An iconic Edinburgh restaurant has reopened after a £250K refurbishment.
Contini George Street, Victor and Carina Contini’s flagship Italian restaurant, has relaunched with a brand new menu, décor and dining experience.
The revamp sees the interior of the 4,500 square foot former banking hall transformed – with banquette seating in soft grey leather, an open bar area, and striking wall hangings depicting Italian frescos.
A new menu, with a focus on small plates that can be shared, has been introduced, as well as a refreshed wine list and cocktail selection inspired by classic Italian drinks.
Owner Carina Contini commented:
“We are really excited to present the new-look Contini George Street, and delighted with the feedback so far from guests old and new.
“When we first opened, our menu was a reflection of the Italian food passed on to us from our grandparents – hearty meals like lasagne, pizza, and carbonara. While these are all delicious, the way people eat has changed.
Now, guests want to try lots of different dishes, sharing them with friends rather than ordering a traditional starter, main course and pudding. So we have created a menu with sharing in mind, featuring fresh, delicious flavor combinations, which still showcase the very best Italian ingredients and the pick of Scotland’s larder.”
The new Contini George Street menu features dishes such as Salame Calabrese with roasted aubergine, mint, crème fraiche and pistachio crumb; cod poached in cold pressed olive oil with fennel, samphire and chili; and a raw cauliflower, porcini and lemon oil salad with breadcrumbs and Venetian spiced walnuts.
Meanwhile, “old favourites” like Contini’s classic Contadino can still be enjoyed, but in smaller, lighter portions.
The wine list offers a choice of over 55 Italian wines by the glass and bottle, with the unusual addition of a ‘to go’ price for every bottle, so that diners can take home their favourite to enjoy. Meanwhile, cocktail options include the classic Italian Negroni served with Edinburgh Gin; Campari Arancio; and a “Ferrari’ Gin & Tonic, served with Contini espresso.
For more information, menus, opening hours and bookings, visit www.contini.com