Karen Peattie looks behind the scenes at the relaunched Contini George Street in Edinburgh as the popular restaurant opens its doors following a £250,000 refurbishment
CONTINI George Street, Victor and Carina Contini’s flagship Italian restaurant, has relaunched with a brand new menu, décor and dining experience.
The £250,000 revamp sees the interior of the 4,500sqft 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 also been introduced as well as a refreshed wine list and cocktail selection inspired by classic Italian drinks.
“We are really excited to present the new-look Contini George Street and delighted with the feedback so far from guests old and new,” says Carina Contini.
“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 flavour 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 chilli; and raw cauliflower, porcini and lemon oil salad with breadcrumbs and Venetian spiced walnuts.
Meanwhile, old favourites like Contini’s classic Contadino are still available 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 diners can take home their favourite to enjoy. Cocktail options include the classic Italian Negroni served with Edinburgh Gin; Campari Arancio; and a “Ferrari’ Gin & Tonic, served with Contini espresso.
Victor and Carina Contini own three award-winning restaurants in iconic locations around Edinburgh – Contini George Street, Cannonball Restaurant & Bar at the top of The Royal Mile and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant underneath the Scottish National Gallery on Princes Street.
Committed to serving delicious food and drink, the Continis work with a dedicated network of over 70 local suppliers around Scotland. They also make daily deliveries from their one-acre kitchen garden at their home in Lasswade, just outside Edinburgh. The business also operates Contini Events.