DINNER
I
f thoughts of Italian food amount to nothing more than pizza, enough for a light bite for two. My dining companion followed
spag bol and a side of garlic bread, it’s time to reassess your this with large ribbons of pasta tossed in a sauce of olive oil,
views. Italian cuisine is rich, diverse and, with the exception courgettes, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, rocket and
of the tourist-friendly calorie laden creamy dishes, healthy too. topped with pan seared scallops, £9.95, subtle in flavour, and
devoid of overpowering sauces which only serve to camouflage
Unfortunately, we are a long way from Italy but flying the flag for
authentic regional Italian cuisine in the capital is Bella Mbriana.
the main event – the freshly made pasta.
The restaurant looks the part, sounds the part (most, if not all,
I opted for the charcoaled grilled fish - a feast of perfectly
employees are native Italians) and has that money-can’t-buy
cooked flavoursome swordfish, tuna, monkfish, scallops
relaxed vibe for the Italians are famed.
and langoustine garnished with a touch of black pepper and
The Napoleon owners, Andrea Cuomo and Chef Rosario
served with a wedge of lemon and side salad drizzled with
Sartore - previously of La Partenope on Dalry Road - have a
balsamic £16.95.
genuine passion for Italian food and their homeland. By bucking
Bella Mbriana is real Italian cooking, served with real Italian
the trend of pizza and lasagne, the menu is refreshing, offering
accents and ambience. The restaurant is split into a bar area
rustic Italian food from every region, with a little help from their
for drinks and nibbles, whilst the ground floor restaurant offers
friends. The other three Italian chefs hail from Sardinia, Puglia
a light and airy alternative to the more intimate basement
and Milan.
restaurant. Dishes with their own integrity and identity, this is
The menu changes weekly and is varied with locally sourced
rustic food at its best.
fresh seafood and meats mixed with vegetables, pastas,
*A lunch and early dinner menu is served Monday to Friday
olive oils and cheeses imported from Italy. Starting modestly,
11am-2.30pm/5pm-7pm priced £8.95 for two courses.
we shared the mixed sliced cured Italian meats served with
a deliciously crisp Sardinian Percorino cheese and d’acacia Bella Mbriana, 11 East London St, Tel: 0131 558 9581,
honey £6.95. There’s no scrimping on the meats here so it’s just
www.bella-mbriana.com
Now serving Sunday Roast
Just £15 for 3 courses & coffee
New Summer menu now available Wine Tasting Dinners
using fresh local ingredents Whisky Tasting Dinners
Lunch served 12 - 3pm Tuesday - Sunday
Private Dining (up to 45)
Set Price Dinner - £22
Dinner served 6pm - 10pm Tuesday - Saturday
Lunch from £7.50
Please quote ‘i-on’ when making your booking.
Calistoga Southside, Calistoga Central,
93 St. Leonards St., 70 Rose St. Lane North
Stuart House, Eskmills, Station Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 7PQ
EH8 9QY Tel - 668 4207 EH2 3DX Tel - 225 1233
Tel: 0131 273 5240
2 minutes to Queens Hall 2 minutes to Princes St.
www.theglasshouseateskmills.com
www.Calistoga.co.uk
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