Gaia Delicatessan in Edinburgh, City of

Italian germ in Leith! Pasta is fresh and really good. Paninis are incredible too. The waitress is always lovely. Highly recommended ✨ it is also a Deli so authentic Italian products can be found!

I LOVE this place, and I go as often as possible. Cosy atmosphere and fantastic people working there. The food is delicious, and they also have a section selling typical Italian things. Really recommend

Although it is crowded, the service and food make up for it. Good Italian food.

This is such a lovely place with great people who make you feel at home. And the food is so wonderful, all prepared from Il Nonno's recipes.

I love this Italian gem in Leith! The food is always so good, fresh, comforting! They have a different menu everyday and a small grocery shop inside. Everyone that works there is very helpful and kind.

cozy, well priced spot with true italian deli vibes, very popular on the weekends. had a panini this time but hoping to try a pasta dish next time, if there is something nice on the daily menu:-)

I ordered a lasagna, and it is the best lasagna I have eaten in a long time, too good, I also ordered a mango smoothie, wow, too good, the service was also very good and a very cozy place, and in terms of quality and more than recommended price, very good, I loved it.

Very cozy restaurant. Homemade and delicious food. The atmosphere and music very pleasant. We ordered a pasta dish each, tiramisu to share (2p), cappuccino and moccachino. Even the coffee was good. The special panini of mortadella, pistachio pesto and burrata mozzarella, taken with coffee, was a triumph.

What a find! Came here for lunch with my friend and my dog, absolutely stunning food and coffee, beautifully quirky inside and the staff were a delight. Cannot recommend this place highly enough!

Great Italian food, you can also buy Italian products or sandwiches. The attention was perfect. Two pasta dishes, a salad, two takeaway sandwiches and two cappuccinos, £40 or so. Highly highly recommended.

Food is not as good as the other italian restaurants here. Service is also a bit disappointing... considering their high mark in Google review.

And another few stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟✨ Big fan of this family, I have been going there for years for a panini every single time I found myself in Leith and it was open. Best fresh Italian food deli counter. Last time I got there I got a panini with mortadella, burrata, and pistacchi. Highly addictive! Well done guys!

This place is gonna be my fav italian restaurant. The pasta was so good, I had the mushroom cream pasta (sorry, i cannot remember the name) which costs £8.5. The portion was great. will go back again!

We stumbled across this restaurant, which turned out to be great! The staff was lovely, the atmosphere warm, and the panini we ate were delicious, plentiful, and inexpensive!! I can only recommend!!!

The anchovies pasta with garlic, chilli peppers and olives oil was absolutely delicious. My wife had a panini and a salad and that were great also. Our waiter was very friendly (the friendliest service we had in Edinburgh) and attentive. Family own business, true Italians from Sicily, that explains the delicious food.

I’m not gonna repeat what has already been mentioned before, but can confirm all is true, must-visit, enjoy!

Just wow ! Mind blowing flavours with high quality ingredients!

Amazing food, especially the pasta with sardines

Fantastic sandwiches and fresh pastas

Daily specials are always special, staff really friendly, prices reasonable. Very pleasant spot overall. Very tasty. I’m sure the regular menu is great too 👍🏻

Came here for a quick lunch and ended up having one of the best panino of my life. I’ll be back soon to try their fresh pasta!

Everything was fabulous. The best food we've tasted for a long time. Compliments to the chef. Would certainly recommend

Every time I visit Edinburgh I have to stop by, the most delicious Italian restaurant. I advise everyone to try it, very reasonable prices!

The farfalle with rocket pesto was absolutely fantastic. Even the texture of the pasta was excellent. Good homemade cannoli and tiramisù too. Friendly staff, ed il menù dice che i prezzi sono meno per cui chi parlano italiano 😅 Definitely worth a try but not much seating so it may be a little wait.

Really lovely pasta. Delicious, and really good value. We ended up coming twice, it was so good we came back for more

Best deli in Edinburgh! Love the pastas; my no 1 spot for pastas in Edinburgh!

Probably the best place in Edinburgh for traditional Italian food. You can buy here the best guanciale for carbonara, capocollo, prosciutto cotto and crudo and much more! Fantastic pasta of best Italian brands. Thank you Gaia

An unassuming deli - hearty panini that's like homemade goodness, oozing with cheese and flavor! The prickly pear and tangerine soda was lovely!

my best place in Edinburgh to have my coffee on

We are a group of three, we came across this place completely randomly looking for somewhere to eat We couldn't have had a better time! It was excellent and the prices were fair, I highly recommend 👍

Love every dishes I had here. I can feel the authentic taste from Italy. Foods are amazing, reasonable price and appropriate portion. Even the store is small but waiting time is not too long(I spend 15 mins waiting), atmosphere is really cozy tho!

Had the pleasure of coming here recently and had an excellent lunch at a great price as well. Very friendly staff who were welcoming and helpful. Great selection of toasted sandwiches and soups to choose from. Someone at an adjacent table got pasta which looked fantastic. Definitely worth the a visit for lunch or even for takeaway

This colourful little Italain cafe was exaclty what we didn't know we were looking for. A really family run feel with gorgeous food!! The standard of ingredients were brilliant!! Definitely a little hidden gem tucked away on Leith Walk. Our only complaint was we didn't have enough time to go back. Worth a visit if you like good home cooked Italian food!!

Just great. Lasagne are better than my granny's and they always have new types of Pasta on their menu. Best place in town!

My favourite place of all times!! Warm people, delicious food and cosy atmosphere 🥰

Hands down the best coffee on Leith Walk. Really lovely Sicilian family-owned cafe. Delicious pannini and pasta; rustic and perfect.

A very disappointing visit. We ordered food and drinks and were told we only had 30-40minutes for our visit. The soup was a bit too salty and so I decided to have a coffee. The waitress said she’d check our status and returned to say I had 10 minutes before we would have to go. We let the staff know that both the service and food were of poor quality. No apologies given and they clearly were keen for us to pay and leave so they could give the table to another customer who’d just walked in. I’ve never had such an experience in a walk in establishment before. A truly upsetting experience. I pity all the other customers who were also being exposed to similar conditions.

Very nice café serving breakfast and excellent coffee

Great food and a nice atmosphere but a wee bit cold in the resteraunt.

Deliciosa comida italiana y deli, pienso que hacen los mejores paninis de la ciudad y el lugar es muy pintoresco. Probé la pasta y también muy rica, pero la cereza del pastel son los sándwiches.

Great pasta, lovely atmosphere and a nice service.

We love it. They are so nice. I love sicily. I love the food because its so spectacular. Forza Palermo

Very cute, and great food at fantastic value.

Great place for tasty Italian food in Edinburgh! Really cute authentic vibes and the staff are super friendly. A gem of a place, highly recommend.

amazing hot chocolate and veggie panini

This is our favourite place to eat in Edinburgh. We moved all the way to the other side of Edinburgh but still like to come back to Gaia. It's a cosy little gem with fantastic traditional food and lovely staff!

Delicious toasties, amazing owners. Always a pleasure. Shame not enough spaces inside, but lovely place.

Just had the most delicious mortadella focaccia, and roast pepper mozzarella sarnie for £12. Got take-away but looks like they have lots of yummy Italian produce, juices, coffee etc. Will definitely try to sit in next time!

Easily the best value for quality menu in any cafe in leith. Top, family run business with superb service, excellent quality food and coffee. There's really no comparison elsewhere in Edinburgh. 5 stars.

Wow, what a little gem! If you love Italian (and more specific Sicilian) food, then go to Gaia. The panini’s are delicious and the lasagna was fingerlicking good 😊 we even ordered a second plate of pasta. The service is fast and friendly. A must try in Edinburgh!

Great vibe, delicious high quality food cooked fresh and at reasonable prices.

My favourite place on Leith walk! Well priced.

I visited two days in a row. Friendly staff and great pasta specials every day. Oh, and great coffee!

Muy rica comida italiana! A buen precio

Amazing little Italian deli that serves food too. Wonderful people hosting. The place is a little small and fills up very quick, but if you get a spot you are in for a treat. Definitely recommend any of the specials they have. Loved the arancinis

Lovely place we had a late lunch in the other day. Staff really friendly and enjoyed the music too.

Honestly this is one of my favourite spots in the world. Even when I’ve been having the worst time they’re always there slinging out absolutely sublime pasta and toasties and the staff are super lovely. I have absolutely nothing but praise if you aren’t going here already make sure you do!

Fantastic place for lunch or coffee and pastries. We went twice in two days whilst visiting Edinburgh. The specials change every day, and there's lots of fresh produce to buy in store too

Gaia is the best Italian resturant in Edinburgh. The food is amazing and the people are beatiful. Is cozy place and rember me my home! Is something special for the city!!!!! You can try the genuine food from Italy, and you will remember for all life!!!!

Delicious food and great price!

Most amazing Italian restaurant with wildly affordable prices

Not impressed by the spaghettis marinara, but the tiramisu was the best I ever had. Nice service where they don't pressure you to move on. Nice atmosphere too.

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 welcomed. Bravo !!!

Fantastic panino. Thanks so much

10/10 food, service & environment

Sicilian family run wee café/restaurant/delicatessen, very good quality food, excellent panini, kind & open hearted owners.

Such a lovely Italian 😍! Everyone was very friendly and the food was really good!

Wonderful food, lovely service, and brilliant value. The mixed bruschetta were especially good

Beautiful food, reasonably priced and great staff!

Very good Italian food! Really good bucatini all’amatriciana!

One of my favourite lunch spots in Leith, delicious fresh pastas and paninis, lovely coffee, just a great authentic Italian deli!

Amazing food! Amazing service! We will definitely go back!

A wonder the place, it is is the second time I go to the restaurant and always have good experiences.

It was too oily and heavy, I felt bogged down after having the food. Just too greasy, and the pasta was way over cooked, I wasn’t sure if I was biting down on a piece of pasta or the cheesy slob. Dessert was okay, but nothing extraordinary. Rather disappointed as I had high hopes.

Comida italiana riquísima. Las pastas están muy buenas y los paninis increíbles. Comimos pasta de brócoli, provolone con tomate y panini de albóndigas y recomendadísimos los dos. El servicio y la atención perfectas y además a precios asequibles! La camarera habla también español y es majísima. Parada obligada, si venís a Edimburgo no podéis iros sin pasar por aquí. Se suele llenar a la hora de la comida (13.00) pero abren ininterrumpido hasta las 18 así q podéis venir más tarde (a nuestro horario de comer...) Y comer tranquilos. Buen ambiente y también se puede coger para llevar. No tienen alcohol pero si queréis traer vuestra botella solo os cobran el descorche. Sin duda repetiré cuando vuelva.

Taste of Italy in heart of Leith.. best Italian food that we had in a long time..

Wow so beautifully Italian and authentic. Menu with a few options which changes regularly, everything is super fresh and traditional. The folks who run it are so wonderful, especially the nonna through the back. Great ambience, and they even serve crodino!

Great food and fantastic atmosphere

grazie grazie grazie. Grilled vegetables with mozzarella and pesto panini! Such a taste sensation I swear the world stopped spinning for a second. Until next time

Absolutely amazing Italian deli. One of the best spots in the city for a quick sandwich, such a hidden gem. The home made lentil soup is also delicious.

The family that run Gaia are so lovely. The food is amazing, simple, and freshly made to order. The deli has a good selection, and there are good Sicilian and other Italian treats. They also sell 00 flour.

Great Italian Deli with good food

My first visit, warm and friendly service and delicious, authentic pasta and panini dishes. Also a selection of sicilian delicacies to take home.

Gaia is a cozy place to have an intimate lunch with your partner, parents or friends. It radiates the Italian way of life with friendly staff, aesthetic design and amazing food. Great prices for the quality and quantity. Delicious vegan option too. 10/10 I recommend 110%

Friendly staff. So nice. I had a 4 cheese panini. Delicious. Proper Italian style bread. Didn't have to wait long on my food and it was busy enough. Seating inside and on the street. Not many spaces so you might need to wait a bit at peak times.

Popped in for a bite to eat. Never AGAIN! Food was not freshly prepared, also the huge waitress served us our plates of pasta, but one of our party noticed her hygiene was questionable, she kept scratching her neck and wiping her face, and never washed her hands before serving us. Wasted lunch. For all 5 of us.

All very yummy and great little place to eat lovely decor

Once inside, you feel like you are in Italy! Love this place and the the food is so delicious 👌🏽

A genuine a Sicilian deli, with truly homemade pasta dishes, cheese and salamid hidden opposite Pilrig church. Worth the detour

O-là-là, what a place! From the sweet Italian interior to their local products, fresh pasta and nice staff, everything was perfect. And the prices are so reasonable! Try out their fizzy drinks, they’re made of different types of citrus fruits. Grazie!

Delicious food, lovely service. Great vibe. Highly recommend

Brilliant small Sicilian cafe with good selection of authentic panini, pasta and deserts. With great coffee and unusual cold drinks on offer.

Gaia is great. Tasty food, good coffee and lovely customer service

Pasta is amazing. Atmosphere is so cosy and could spend hours here - highly recommend.

ahhh un posto in leith che fa pasta ITALIANA buonissima!!! (e tante altre cose). Posto veramente carino, e i prezzi anche sono buoni. GRAZIE. <3

Amazing. Eat here. Soon. Diavolo or die! 😂🤣

My partner and I visit often. Small but a must visit !

Really tasty food and great coffee

Really tasty honest food! Thanks so much!

Some time ago in a seafood restaurant a waiter recommended Gaia to me, and I am grateful to that coz the food and coffee in Gaia were amazing. We had two different pasta dishes, a salmon linguine and a fusilli in tomato sauce with aubergines. And they are done AL DENTE! The pasta was both tender and chewy, a texture I have long missed! This was a huge surprise indeed. And we had the mixed bruschettas as starter, which served 3 different types – green pesto with mozzarella, olive and aubergines in tomato sauce, and spinach on melted cheese. All tasted very great with a generous amount of fillings. And the cappuccino served there was great - it was a dry one with a thicker layer of foamed milk.