recipe kits to postcodes across Scotland if you fancy having a go yourself in the kitchen. Buon appetito!
Our 6 Favourite Italian Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Piccolino
Image credit: Piccolino
A 15-minute walk from the charming Princess street, Piccolino is the perfect spot to stop in for some of the best Italian in Edinburgh before heading on to the centre of town for a night out. With authentic dishes like orecchiette salsiccia & friarielli (orecchiette with fresh Italian sausage, Italian bitter broccoli, garlic and extra virgin olive oil) and penne siciliana (Penne pasta cooked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, diced aubergines, basil and topped with fresh pecorino cheese) you’ll be left wanting amore and amore. Don’t forget to try the homemade tiramisu!
2. Locanda de Gusti
Image credit: Locanda de Gusti
Warning, at Locanda de Gusti there may be a wait, but we assure you the wait will be worth it. Known for its excellent service, Head Chef Rosario Sartore is intent on serving up marvellous Italian dishes using artisan products imported from Italy paired with the finest local Scottish produce. Our picks are the burrata with braised radicchio and crushed roasted pistachio and the linguine served with fresh Scottish lobster in a light Vesuvian tomato sugo. Eating at Locanda de Gusti will make you feel like you’re sitting the cucinas of the chef's hometown of Naples.
3. Dantes
Located outside of the city centre Dantes is a hidden gem. Family run and reasonably priced, head here for the incredible pasta and the friendly atmosphere. You can’t go past the creamy Spaghetti Carbonara a la Romana (Spaghetti with pancetta, egg and Parmigiano) or the Penne Aglio, Olio e Salsiccia (Penne with olive oil, chilli, roasted peppers, green olives and handmade Tuscan sausage)
4. La Piazza
Image credit: La Piazza
Located in the west end of Edinburgh, La Piazza offers large serving sizes and a great wine menu. They can even make most dishes dairy-free and gluten-free making it a great option for even the fussiest of eaters. Our favourite dishes are the Orecchiette Salsiccia (with Norcina Sausage and Gorgonzola Cheese topped with crushed Pistachio) and the incredibly rich authentic lasagne.
5. Nonna’s Kitchen
Image credit: Nonna’s Kitchen
Laidback Italian dining in the bosom of Morningside, Nonna’s Kitchen provides exactly what it says on the tin. With Gino and mum Carmela on service and father Mimmo in the kitchen, you will feel like you’re dining in cucine of Sicily. Our picks for best pasta are the Linguine Frutti di Mare (with fresh fish and seafood, cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil) and the Lasagne di Nonna (a rustic lasagne with plum tomatoes, béchamel, homemade meatballs, egg and salami).
6. Papilio
With an extensive selection of pasta, Papilio is one of our favourite Italian restaurants in Edinburgh. Known for beautiful plating and flavours to match the extensive and affordable menu caters to all palates. Our favourites are the Gnocchi Siciliana featuring aubergine, cherry tomatoes, basil and mozzarella and the Agnolotti Fico, fresh pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese and parmesan cooked with spinach, pine nuts, tomato and cream.
