Photo of
February 17, 2017
Contini George Street
Contini George Street is looking very dapper.

Contini George Street has relaunched and promises Italian food for a new generation.

The 5pm Dining blog was invited along to see the fresh look and try the new sharing menu at the popular Italian restaurant.

Launched by Victor and Carina Contini in 2004, the spacious former banking hall has reopened after a £250K refurbishment.

The revamp sees the introduction of banquette seating in soft grey leather, an open bar area, and striking wall hangings depicting Italian frescos.

Contini George Street
Baroque frescos are part of the new look at Contini George Street.

A new menu, with a focus on small sharing plates, has been introduced, as well as a refreshed wine list and cocktail selection inspired by classic Italian drinks.

‘This is Italian food for the new generation,’ said Carina. ‘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.

Contini family meal

‘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. This is the food we eat as a family at home. It still showcases the very best Italian ingredients and the pick of Scotland’s larder. The difference is that it is lighter.’

‘The sharing plates are a way of getting guests to try something new,’ said Victor. ‘The different dishes have lots of different flavours and textures. We want people to share them and mix and match those tastes. The menu is still seasonal and it will evolve.’

Lighter portions

The new Contini George Street menu features dishes such as salami Calabrese with roasted aubergine, mint, crème fraiche and pistachio crumb; cod poached in cold pressed olive oil with fennel, samphire and chilli; 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 take home price for every bottle.

Victor and Carina Contini own three award-winning restaurants around Edinburgh; Contini George Street, Cannonball Restaurant & Bar at the top of The Royal Mile and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant underneath The Scottish National Galleries on Princes Street.

Contini 2017
Calabrese salami with roasted aubergine, mint, crème fraiche and pistachio crumb.

This Calabrian salami had a punchy, peppery bite.

Mozzarella di bufala DOP with figs, Italian honey and sourdough toast.
Mozzarella di bufala DOP with figs, Italian honey and sourdough toast.

Silky cheese and crispy sourdough: good combo.

Cod poached in cold pressed olive oil with fennel, samphire and chilli.
Cod poached in cold pressed olive oil with fennel, samphire and chilli.

I don’t know if it was because of the olive oil poaching but this had a firm almost meaty texture.

Scottish venison haunch, cavolo nero, roasted balsamic onions, dried figs and Aceto di Musto.
Scottish venison haunch, cavolo nero, roasted balsamic onions, dried figs and Aceto di Musto.

This was a rich winter warmer of a dish.

Raw cauliflower with porcini and lemon oil, breadcrumbs and Venetian spiced walnuts.
Raw cauliflower with porcini and lemon oil, breadcrumbs and Venetian spiced walnuts.

My picture doesn’t do this justice but this was an excellent winter salad.

Raw fennel, Tarocco orange salad, green olives and Acacia honey.
Raw fennel, Tarocco orange salad, green olives and Acacia honey.

Zing, zing, zing.

 Bombolini: Italian for irresistible.
Bombolini: Italian for irresistible.

Any day that features something called a bombolini is bound to be a good day.