Cucina

Cucina's lunch menu is delicious, modern and affordable. The selection of dishes is very good and certainly suited my needs. Haven't been there for dinner, but the place was really beautiful and I am sure it would be a great place to go with your significant other... Or just for lunch or dinner with friends.

Summary: Fine Italian dining in the centre of Edinburgh, but expensive. Cucina is an Italian-themed restaurant attached to G&V Royal Mile Hotel. Like the hotel, the décor is almost painfully stylish, with blacks and white complemented by splashes of bright colour and moody lighting. This, combined, forms a vibrant space where eternally happy staff zip from table to table with fixed 5-star smiles. Though undoubtedly friendly, I found the service, like the surroundings, somewhat soulless, standing in contrast to other fine dining restaurants in the centre of Edinburgh. Further, my chair was uncomfortable -- the upholstery a touch too stiff -- which did not marry well with the hip, relaxed surroundings. That said, the food was absolutely delicious, and the wine list offered a broad mix of old world and new, certain to appeal to any taste. However, given many other Italian restaurants can be found in the local area, some of which have equally good food, but often at significantly lower prices, it's hard to recommend Cucina above its peers. That said, if you happen to be staying at the hotel, convenience alone makes it a perfect option, especially as the food really is that good.

Food: We ordered three starters (the octopus, the caprese and the zucchini) along with three entrees (the lasagna, the lamb and the ribeye steak). Everything was delicious especially the lasagne. For dessert we shared ice cream. Drinks: We ordered one bottle of red wine. Price: 105.25 GBP for three people. Ambiance: The restaurant is very nice and wasn't very crowded. Service: It was fine and our waitress was friendly. Would I go back? Yes, it's good food and convenient if you're staying in the hotel.

I won dinner here recently, and rather enjoyed the experience. We dined from the A La Carte menu, starting with a mountain of bread and olive oil. Moving on to fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, I am still dreaming of, was delish. Then we had Rib eye steak, I have had better, (Montieths) but the sides, mushroom and puree potato, were amazing! We finished with sharing the almond cake and poached pear, and the tiramasi. As a lady, I loved the fact I did not feel full, but the BF was searching my plate for more. He does sometimes appear to have a bottomless stomach though. Service was attentive but not obtrusive. In fact leaning more towards unobtrusive. The restaurant was busy and I made a note to remember to dine here more in the future. It's easy to forget this little gem as it nestles so snugly within Hotel Misonni.

Step one foot into Hotel Missoni and you instantly start to feel more stylish. Walk up the glass staircase to the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Cucina, and you’ll swear you could have just entered one of Milan’s ‘places to be’. And that is just the beginning of what is, overall, one of the best dining experiences I have had in Edinburgh. First of all, we need to talk about the bread basket. I have never seen anything like it. A small flour sack is crammed full of an assortment of warm breads, from tomato focaccia, sourdough and breadsticks, it’s plentiful and made fresh on the premises every day. The selection and quality of the bread is worth the trip to Cucina alone. Starters are nicely balanced with meat and vegetarian options, and some highly inventive salads. Main courses are truly Italian, and the pasta is some of the best I have tasted, cooked al dente and with combinations like day-long cooked pork ragu and squid and chilli, I always find it hard to see beyond the pasta menu. For those of you looking for something a little more carb-friendly, there are lots of meat and fish dishes on offer. My partner has had both the steak and fish and has waxed lyrical about how good they were afterwards. If you’ve got room, the puddings are amazing – the chocolate tasting menu is like visiting heaven itself. I tend to go for the cheese – I’m the definition of a cheese girl – and this is a nice balance of mild and punchy cheeses. I can’t finish this review without mentioning the staff. It’s clear from the level of service throughout your meal that you are dining in a five-star hotel, and that is definitely not a bad thing. Service is timely, efficient, and the staff are very knowledgeable. All of this makes Cucina one of my favourite restaurants in Edinburgh. Now, if only I could get my hands on some of that warm bread right now!