bar italia in Edinburgh, City of

So sad it's closed. Been visiting for over 40 years. My favourite Italian bar no . Visited Edinburgh when ever I could to call on bar Italia. So sad

Very good food, fast and efficient service. A lot of noise in the restaurant from the people who were there.

If you’re in Edinburgh and you like Italian cuisine, this restaurant is a MUST! Do not leave without trying… delicious food, authentic ambience and genuine Italian hospitality. Just go, you won’t be disappointed 🍽️

I have visited many Italian restaurants but I have never been as disappointed as with this establishment. deplorable and long service, no water at the table, no spicy sauce for the pizzas. forgotten dishes and finally, an unfriendly person at the checkout, bordering on insulting. What a desappointment

This was a great place, but it was closed 2 nights after we had dinner there. It is closed permanently

Owner was extremely rude I asked if my steak was seasoned and he started to scream saying here’s your salt and here’s your pepper I am no chef but I am sure you are supposed to season your food before cooking also I asked for medium rare and I got basically well done. So unfortunate I never leave any bad reviews but as the owner was so rude, I felt it necessary

I cannot fault this place. I dined twice in early May 2024: a different menu each time. Service was courteous and fast, food was delicious. Both times were later in the evening around 9:00pm. Post script: I see they have now closed. Ciao Roma on South Bridge is recommended by the proprietors.

Last ever visit. First came here late 1980 and visited many times over the years sadly for the last time due to it closing yesterday. Food and service was excellent as usual and we will miss our trips here.

Absolutely beautiful meals. Very busy and cramped, but suppose the place is clearly popular. The food is clearly the reason why. Felt lucky to manage to get a table for two without a reservation! Thanks to all, your place is now on my go-to list for next Edinburgh visit!

Amazing place. Really sad its closing. Wonderful, family friendly. Incredible food. Can't ask for better

We hadn’t booked but the manager (I think) made way for us in his busy restaurant, although we didn’t feel overly welcome. We were left waiting approximately 20 minutes for any orders to be taken. A big party of 17 ladies turned up who also hadn’t booked but he also made room for them on different tables. They got their food and drinks before us even though we ordered and were there 20 minutes before them. Food was good when it eventually arrived until the pudding arrived, I had a hair in mine but by husband’s tiramisu was lovely apparently l, then amazingly the manager cheered up a bit and couldn’t do enough for us. I know they were busy and under pressure but could have said no if they didn’t want to seat us.

gorgeous wee Italian, lovely staff and lovely food wouldn’t go elsewhere ❤️❤️

Steak and chicken products are also very good.

Glad it's closing down the portions are meanie prank cocktail hardly any prawns all lettuce the spaghetti bolanase all pasti hardly any meat diabolical but most of yhe Italian restaurants are the same the best one is the jolly.

Never had a bad meal here had some great service and advice on grappa! Can't believe it's closing. Won't make it back before it closes😭

Beautiful little authentic Italian cuisine on main street near old town Everything was Beautiful and made with a loving touch, and affordable Staff very freindly and courteous

We visited Bar Italia about 4pm on a Thursday for a late lunch. We pretty much had the entire place to ourselves. We ordered the Rocket salad (£12) and pizza Margherita (£12) Both the salad and the pizza were delicious. The service was prompt and efficient. The atmosphere is a comfortable authentic Italian setting with several murals covering the walls. We will visit Bar Italia again when we return to Edinburgh.

We stopped in on a rainy night for dinner. Sometimes you get lucky and find a great authentic Italian restaurant. The service from Ricardo was outstanding and our dinner was delicious. The young lady that brought our cappuccinos after our dinner along with our decadent desserts was so sweet. This was well worth the walk in the rain.

Super cozy place, wonderful food, we received great service from Victor. Thank you very much, we will definitely be back

Amazing food, lovely staff and very relaxing environment.

Great little city Italian restaurant.

Was there for pre theatre on Wednesday seems they were expecting to be busy. We were squeezed onto a table we had to move the table and chairs not be bumped by other customers and staff moving around plus I was hard up against the gentleman behind who was 't none to happy although we were there first. Seemed to want to rush us over the orders and got our starters which were good when we finished they took the plates away 30 seconds later my very hot Lasagne on a Cast Iron hot plate also they came out with my wife's seafood risotto thought that was a bit quick. Well the pasta for risotto was very floury which kind of spoilt the course. There was no water bowl to clean your fingers to the 2 prawns and 4 mussels of which 3 had actual mussels I did have a taste and and came to the same conclusion. The Lasagne was good but seemed to be sauce pasta and some mince in between have had better. When they took the plates away no one asked was there a problem since a lot of pasta left on the risotto plate. Decided to pay and left. It was very busy that night and I could see staff having to squeeze past most of the tables. Because of that and the pasta we will not be back.

What a wonderful experience we had. The restaurant was busy but they managed to squeeze us in. The service was exceptional and the food was delicious. I had the seafood pasta with cuttlefish ink. The lovely staff were so accommodating of us needing to split the bill for work reimbursement purposes.

Very nice restaurant! The owners are Italian! She takes care of the kitchen and the reception. Pasta is made by them, so it is fresh. We ordered Bruschetta as a starter and it was very good. It's not cheap, £50 for two people, but we ate well.

Just found this place on Google. The place had an excellent vibe, busy and noisy so if you want a quiet meal this may not be the place for you but the food is excellent and with authentic Italian ingredients. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. If you love a taste of Italy, this is where to go.

Very tasty authentic Italian food in Edinburgh centre

It is always a great time to eat there. Chef Ciro is amazing he is very knowledgeable and helpful.

Place is really good , food is overpriced but service is really good . 50 pounds for 2 people is something you need to expect . The ambience is very good and approachability is very good .

Very tasty pizza, the pizza wasn't on the menu but the waiters made it suitable. The staff are very friendly and luckily they were able to persuade us to eat the pizza in the restaurant and not take it away and eat it cold in the hotel. Absolute recommendation

Very good Italian restaurant, very good atmosphere, the waiters are brilliant and smiling, we recommend with our eyes closed

Good Italian cuisine and very good service and welcome The proof we went back there

Excellent restaurant ! Quality food

I visited them in January and ordered pizza and tomato pasta Delicious once and their treatment is very good. I was very happy with the tiramisu as well

Bar Italia,was the best Italian meal Bar None !! We were looking for a good Italian,but we stumbled on the best!! Brescetta was crisp and tasty, Lasagna was incredible, served to us bubbling hot,pizza was thin and crispy with amazing toppings. When ingredients are fresh and staff care about their food,this is the result. From the owners through to the waiters,all Italian,making authentic pizza & pasta and much more. Even the chilli oil is home made on the premises. We chose dessert of Strawberry, Pistachio & Chocolate all of which were spot on,and is award winning. This top Italian has been going since 1978 and you can see how it's lasted and flourished now and in the future. Would highly recommend to all

We had an amazing experience here. Staff were welcoming, friendly and accommodating for my family and baby. The food was amazing and the wine was as delicious.

Great welcome, attentive waiters and owners in Italian, French and English. Very good Italian cuisine and a little limoncelo offered at the end at the top

Family-run authentic Italian restaurant - located near our hotel, thankfully we booked before our visit which was just as well as gets very busy even on a Sunday night! Lovely ambience, very nice staff and the food is superb! Fabulous evening thank you.

Loud, loud music on the radio. Stressful waiters. Felt chaotic.

Called n with my wife excellent pizza great staff good prices and perfect tiramisu can recommend strongly really enjoyed the atmosphere and food

A birthday visit to Edinburgh, we eagerly anticipated good things having read many positive reviews. The evening started well with excellent service, warm, polite and helpful staff, detailing menu options and the availability of an assortment of specials. A great start with bruschetta. Delicious chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil and a drizzle of olive oil on toasted ciabatta. For our main course we ordered seafood with gluten-free spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce. Our spaghetti, however, was undercooked. This was dealt with professionally by the staff, who taking our plates away to address the issue returned with the food having been cooked further. Expecting a replacement it was clear to us this had most probably been microwaved; the spaghetti was now chopped up to ensure it was properly cooked through. Not acceptable. In addition the portion size was disappointing with limited seafood, a couple of prawns, two mussels and some shards of calamari. It was a disappointing evening brought abruptly to a close as we declined the desert options and left unfulfilled and feeling let down.

Absolutely Amazing ..food was the best Italian I’ve ever had , if you go to Edinburgh it is a must !!!! We didn’t plan to eat here but sooo glad we did !! Service and atmosphere was top class ..thank you 🙏

Excellent. We randomly went in as we fancied Italian, and were not disappointed in the least. The service was lovely and the food was excellent, well-flavoured and good-sized portions; brilliant value for money. I loved the fact that from the outside it's fairly unprepossessing but that belies a really nicely sorted interior that speaks volumes for the laid back dining experience that you have, a real gem of a place and worth a visit.

Fabulous meal for Valentine’s Day.Took my wife and had a fabulous meal,We shared a Bruschetta with cheese,I had there gnocchi which was very tasty,my wife said her pasta with with seafood was the best she had ever tasted.The homemade ice cream is heavenly.Highly recommend this place .Our second visit in 3 weeks.

Unfair treatment and racist towards Asians.

Hey, stop Asian hate my “elegant” people

Had food poisoning because of it.

A little cramped as they are clearly maximising on tables and a tad noisy. Nice food although a bit pricey for what it is and the portion size.

The food and service was brilliant. One of the best Italian meals I've had outside of Italy. Will return.

Eine der besten Pizzen, die ich je gegessen habe, sowohl Belag als auch Teig top! Nette und lustige Bedienung. Das Eis am Nachbartisch sah ebenfalls sehr gut aus, wir waren allerdings zu satt, um noch Nachtisch zu bestellen.

Comida muy rica, darle las gracias en especial a Víctor, un grande. El otro camarero italiano que hablaba español también un grande.

Best burrito I’ve had in a long time.

Fab food and great service! Would defo recommend 👌

Amazing food and service highly recommend . Could not do enough for us great food at fair prices . Will definitely be back when in Edinburgh again

Heel gezellig restaurant maar heerlijke pasta.

Leuk Italiaans restaurant met vrolijke aardige obers die trots zijn op het restaurant en wat ze serveren.

Come for a anniversary on a trip away for the weekend and didn’t disappoint amazing pasta fresh made and I just want to come back but sadly got go back home

If I could give this place a zero I would. I am well travelled,have worked and cooked in some of the best restaurants in the world and understand food, particularly Italian food, service and the creation of ambience. This place does not understand any of these factors and relies on international visitors and sells itself on location and not the food. The food is most definitely not authentic. We simply mentioned the fish was over cooked and the pasta dish was miniscule and substandard, garlic bread bought in, the waiter then began to name call us in Italian. Which we challenged as we speak Italian, he alleged he was speaking Spanish, which he was not. He asked what we had heard in Italian and was directly confrontational acknowledging he had spoken Italian, having previously denied it and commenced deriding us in front of other customers shouting across the restaurant with the owner not challenging this on any level. We left with the waiter following us and shouting at us. We were never offered alternatives just a tirade if abuse.

I've been going to this restaurant for over 10 years, when my family visits it's a must. Excellent service and food. Never disappointed

Let’s start with this; I don’t usually write reviews, however, tonight’s meal was my most favoured Italian meal I’ve ever had. Our waiter, Ricardo, was a beautiful man who made us feel most welcome. He was passionate about food and was open with us, sharing everything he could about the food and his experiences in life. He was checking in with each part of the meal and making jokes which we loved! Now for the food.. the lamb ragu was to die for and had a generous portion of meat, the antipasto included delicious aged meats, cheese, bread and olives. The finale was the homemade cannoli, sensational is all I have to say. All fresh and authentic Italian ingredients, no skimping on anything. My partner had the tiramisu and said it was the best she’d ever had! A big call coming from someone who loves it. Would recommend to anyone wanting to experience true Italian cuisine in Edinburgh. Big love to this restaurant

Had an early dinner before going to the nearby Usher Hall for a concert. Very welcoming, staff excellent, food and drink excellent. It has been a few years since our last meal there. Still as good as we remembered. Keep up the high standard Bar Italian, see you soon.

Hi! So WOW, is all I have to say. This is my first and only review I’ve ever written because no where has convinced me this much! My family and I had dinner here tonight. The food was incredible and the tiramisu, the best I’ve ever had! I try a tiramisu everywhere I go! This is the most authentic Italian restaurant. Riccardo was our waiter and he was AMAZING. He made sure every need we had was covered, checked in on us, he had such detailed knowledge and overview of the menu and great suggestions for us, a great sense of humour, genuine & he made us feel warm and welcome. There were 4 of us and each of us could not fault our meals. Everything was fresh, pasta was amazing, everything homemade and of the highest quality. This place is a hidden gem! If you’re deciding where to eat in Edinburgh Bar Italia is a MUST!

Ambiente accogliente e pulito. Servizio eccellente e cibo delizioso. Grazie

Great food. Great service. Great atmosphere.

Great food and excellent service.

Posto super consigliato, camerieri italiani e cibo che ti coccola dall'inizio alla fine. Se hai nostalgia, questo locale ti porta direttamente in Italia!! Ambiente che ritrae le tipiche tradizioni italiane, molto essenziale e accogliente. Prodotti freschi e pasta fatta a mano di vario tipo ( dallo spaghetto alla pasta ripiena) Parliamo del prezzo.. Premetto che abbiamo preso: 1 antipasto con cestino del pane a parte,2 primi,2 calici di Primitivo,1 acqua, 2 dolci, 2 caffè e 1 amaro. Alla modica cifra di 99£ compreso il 10% di mancia. Tenete presente che il mio piatto di ravioli ripieni veniva 16.5£, quindi prezzi un po' sopra le mie aspettative ,ma ne vale la pena. Capisco perfettamente che per ottenere un buon piatto c'è bisogno di buoni ingredienti. Promosso al 100% , complimenti a chef e camerieri !!

We went to Bar Italia Ristorante after our show at Usher hall on New year’s day for dinner . We just walked- in and got a table between a couple & 2 men. The woman seated on my right was coughing non-stop & the men on the left side of us had coats that smell of mildew . I suppose they can’t do anything about that . The food was good as well as the service . I ordered an orange juice with soda . The soda was flat so I told the waiter . He was apologetic and said he will bring the juice & soda separately . A young lady serve it . The sofa was still flat ( it was served in a glass which means it was from a big bottle that was opened a long time ago . and the quantity of the soda was just a flash ( 100 ml) I didn’t complain ( I am weary about complaining in restaurants but I should have returned it an cancel the order . When I checked the bill the flash of soda costs £2.20 & the orange juice £3.50 . what a rip off .

Niet gereserveerd, tafel voor 2 was ruim beschikbaar. Tafels staan kort op elkaar. Gastvrije bediening, ze verkopen graag flessen wijn (1e vraag die gesteld werd). Risotto was heerlijk, lasagne was prima (goede porties), eten blijft heel lang warm:) Peper en kaas toevoegen doet de bediening graag voor je. Zonder er naar te vragen ontvingen we de dessert kaart, ziet er heerlijk uit. Prijs voor 2 maaltijden, 2 biertjes en 2 rosé is 60 pond

Was disappointed with the food, it was bland, badly presented and for the price I was expecting better.

Super ambiance mais calzone décevante, peu de garniture, on cherche le jambon et le fromage, la pâte est élastique...on nous recommande un vin (merlot) en promo, 36 livres, il est bon mais quand on vient de France....4,50 les olives pour patienter 45 mn....et l'eau pétillante commandée n'est pas servie mais facturée. Globalement, passer votre chemin, l'élégance et le sourire des serveurs ne fait pas tout !

Highly recommends. Great service and good value. Very authentic atmosphere and food. One of our party had an issue with their main course. It was replaced with zero fuss and the staff were very keen to ensure the replacement was meal was good. We will definitely be returning

Nice atmosphere, unfortunately food is a bit bland ,missing key ingredients ( time & effort )

Beautiful authentic Italian food. So fresh and tasty. Great atmosphere and very friendly staff.

This restaurant is one of my favourite Italian place , the food is excellent and the staff is very kind and the restaurant has a great atmosphere

Great hospitality, we felt welcome here. Restaurant ambience is also very nice to have a dinner with family and friends.

God mat. God service. God atmosfære. Var her fire ganger på en uke.

Authentic small Italian restaurant with fast service and good quality food. They offer good vegan options in addition to the usual favourites. Excellent tiramisu!

Super accueil. Plat généreux préparé à base de produits frais. Prix correct

Been a number of times,never disappointed. Make their own pasta,excellent.

Really good Italian food. A bit on the pricier side but the quality and atmosphere is worth it. Fantastic service

Very good authentic Italian restaurant. We didn't have a booking on a Saturday night and they found space for us. Quick and friendly service, nice food. Would reccommend!

Food was lovely, waiter was a little distracted but we still enjoyed ourselves so will look forward to going back sometime

Going to a show at the nearby Usher Hall, got absolutely soaked in the rain. Staggered into Bar Italia with no booking, welcomed in. Service was great, staff were friendly and warm. The food.the food was amazing. Haggis ravioli with cream and whiskey sauce. Great restaurant, must go back

Horrible main tables to close together food not nice extremely expensive

Delicious, authentic food served in a hospitable and welcoming atmosphere. Service was awesome and everyone was kind. Pasta is made fresh and the menu has a wonderful variety including vegetarian and gluten free options.

Come essere a cena in Italia! Personale accogliente e cordiale, pizza e dolci ottimi!!

Meatballs and garlic bread for starters was excellent. Totally recommend it. Friendly and homely ambience.

Was here yesterday usually any time I’m in Edinburgh I go here as food is normally very good not last night EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING ! Bruschetta was tasteless and tomatoes had been sitting out as they were dried out , focaccia balsamic the bread had been pre cooked so cold with a topping threw on , but the worse was yet to come I wanted Carbonara I specifically asked can it be made the traditional way without cream , you know with eggs, pecorino and Guanciale I was assured yes it could only to be brought plain pasta with very fatty pancetta? bowl still had water from the pasta in it then they put some Parmesan on top and pepper added at the table . I did not eat it but have to say I was horrified basic Italian food gone wrong !

Local businnes unlike some big chains, food was lovely with reasonable prices. No optional or compuslary servcie charges. Food protions was a bit smaller than i expected but it is the same everywhere unless you go to buffet and eat as much as you want. First they cant wait to get our orderes and when i try to order, they stop and do sometimes else and come back. Ordered one of the dishes incorrectly but only needed to wait extra 5 minutes. Overall still had a good time. Last time i go without booking and did not get a table as it was during festival and fully booked. This time is half empty

Situé dans le centre d'Edimbourg, bon petit resto italien, ambiance chaleureuse, nourriture très bonne

Lovely place for authentic Italian delicacy tossed with homemade Italian Ice cream

The food wasn't good. Worst Italian food I've ever had. The place was very busy and overcrowded. The staff were rushed off their feed. Nobody even came up and asked if the food was okay which it wasn't. Couldn't get out quick enough.

No doy más estrellas porque no se puede. En nuestro reciente viaje a Edimburgo, de casualidad nos topamos con este restaurante italiano. Solo con entrar parece que estás en un auténtico restaurante en un barrio de Roma. La atención por parte de Víctor fue impecable, un leones trabajando en Edimburgo, nos supo indicar muy bien las sugerencias q tenían. La pasta con bogavante exquisita. Lo dicho si vienes por Edimburgo no dejes de visitarlo.

Very Italian, very good. The food was excellent although a little different every time. They also offer a wide range of excellent desserts with exceptionally good ice cream. It can be rather loud inside since the tables are quite close together.

What a find. We walked in on the of chance and we were able to get a table (highly recommend you book). Welcoming staff, delicious food (we had a pizza and a pasta dish and shared), good prices. Was just lovely. Would highly recommend and would return

The calzone was ok. The pistachio cannoli was nice! Unfrotuantely they sat me in the walkway where I got hit a lot.

Fantastic food, great service, a really enjoyable 2 hours eating dinner with friends

Thank you we all enjoyed pre-concert dining experience in this family run restaurant. Suggestion to have a vegan desert option on the menu!

One of the worst restaurants in Scotland.. they make fun of the muslims and they insist to feed them pork !!! Definitely i will never go there again !!!

The best Italian food I ate for long time The pastas are fresh (was told self made) as well as the deserts. The food was delicious and the owners and waitresses extremely efficient and helpful We had a wonderful dinner

Fantastic meal with great service