Giulianos in Edinburgh, City of

If you want an authentic Italian try Giulianos as the food was delicious and tasty and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The layout of the restaurant and pictures make it with the atmosphere for the Italian feel with the staff in red Scottish theme waistcoats. Will definitely be back.

Overall a very weird experience. One of the waiters was just rude - making a comment when we didn’t finish one piece of food, abrasive attitude, etc. Both pasta dishes were incredibly bland and lacked any flavor. The major issue with one dish is that the vegetables tasted like they were previously frozen and just defrosted. Food tasted like it was from a dining hall. Owner was lovely so that was the one upside.

Had a lovely dinner! food was amazing came so quick after ordering. staff were amazing so kind with great customer service.Our family has loved this restaurant for years!

Not been in here in years. However, have to say, going three bought back some good memories and the food was spot on. Also, the service was great. I’ll definitely be going back soon

Food was fine for the most part. The starters- Garlic Bread and Brucetta- were very well done. However the mains seemed to be slapped together very quickly and somewhat undercooked. The ham on my pizza felt cheap and undercooked and the dough itself tasted half baked, especially on the base. We had come in just after the big theatre rush, so maybe it was just a bad time. It took a while to get hold of someone to get our bill for us and when we did, it was given very begrudgingly. Hopefully it was just a bad night, but I came away very disappointed.

The food was generally good, except for the desserts, like tiramisu and cheesecake. Maybe it was my wrong perception or prejudice that waiting staff would try their best to put on some smile or at least be as friendly as possible. Not there.

The restaurant has a typically Italian design. Unfortunately, the food was neither visually nor tasty. Garlic bread with cheese? Carelessly covered with a slice without letting the bread toast. Polpette Pizzaliano? large, bland meatballs in a tomato-like sauce that tasted like ready-made food. Most of the lasagna tasted like nothing with a delicate tomato flavor. The service was quick. So fast that it felt like you were in a cafeteria. No recommendation, no advice. Only the boss was open to criticism and granted a discount because of the disappointment. Better cuisine would have made the evening end more pleasantly…

We were in Edinburgh last year and couldn’t find anywhere to eat, everywhere was either full or the kitchens were already closed, it was only 8pm. We then discovered this Italian, even though they had a lot of customers in, including a birthday party, they could accommodate a table for 2, we only wanted a main meal each and a drink. The prices were reasonable, the food was good and arrived at the table in good time, the staff were friendly and the atmosphere was good. We’d return here if in the area.

A real traditional Italian. I'm guessing it is family run. The menu is extensive and done very well. The prices of both food and drinks are very reasonable.

With a menu this extensive, you'll find yourself having trouble choosing! However, no matter what you pick, I am sure that this place will not leave you feeling disappointed. The service is very quick. Thank you to the staff for a lovely evening!

Staff and food where amazing . Would highly recommend this wonderful restaurant

Arrived early for booking but was seated. Xmas treat for my mum, meal here then over yo the playhouse to see Joseph. Mains and desserts all round, reasonable portions, tasty food, I had chicken in a spicy sauce tagliatelle bolognese for sister and chicken in a mushroom cream sauce. All clean plates then we all had hot apple pie and ice cream big portion and lovely. Only thing is it should say that raisins and cinnamon are also in it. Reasonable prices and worth a visit .

This is the best Italian restaurant in Edinburgh. Please try this place fantastic food and the staff cater for your every wish. Try the Ham Shank with Italian beans, superb

Oft. Nothing like it once was. Cramped tables, waiters putting on fake Italian accents, standard frank and bennies type food, overpriced. Disappointing also that the chefs just go outside the front of the shop with their chef gear on and spark up cigerettes then come straight back in…sort of unhygienic

I was shocked by the very poor service we received. I’m disappointed really as my friends have come here for years with their family. We arrived at 4.50pm, we were taken to our table at the rear of the restaurant and then abandoned. It was quiet, only about 8-10 tables. I had to go to the front desk at 5.15pm to ask to order our drinks then I was glared at by the older gentleman, I assume this was the owner. Eventually someone arrived to take our drinks order. When we said we were ready to order our food he said his colleague would take this. 10 more minutes then someone arrived to take our order. I felt we were an inconvenience to them. I’ve not experienced poor service like this for a long time. When our food arrived, my father’s meal was missing. Again, we had to raise this with the waiter. He never even apologised. Overall the food was good but the poor service was a huge disappointment.

Very unfriendly staff and slow, poor service 👎

Very touristy restaurant. The service was unfriendly and you didn't feel comfortable. For example, they pulled the plates out from under our noses and put the bill down without asking. The food itself was ok, but nothing more.

Good Italian restaurant. Great choice, very good quality and nice price. In short, value for money and away from the hustle and bustle of Royal Mile and Princess street. Just go there, you won't be disappointed.

The restaurant is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside so if it looks crowded, go in anyways and check again. It really goes deep in. We went on a Wednesday, early dinner at 4:45 PM and we're immediately seated. The food: it was delicious! We ordered the Spice pizza, pasta, garlic bread and a tiramisu and Eclair dessert. The Spice pizza was actually pretty spicy hence the name, but it was good! The menu states there is chili in it but it's not like hearty chili, it's chili oil with chili. The pasta was really good too, but I forgot what it was called. The tiramisu and the eclair desserts were very good as well. The food came out really quickly and was hot. There is a decent selection of wines as well for wine lovers. I just got the cheap house white and was very pleased with it lol. The service was very good as well. Multiple people checked on us a few times. We enjoyed our time here. We don't live here but would come back if we did.

Haven't visited in a while. Arrived on a very quiet Monday evening. Food was nice, but not 5 star worthy. Minestrone Soup didn't look very appealing, it was a little salty but nice. The meatballs on the main were very hard, typical of being made ahead of time and frozen for reheating rather than made fresh.

5 stars for going above and beyond. We had a great meal but left a bag behind by mistake. 100m down the road - on a dark rainy night - I had a tap on the shoulder. One of the staff had come out and found us to give it back. Thank you so much!

A brilliant family restaurant. We've visited several times a year over 20+ years and always found the brilliant staff friendly, & very helpful plus they remember regulars. The food is always fantastic. We've tried most things on the menu and never been disappointed. We miss their Leith venue. If you're lucky Guiliano may be there himself!

Excellent food, good service, great value.

Food was excellent as always but unfortunately service not so good. Waiter was too quick to take away plates. In fact he tried taking mine away when I was still eating!! He walked back and forth watching and waiting and it made me feel uncomfortable. I’ve been a few times and always feel rushed. Such a shame but I will think twice about returning I’m afraid.

Haven't been here for a while. Friendly staff busy restaurant and food was lovely. There is a set menu with three or four different choices for your starters, mains and sweets. You could also order from the main menu as well.

Here for pre theatre dinner. We were running late but kept our table. Took our order promptly so we could be served quickly. Pizza was very good.

If you are looking for a truly Italian restaurant, this is the right place! Excellent food, very friendly staff! If I were to return to Edinburgh I would return without a doubt!

First time in this Italian restaurant. Great service and delicious food - sea bass fillets for my partner, chicken diavola (🔥) for me.

I went back to here twice during my one week stay. The food tastes amazing, the prices are reasonable, and the staff members are nice. I love the atmosphere and I’ll come back the next time I’m here. I have recommended it to my family members.

Excellent food, very extensive menu and very friendly staff. As an Italian, you feel at home

Excellent food, this is the only reason I gave them 3 stars. Their service is the 2 missing stars. The staff is very rude. I would never go back. That’s how bad their service is.

The best place in Scotland to go to, just fantastic

The food is excellent and you are served quickly. Space not very attractive. But it is rude to increase the bill by 10% in order to extract an extra tip from tourists. Therefore, a big fail for these types of scams!

Went for dinner last night. Food was good, staff was a bit rude. For sure they where no longer enjoying their work.

We chose two salads, pasta and pizza. Very very rich. Maybe too much vinegar in the salad, and we would have chosen a pepper that was not preserved... but still very delicious... but also, the dessert... uufff delicious! We chose tiramisu and crepe filled with ice cream and strawberries…

Good Italian food. Italian service. Spacious, clean and pleasant environment. High prices but appropriate for Edinburgh

We dined here twice as a large group this summer while travelling from Canada - the service was friendly, accommodating and they easily fit us in with little notice. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. Would highly recommend. Our server, Max, was the highlight of our first visit there!

Have always loved Giulianos food excellent staff very friendly

A terrific Italian place across from the city-center Courtyard. Splendid seabass and pizza!

Staff brusk. Good average at best. Stuffed pasta with lobster was poor.

Arrived unannounced mid afternoon last Friday for lunch before attending early the evening performance of the Tattoo. Not too busy at that time. Very busy when we left at 5pm. Friendly attentive staff and a lovely meal. We chose from the three course pre theatre menu which was very good value for good food. We will dine there again!

This place was very good. Food came out quickly and was tasty. But if you only try one thing here you HAVE to get the torta fantastica dessert. It is delicious. Such great flavors. My friend and I each got one, and said at almost the exact same time, “I think this is the best dessert I’ve ever had.” I would go back just for this.

Excellent choice, everything we ate we enjoyed. Service was attentive and quick. Booked again for the weekend.

We came in with a large group of Canadian Girl Guides and Guiders (4 adults, 14 teenagers), and we were able to get a table right away. Our first meeting was with the owner warmly greeting us. Our server Max was absolutely brilliant and incredible. He handled our exhausted, hungry group with grace, patience and an incredible sense of humour. He was so kind, and kept us all smiling! The food was spectacular and everyone enjoyed what they ate! It was all so great that they asked us to take them back again for a second visit!

I was craving for some pasta and the restaurant was close by where I was staying. The owner gave a warm welcome. It told a whole to order despite 2 Italian waiters am walking around pretending being busy. I placed my order : water , glass of verdicchio wine and spaghetti with seafood. I asked to get water as soon as possible . Minutes after I stopped another waiter asking for water. Then finally my plate arrived…… risotto with seafood 😅🥲 Waiter saw my perplessety and asked me if was ok and I said that wasn’t what I ordered , to him, he offered to change since I said the rice was overcooked and he said that pasta will be the same , so I kept my risotto , which was very tasty. Then I asked , again, for the wine that I ordered previously.

The appetizers were delicious. The mains were perfectly authentic. Service was excellent despite the restaurant being fully packed and they were hosting a wedding dinner on one side.

Both had a main meal. So full we could not fit in a dessert. Food and wine excellent. Good atmosphere and service.

The place is a little dated, the food is excellent, Mr. Giuliano is very friendly and welcoming. You can certainly find Italy on your plate.

Impressively average with poor service, served in a loud, dated environment.

Giulisnos is a hidden gem! It does not look that great from the street but the food and service is excellent! The restaurant is much bigger than you think and this gives a great atmosphere! I find most Italian restaurants all very much the same but I haven’t say the dishes I chose were different but absolutely delicious! Can’t recommend enough

Feels like a family owned Italian resteruant, plenty of locals giving it a good atmosphere, food was amazing and the price was good for the quality of the food.

Today we had lunch in this Italian restaurant, at the invitation of a friend of ours. We met Mr. Pietro, the chef, a kind and helpful man. We ate divinely; the pizza was very good, as was the fish starter. The salmon pasta is divine, as is the saffron salmon steak. The children were delighted to find tortellini with meat sauce after a long time. Highly recommended.

We walked in not expecting much based on location. We were immediately greeted by a nice and funny host who seated us immediately. The owner (we think he was the owner) really friendly. Our server however, not so much. He was not kind nor was he pleasant. The food however was delicious, the menu big, great desserts, nice wine (meh, ok wine), and most of the staff seemed to care. Not our server.

Cracking Italian restaurant, food & service and just as important, great Italian wine!! Also perfect if your all are visiting the playhouse which is directly across the road!!!

A small Italian restaurant with good food and good vibes! Reasonably priced and a great little place to go before a show. The staff were very friendly and approachable. Will be back.

A very nice restaurant with super delicious food. It's inconspicuous from the outside, so we almost walked past it. If we visit Edinburgh again, we will definitely be guests there again.

Thank you so much. We ate very well and the service was 10. We will be back

Ate here as we visited some years ago and really enjoyed it. However on Saturday 25th May when we visited with our nephew and his wife before the Edinburgh marathon, our visit was disappointing. We were put at the back of the restaurant where it was very dark, had to ask repeatedly for tap water for the table and for the bill. Staff were surly and the food was only adequate. My pasta was overcooked and two of our party had upset tummies all that night. I don't feel inclined to return after this experience.

As a group of 4, we visited Guilianos the evening before running the Edinburgh Marathon. We received a very warm welcome as soon as we arrived, and the host and our waitress were 5* Service was prompt and all staff attentive. Food was very good, we all ordered different starters and mains, no one was disappointed. Don't expect fine dining, but more traditional comfort food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I would certainly return to Giulianos should I visit Edinburgh again!!!

Had dinner here last night before seeing a show in the Playhouse. It was lovely, intimate yet busy. The food was delicious and the wide variety on the menu was mouthwatering. Then the dessert was to dies for. I will be back very soon as I have a list of food I need to try on the menu.

Finally a restaurant where you can get a seat even without a reservation. The food was very good and the service was nice. Especially the boss. It was just very loud, but that was due to the acoustics of the rooms.

To go back to the same restaurant TWICE, in a city that has countless food offerings, when you’re only here for two weeks on vacation is the highest compliment that I can give. The food here is PHENOMENAL. I had the chicken mushroom pasta in cream sauce both times: the flavor was lovely without being too rich or overbearing and the chicken was beyond tender. Their focaccia is some of the best I’ve ever had in my life. Their mozzarella is fresh and creamy. I’m not going to bother telling you how good the tiramisu is, it’s not possible to put into words. The staff are also so kind and friendly! It felt like eating at home, with family. Side note for my small appetite girls … you can order “baby” portions! I did not know this but was politely informed when I couldn’t finish their VERY generous portions!

We came here, because another restaurant hadn't a free table. The service is excellent and the food is fresh. The Food itself was realy delicious and the size of the portions were great. A realy good tip for a dessert is the Tiramisu. The next time, we are in Edinburgh, we will come again.

Amazing italian food! No notes, apart from it being a bit on the expensive side (but still fair for the quality). Service wasn't great, honestly, but still OK.

Lovely food and servers. Was very cheery. I recommend the meat feast pizza 👍👍

BEST ITALIAN IN EDINBURGH! Really delicious Penne vegetarania and garlic bread, washed down with VERY good Primitivo. Husband enjoyed delicious vegetable calzone. Amazing atmosphere. Great service. You must come! Giuliano’s is one of Edinburgh’s BEST LOVED institutions!! 😀🍷👍🍕Thank you guys! Xxxxx

Decent food, but nothing more. Overcooked squid. Any risotto, accompanied by an ordinary sauce. Decent ravioli. The quantities are small: not many ravioli, but accompanied by a very good saffron sauce. The strawberry cheesecake, on the other hand, won all the votes. The service is very fast, but cold, without a smile. The servers look tired and stressed.

Spaghetti carbonara!!!!! Who knew you can get great Italian food in Edinburgh ! So yummy.

Everything is excellent. Very good Italian food.

We spontaneously went to eat at Giulianos and were lucky that there were still free tables. From the outside the place looks small, but when you go inside it's amazing how big and spacious the place is. We were warmly welcomed by the host at the counter, who accompanied us to the table. The food was great, good Italian cuisine and served quickly. There is a star deduction for the waiter Mauro. He somehow didn't like us. That bothered us. He didn't enjoy his work that evening. At the table next door, he could even smile a little. However, he didn't even bring us the bill, as usual with the other guests, but instead directed us straight to the counter. It's a shame, Mauro gave us the feeling that he wasn't in the mood. The other employees behaved professionally. We would come again, but we would speak out to Mauro if he repeatedly behaved inappropriately. Greetings to Ancona ;-)

Found by accident as looked quite small but it was large on the inside. Proper family feel, food was some of the best italian we have ever had. Will definitely return if we are ever in Edinburgh again. Highly recommend!

Poor service attitude, discrimination against Asians, lack of professionalism in service, sincere and polite towards others but constantly delaying our requests. In the end, when my friend felt uncomfortable and wanted to pay and leave, it took a whole twenty minutes to settle the bill for just three pasta dishes and three drinks. Initially, they even gave us the wrong receipt, charging us a total of £162. It took them another ten minutes to provide the correct receipt. Poor service attitude, discriminating against Asians, no professional service attitude, treating others sincerely and politely, but delaying us again and again. In the end, my friend felt uncomfortable and wanted to check out and leave, but it took him a full 20 minutes and only had three meals. A pasta, three drinks, but the wrong receipt was given at first, a total of 162 pounds, and it took 10 minutes to give a correct receipt.

Loved the food, ambience, service, and prices.

What a treasure of a restaurant!! We had the most wonderful time here - such lovely, attentive staff, and the food was honestly out of this world (especially the AMAZING desserts!). We could not have asked for more, and all at a very reasonable price. This is such a special place, and we can’t wait to come back very soon!

The restaurant itself was a bit cold, food was reasonably priced good sized portions and very nice. The staff were officiant and friendly

I just love Giulianos 🤍 we always come for some comfort food! Always feel at home ! Grazie ragazzi

Very nice place, Italian atmosphere, Italian service, beautiful, the food was quality, I can say that I have eaten one of the best vegetarian pizzas, the contadina, I have not had it so good in Rome. The only problem is the price, three pizzas, a spaghetti carbonara and two beers, almost 80 euros to change, in Rome they were cheaper, it is true that Edinburgh is more expensive. If you like good pasta and it doesn't hurt to give up the pasta, it's a good place.

Very good food and great atmosphere. Friendly staff,the only downside is that we were done in 45 minutes

Amazing food, incredible service. The waiters/waitress' were absolutely amazing/hilarious. Had a really good time, so tasty. Only problem is that the Arancini was quite a small portion, would like to have had more - but so very tasty. No other faults, I'm very happy with my experience - 5 stars <3

Nice food but very fast turnaround.

Really great food. Decent prices. Accommodating staff. Had a great time. The profiteroles are buonissimi!

Very nice restaurant food good nice staff and good service

Very average if you like to eat Italian food, the place is very nice and spacious

Food was absolutely amazing! Would definitely recommend keeping room for a dessert and having the crepe! Staff are lovely and super helpful. Pricing was great for being so close to the theatre.

I ordered a rib eye steak. It came with 2 potato cut into 6, 3 slices of carrot, 2 Cauliflower florets and 2 broccoli florets. The steak it's self was so dry I could hardly swallow it. Awful for the price

We had a pre theatre lunch and enjoyed beautiful sea bass.

Fantastic restaurant the food is amazing and the staff are so friendly and helpful

Great restaurant. First time for us. The place was fully booked. It's a genuine Italian restaurant. Bruschetta was amazing! Risotto a bit too al dente..not so creamy. The salmon meal was very delicious but could have been hotter. Luscious desserts. Cool coffee. Service very fast!! We would go back. Sorry, your waiters were grumpy when we visited.

Visited on the 30th of December. Chose this restaurant as we were attending a show at the playhouse afterwards, as it’s situated directly across it makes it very convenient. Food was ok. Party of 3, 2 of which had finished starters, 1 still eating when mains were brought out. Felt very rushed, no clean cutlery was given for mains and had to go and find a waiter to ask for more. Mains finished and had to ask to see desert menu, took about 15 mins for this to be given, once we chose what to have we had to then ask to order as nobody had came back to the table. Waited 25 mins for deserts to be brought out. When leaving we asked for the bill to which we had to then wait again and actually ended up paying on the way out (everyone else seemed to have the same idea as they had waited so long for their bills) the gent dealing with customers at the front desk was very very abrupt and actually took my bank card from my hand to tap without asking (never seen this happen anywhere before) no please or thank you. Felt as if they were so busy that they just wanted you in and out restaurant as fast as they could. Staff very rude and don’t seem too bothered to giving a good service, convenience for playhouse is excellent but will chose somewhere else next visit.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Edinburgh!

pre Theatre meal before crossing to The Playhouse

Molto bravi e porzioni abbondanti

Wouldn't go anywhere else fab food great service

I highly recommend it. Food is amazing, home mande authentic food . Everything was perfect, and the service was excellent. We were served by Francesco, and he was great . A special mention of Giuliano,the owner who ensured we had a bit more of everything.

Phoned on tne off chance and got a table quickly. Fantabulous food, honestly soo good, authentic and fresh. Lovely friendly staff and great atmosphere 👌 Loved it thanks so much

Lovely resturant & friendly staff.

1st time here, what a great place to eat. We had lunch, and the food was awesome, taste, flavour, and quality. The staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and happy. We had a great lunch in a great restaurant. Definitely will go back when visiting Edinburgh

Good food, service can be more refined

Lovely experience, lovely food.

Great for large family celebrations and food good. Good price and staff could do no more to ensure that you had a great time.