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Valvona & Crolla

Lothians, Edinburgh - Italian - Café - ££

Edinburgh's landmark Italian caffè, deli and bar

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Edinburgh’s Italian gastro-scene owes a great deal to members of the Contini dynasty, in fact their original deli and wine store remains ‘numero uno’ in the city with its treasure-trove of artisan provisions. Thread your way past the shelves of comestibles and regional wines to reach the jam-packed caffè bar at the back of the premises. Informal, all-day eating is the name of the game, and everything hinges on top-notch ingredients – including plenty of seasonal Scottish produce. Drop by for breakfast (perhaps a signature ‘panetella’ sandwich with proper kick-start coffee) or call in later for some handmade pasta – spaghettini with palourde clams or orecchiette with cime di rape, anchovies and extra-virgin olive oil. Otherwise, share an antipasti platter or graze on a salad of fennel, orange and goat’s cheese. After that, move on to a ‘primi’ plate of, say, fritto misto or pistachio-crumbed lamb rump, before rounding o...

Edinburgh’s Italian gastro-scene owes a great deal to members of the Contini dynasty, in fact their original deli and wine store remains ‘numero uno’ in the city with its treasure-trove of artisan provisions. Thread your way past the shelves of comestibles and regional wines to reach the jam-packed caffè bar at the back of the premises. Informal, all-day eating is the name of the game, and everything hinges on top-notch ingredients – including plenty of seasonal Scottish produce.

Drop by for breakfast (perhaps a signature ‘panetella’ sandwich with proper kick-start coffee) or call in later for some handmade pasta – spaghettini with palourde clams or orecchiette with cime di rape, anchovies and extra-virgin olive oil. Otherwise, share an antipasti platter or graze on a salad of fennel, orange and goat’s cheese. After that, move on to a ‘primi’ plate of, say, fritto misto or pistachio-crumbed lamb rump, before rounding off with V&C’s bombolone doughnuts, a delectable cake or some gelati.

The owners are wine merchants par excellence, and you can access their authoritative cellar by choosing a bottle from the shop; just add £8 to the retail price, and you're good to go. Alternatively, browse the short caffè list from your table; bottles start at £17, and everything is available by the glass.

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M Pacitti

19 March 2025

Well, where do I start?! We dine here 2 or 3 times a year at lunch and, if we are lucky, at one or two of their spectacular wine-tasting dinners (if you ever have the chance, just go - you won't be disappointed, I promis...
Well, where do I start?! We dine here 2 or 3 times a year at lunch and, if we are lucky, at one or two of their spectacular wine-tasting dinners (if you ever have the chance, just go - you won't be disappointed, I promise you).

Today an early lunch for 5 - a family event. A mixture of their "Panatella", salads, and me winning hands down with the best Zuppa Di Pesce I have ever eaten - sustainable cod, proper real tasting potatoes, incredibly tasty black olives, (similar) caper ber...
Well, where do I start?! We dine here 2 or 3 times a year at lunch and, if we are lucky, at one or two of their spectacular wine-tasting dinners (if you ever have the chance, just go - you won't be disappointed, I promise you).

Today an early lunch for 5 - a family event. A mixture of their "Panatella", salads, and me winning hands down with the best Zuppa Di Pesce I have ever eaten - sustainable cod, proper real tasting potatoes, incredibly tasty black olives, (similar) caper berries in a white wine, herb and tomato liqueur with such intensity it was hard to believe - and with super tasty toasted sourdough served alongside.

I should not take anything away, though, from my fellow diners' choices. The Panatella were full of incredible flavours, such as Italian pork Arista, fresh Gouda and cremini mushrooms or courgettes, Stilton, pine nuts and rocket.

We also enjoyed some of their paired wines - an understatement. This venue has the best selection of Italian wines available anywhere in the U.K. at ridiculous prices, too!! Just check out their website and their corkage charge that reduces wines available in London restaurants to a fraction of such cost (as Jay Rayner no less recently confirmed).

We did go on to desserts and coffees, but I won't make you feel even more jealous. If you visit Edinburgh, this is a MUST!!
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VENUE DETAILS

19 Elm Row
Edinburgh
Lothians
EH7 4AAGB

0131 556 6066

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OTHER INFORMATION

Family friendly

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