Where to find the best pasta dishes in Edinburgh

Easily one of Edinburgh’s top Italian restaurants, Vittoria on the Bridge is part of the wider Vittoria group, all of whose eateries can be relied upon for good pasta. Three generations of the Crolla family have been at the helm, and they’ve brought durum wheat pasta from Gragnano (on the southern edge of Naples) to ensure a fully authentic southern taste. Gluten-free and lactose-free diners are taken good care of; allergens are clearly marked on menus, but to make doubly sure, the kitchen places a little Italian flag on the gluten-free dishes so you know your order was received and made by the chefs correctly. Vittoria on the Bridge is also super family-friendly, so your little ones are sure to love the macaroni, penne and spaghetti options on the kids’ menu.

Here you’ll find simple, traditional recipes with La Locanda’s own personality layered over and packed with flavour. Try a homemade lasagna; linguine salmone; Manzo beef and ricotta cheese filled tortelloni served with red wine ragu and toasted parmesan; or pasta-polpette al sugo, with Aberdeen Angus mince meatballs. And you don’t have to have a large plateful – the antipasti options include ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach tossed in organic butter with fresh spinach, pine kernels and fresh herb sage. Eat inside or at the al fresco tables as you watch the bustle of Cockburn Street. Everyone is welcome at La Locanda, including your kids and your dogs!

This venue’s story begins two generations ago in the village of Castelvecchio di Barga in Tuscany, with Rico, the owner’s grandfather. Now it brings an authentic heritage and all-Italian passion for good food, to its refined and fashionable premises in the New Town. Here the pasta takes centre stage; made in-house from scratch with skill and talent by the resident chefs. It offers lunch and a la carte menus with primi piattis including pappardelle with organic Peelham Farm rose veal ragù, aged parmesan and black truffle and agnolotti with Goosnargh chicken and Perthshire mushrooms. And Rico’s Ristorante has a brand new cocktail bar, Ciao, which opened in November 2022, celebrating the negroni.

A contemporary take on Italian fine dining, this Stockbridge establishment is housed in a 19th-century building. The highly rated and reviewed radiCibus serves five and seven course tasting menus with optional wine pairings (curated from small family-run vineyards in Italy). But it’s the a la carte selection that provides the pasta delicacies. Order egg yolk and sheep ricotta raviolo with guanciale black pepper and pecorino, or roasted peppers and sweet potato buckwheat ravioli with macadamia nut and friggitello – the organic extra-virgin olive oil used is radiCibus’ own and the ingredients are locally/sustainably sourced wherever possible. Owned by Giovanni and Mara, this intimate venue has a small number of tables, retaining a bijou feel – book one for yourself so you can experience the tastes on offer at this hidden gem.

If you’re looking for lasagna, you’ve come to the right place. This restaurant is on the Grassmarket, under the watchful eye of the city’s fortress castle; as such, it’s a great place to bring your visitors to Edinburgh, who’ll be doubly impressed by the outlook and the food they’re served. o’Oliviero may be relaxed, but it also has an air of sophistication. Order its signature dish (Garfield’s favourite) oven baked with tomatoes, ragu and parmesan. Or you can opt for a fresh egg pappardelle, tagliatelle, trofiette or fettuccine dish. Dine in any day of the week, for lunch or dinner.