We needed a quick early dinner before going to the tattoo and came across Cafe Artista. We sat with the six of us outside in the sun enjoying a glass of wine and our pizzas and pastas. A perfect setting with lovely food. Very enjoyable indeed. read more

I contemplated keeping this review civil, but Cafe Artista, or its staff at least, deserves no such favour! I went there with some friends a while ago, had some pleasant chat with a man, one of the staff, and sat down. We then took a look at the menu, and decided we'd like to have something else (which I hope is still allowed!). As we were leaving, the previously nice man shouted after us, saying we were unwelcome any way, especially if we couldn't afford the menu.. and I believe he said he only wanted customers that could pay anyway! It's probably not very tasteful to swear on Yelp, so I'll just say the service was awful and he was a real (insert expletive here). Thank you. read more

Cafe Artista - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

It's New Year's eve and we needed some fuel before we head to one John's epic house parties. After a bit of searching on Yelp, I found Cafe Artista. Just around the corner form John's in Marchmont. A small restaurant promising authentic Italian cuisine, perfect! What better to soak up a stupid amount of alcohol with then a great big calzone. I booked a table for 4 over the phone. We arrived a tad early but that was perfectly fine with them. The restaurant is BYOB with no corkage so we made sure to have a couple of bottles of plonk with us. The decor is nothing special but it has a welcoming feel to it. The kitchen takes up half of the restaurant so you can see them working away. Our lovely waitress shows us to our table. The menu is simple with classic starters and pizza and pasta to follow. They have a few meat dishes so I go for the pan fried chicken in tomato sauce. My fellow diners opting for pizza and calzones. They don't offer gluten free pizza but they do for pasta. Our food arrives quicker than expected, which is great as we are starving. The pizzas are fabulous, thin and crispy on a wood fired base. My chicken dish is fresh tasting and very delicious. Be warned the portions are huge! We may need a disco nap before heading to John's party. Saying that, we do go for dessert. David cannot resist a piece of chocolate fudge cake, I go for good old vanilla icecream. Both very nice. This place is only very affordable - bonus! The bill coming to about £50 for the four of us. Cafe Artista is a great no-fuss, no- nonsense family run restaurant. The food is big and tasty! Don't expect a fine dining establishment but do expect to be well fed! Cheers, Amy read more

Cafe Artista - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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This is a lovely little cafe in Marchmont. i think that's doing it justice. I came here with a few friends and was not met by the most pleasant atmosphere. We were causing problems by moving seats around (there was 6 of us) and the displeasure could not have been made more clear. When we eventually sat down, all my friends ordered bacon rolls while I went for the Minestroni Soup. Bad choice. It was tasteless, watery and somehow rubbery, whilst my friends said their bacon rolls were amazing. But you can't really get them wrong, right?! When we came to pay there was a bit of trouble with splitting the bill, but we managed to sort it out amongst ourselves as the waitress was being really awkward with it. It wasn't the best experience, but I would go back to give it another chance. read more

Cafe Artista - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Cafe Artista is an inviting-looking cafe in Marchmont which sells decent food at reasonable prices. I didn't meet or even see the owner when I was in, but the food just took ages to arrive and the waitress had some beef wth me asking for a sausage and fried egg roll. What's so difficult about just sticking an egg on whilst you're cooking the sausages?!! In the end I just had a sausage roll which was pretty nice and my mate had a panini which he enjoyed. The place is clean and the decor is nice enough, but the service isn't really up to scratch. It was quite busy when we were in, although this doesn't justify waiting almost half an hour for a roll and a panini. Cafe Artista's good food and prices are certainly not matched by their service. read more

Cafe Artista - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I can't even begin to describe how horrible this experience was. We were accosted by the waitress who literally chased us outside just because we popped in looking for a table and there was no place to sit. She ended up screaming at us about how Americans are the problem, and that we weren't welcome anyway, and if we came back she would "throw us on our ass". Quite honestly this was a blow to common human decency. Lady, if you're reading this, you should think about making some serious life changes if you're this unhappy at complete strangers. Do NOT come to Cafe Artista. read more

I fantasize about real authentic Italian Coffee more than I have ever fantasized about some handsome bit of stuff in Armani underpants. So having recently moved to Edinburgh I was delighted when my flatmates informed me of a scrumptious Italian Eatery serving cups of the real Italian good stuff called Cafe Artista. What they failed to mention, however was the terrorizing test of faith, necessary to obtain the eventually delicious liquid. The proprietor, as authentically continental as his java, is how I imagine Bernard Black, of Black Books would be, had he actually existed and lived in Italy. That is to say the obvious contempt he shows his clientele, would put all but the most intrepid coffee lover off returning . On my first visit, having chased away a customer who had dared ask for a takeaway latte at a very busy time, he reprimanded me for looking at the food on display and not into his eyes before deciding on my purchase. I am naturally quite a timid person and I fear I would have been put off, had the end prospect been the aforementioned hunk and not the object of my affections; Italian coffee. Thankfully my courage was rewarded and I was presented with the best tasting cup of coffee I have had since living in Scotland. The food; an italian twist on the usual cafe fair, is reasonably priced and to a high standard. I particularly enjoy the bruschetta with mozzarella and roasted root vegetables. Delicious! Having now lived sometime in Marchmont, it seems that the pit bull running the joint is something of a novelty to native marchmonters; his lunchtime fits, a form of local entertainment. So, for those of you like me, who love your coffee and being entertained whilst you drink it, I would highly recommend Cafe Artista. For those of you who believe drinking coffee should be a more peaceful endeavour, it is well worth braving asking for a takeout, if you manage to pertain it, your efforts will have been compensated. read more

I found this a difficult one to review, I have been wondering exactly how to approach this for some time. Some aspects are five out of five others are zero....mmmm. Right.... I have been coming here for years for a long slow Sunday breakfast with news papers and lots of coffee. The breakfast used to be really good, but this was swapped for a breakfast bagel instead which isn't very good as a comparison and costs 8quid!!! Switched to the pizza or omlettes for my Sunday outing and they are both great. I stopped coming a few years back after having a few to many strange experiences with the owner. Not aimed at me but others in the restaurant, either that or the piano starts getting played badly for a few minute bursts every 10 minutes. The cafe can be far from relaxing sometimes the last few times I went anyway. I went back after a period away and everything is the same. Good pizza and strange behaviors towards the customers. The decor has been spruced up recently which is nice, but I am not comfortable sitting here for extended periods of time. read more

I gave it a try on a Tuesday at 1 pm, as I was curious about this Italian owned place. I was "welcomed" by the cave man owner who did not speak to me, not even to say hello, good afternoon, goodbye, etc. He generically pointed at some tables, so I sat down. Fortunately, both waitresses were polite and friendly. Ordered a Pizza Capricciosa plus a sparkling mineral water which I received in a timely fashion. The pizza was OK; on the plus side, it was tasty enough as its ingredients were from the upper part of the quality scale and weren't oily which can ruin the whole culinary experience. However, its base (dough) was rather bland as I couldn't enjoy the proper yeast after taste and it had the tough consistency of a Ritz cracker...what a shame... The place interiors are in need of a super urgent revamp as the place looks like a 1970's run down place... Price-wise it was a bit dear for the kind of place (£ 13.95 for the pizza)... Oh well, plenty issues to be addressed ... not sure if I will give it another go in the near future... read more

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When I sat down in Cafe Artista I thought I was in an ordinary Italian cafe. It seems I was wrong. The staff at Cafe Artista seem to be in another world. It's a bit like being in a sitcom. The quality of drinks and snacks is good, but the staff seem to be on autopilot when it comes to work. I was served with barely an acknowledgment of my existence. Seemingly oblivious to the customers the staff carry on their arguments or debates (it was always in Italian so I'm not quite sure). In fact you are actually happy for the attention received if your coffee is slammed aggressively in front of you. That's your small and only part in the drama. However this is all part of the fun and unique environment that coincidentally feels a lot more genuine than most cafes. It's also great to sit outside on a warm summer day, in a convenient location that is still a little removed from the very busiest part of the town centre. Recommended. read more

I have to agree with Hannah on this one, the owner is something else. He complained when I asked him for a few pounds coins in change when I bought my Americano. I sat outside and watched him sulking around the venue, hating the world a little more with every step he took. A small complaint from my end, every table we sat at hadn't been cleaned properly. I found myself battling the table just to unglue my coffee cup. Great coffee, but the owner needs a hug. read more

Cafe Artista - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Had breakfast here recently- in short it was very average and overpriced. The pancakes were thick and dry, the bacon good, served with a dollop of squirty cream on top. 0 out of 10 for presentation. Coffee was decent; big mugs. Here's the pinch- they actually sell a breakfast bagel here for nearly a tenner- all you need to know really. Yes- that's over TEN POUNDS for an average bagel and a coffee. To put that in deli-perspective, the best salt beef sandwich in the country costs £8.60 (Brass Rail salt beef bar, Selfridges). As far as comfort goes our waitress showed us to a table that was essentially a window ledge. No cushions here. I actually sat on a cold, hard wooden window ledge for the entire duration of the meal with an electric heater at the end of the table to keep us warm. It's been over a week now and I'm still annoyed I chose to eat here. Live and learn. read more

The first time I came in here, it was to make use of the take away services that this place has - as I waited for my paninni and crepe for me and my girlfriend (she lived just down the road from here), I sat at a table. Only to be moved quite agressivly by the owner of the cafe. Now I would have understood if the place was packed and there was a bunch of old women coming in who might die if they didnt sit down, but the cafe was empty bar me. Still, he made me stand in the corner until I had my food. Hmm. And now I know this seems to be a regular thing, its happened to me more than once and various other stories reveal no more compasion to others. Its quite a testiment at how good this place is then that I still give it a good star rating. The food is great, and apart from the owner the service is good too. I do recommend it - just avoid the owner. read more

Cafe Artista - From Business website. - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I live nearby and don't go there anymore it is well known for poor service and my experience confirms this. I see they have refurbished recently but it will not change they get footfall because of the location but there are plenty of better alternatives in Marchmont. read more

An apparently friendly looking cafe that serve good coffee and snacks. As can be confirmed by the other review, the staff at this cafe seem to be in another world. The quality of that ordered is great, but the staff seem to be on autopilot when it comes to work. Seemingly oblivious to the customers the staff carry on their always loud and often emotional conversations (always in Italian). In fact you are actually happy for the attention recieved if your coffee is slammed aggresively in front of you. That's the only time your part of the drama. This is all part of the fun and unique environment that coincidentally feels a lot more genuine than most cafes. It's also great to sit outside on a warm summer day. Recomended. read more

Well, if Dylan Moran comes here it must be cool. These were my sarcastic thoughts as my girlfriend insisted we 'go for a coffee' for the first time in my adult life. And although yes, the location is very picturesque, and the coffee and cakes were really good (and gigantic), there was still a little part of me in the back of my mind telling me 'why didn't we just go to the pub?' read more

Tough one to review. Odd Italian cafe conveniently located in the heart of Marchmont with probably the best coffee in the galaxy. However, the decor is aging, food is hit or miss with an emphasis on the latter (their greatest sin is blandness), and the chefs/waitstaff are certainly a strange bunch. Kinda feels like another planet sometimes. Still a great place to go for cheap food and coffee. Did I mention how god damn amazing the coffee is? And it comes with a Biscoff cookie. read more

The cafe is as temperamental as its owner and only customers who have not been acquainted well with Italian culture could take most of Bruno's remarks as offensive. Well, the food is really worth trying although the prices are a bit up. It is true that there is no free lunch and the wifi option is a paid pleasure there but if you decide to use the place as a good replacement of your office better choose another cafe for the purpose. The cafe is a great opportunity to meet your family friends and spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon. read more

Cafe Artista - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

By far my favourite italian place in Edinburgh. The food is always simple but delicious, pizzas are awesome, portions generous, and pricing is good. Try the specials from time to time as they can really be worth it. I also don't understand the reviews about the staff being rude. They are quick, competent and efficient. read more

I will start by saying that this little cafe in Marchmont used to be one I visited often, but I HAD ENOUGH REALLY, I've experienced so many times a bad treat by the owner and I've heard so many people complaining about this too. The overall experience is not the worse as the waitresses do their BEST to compensate the bad behavior of the owner. The place is small and seems to be crowded, but if you have the luck to be seated and you order just 1 dish, the owner will yell at you and will force you to order something more expensive or he will kick you out. Food is not the best though, for me the pizza was their best option, the rest it's a little greasy and some times it lack flavor as the ingredients must be frozen for long time. I stopped visiting this place after the last scene, I went to Cafe Artista with my friends to watch the football match Italy vs. Spain, during the uefa... and basically he kicked me out because I was not Italian and I looked "spanish", this to me was very racist, and proved the selfishness and lack of understanding that this person has... I mean come one...I just wanted to enjoy a bite and be with the rest of my friends, but I couldn't so I had to leave, THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO TREAT A CUSTOMER!!!! So people, I would say don't go to this place, we are just giving money to a person who doesn't deserves it AT ALL! read more

I don't think people should reward the owner of cafe artista for being rude. As bizarre as the scenario may seem, he is not in a sitcom, he is definitely not a stand up comedian, he is just being rude. He continuously ignores the existance of customers, sweeps beneath their feet, growls when bags are poking out from under tables, and stops conversations mid sentence without any explanation to take a smoke/start betting on horse races. When you are finished eating, don't expect to hang around. He will want to clear your table and get you out of here as soon as possible. The pizza here is decent, and the coffee is not bad, but considering that there are plenty of other really fantastic places where staff treat customers with more respect, I wouldn't recommend this place. It's a shame, considering that the chef, on the other hand, is really lovely. read more

This is, in my estimation, the best cafe in Edinburgh - and I've been around a few. Listen to Bruno Bova and his brother (I think) and partake of their delights. Their coffee, cappuccinos etc are just fabulous. Different somehow - perhaps very good Italian coffee. As well as that, their food is just amazing and very good value. Call in for a carbonara and it is made to order. You might be used to that with a sandwich - and do try their filled rolls with a great choice of fillings - but for a carbonara? I had jarlsberg with artichoke hearts and salad delicately decorated with crisps plus a big cappuccino. The place has a fantastic buzzy atmosphere with a huge range of visitors. I love this place! read more

It seems Cafe Artista is becoming something of an institution down Marchmont way. I started going there for a late breakfast and the bacon rolls are indeed great. Even better though is the coffee - this might be the best coffee in Edinburgh. I'm a latte fan myself and this is the best I've tasted in the city. Eventually i found myself there for lunch and tried the pizza menu. Wow. While the coffee *might* be the best in Edinburgh, I'd argue that the pizzas definitely are. I had the one with olives, capers and anchovies. Can't remember what it was called, but it was thin, crisp and perfect. They have one of those proper big pizza ovens and it makes a difference. I've since been in for dinner and had one of the specials - fresh prawns served simply in the shell with some rocket and a tomatoey sauce. Lots of them and delicious. Washed it down with some house white which was very decent indeed. I think Cafe Artista does what British cafes just don't manage. That is to sell basic stuff like the Bacon rolls, coffee and takeaway paninis; while doing more sophisticated stuff like the dinner menu really well. I've read the other reviews about service and surliness and can only say I've not experienced that. On the other hand, this is not some bland chain with cookie-cutter corporate politeness. The people are like the food - genuinely Italian. read more

I'm quite amazed at the bad reviews this place has got. I have been several times with guests from 8 years of age upwards. Admittedly we've always had pizza, but have found it beautiful and delicious. The staff have never been either unfriendly or unattentive, and quite happy to let us go without coffee or puddings if that's what we felt like. Yes, the staff have chatted away, but why not? We've been there when it was nearly empty and when it was nearly full, and have always had service as prompt as we would expect. We were there last night, and look forward to being back soon! read more

A regular haunt for pizza and occasional brunch. Proper delicious non greasy Italian pizza. Tasty pasta. Nice service. Good banter. Last time we went, they had super tasty organic Sicilian lemonade that the waitress recommended to us. On sunny days you can sit outside. Thumbs up! read more

Cafe Artista is an interesting place... It's rather like being in a soap opera. The food (which is good) becomes totally insignificant when confronted with the drama that is the service. I don't know exactly what the drama is about, but having been in three times and been treated to different episodes I can certainly tell you that it is dramatic. There's always a bit of yelling or angry whispering, someone consoles someone else who seems on the verge of tears and then eventually all is calm and your tricolore salad arrives with a flourish. It's a very pretty place and you can sit outside, but then you might miss out on the entertainment. read more

Don't be fooled by the illusion that this apparently family-friendly-cafe projects. Bruno, the owner, has to be one of the nastiest pieces of work I have ever encountered in the hospitality industry. Having reluctantly given him my custom for the past 2 years (as I live in the neighbourhood), I am now boycotting his establishment after he asked me to leave when I sat down with my food, because apparently, you have to order a drink with it if you want to stay. He is extremely belligerent and constantly makes a scene in front of everybody. He hates students and old people (I was fortunate enough to hear his views on the elderly once); actually, it's become clear to me after reading other reviews that Bruno just hates everybody - which is fine with me, but not if you're going to run a cafe and project your hatred onto your paying customers. As far as the food goes, it's extremely average, and way overpriced for what it is. It's a burning shame that Fuel Deli is now closed (they used to be opposite Cafe Artista). If you're looking for a good deli, friendly staff, and a distinct absence of hostility, walk down Melville Terrace and go to Victor Hugo. Trust me, it's worth it - avoid Cafe Artista at all costs. read more

Had a bacon, cheese and chorizo sandwich. The lady that served me was super friendly and the food was delicious! Thank you!

Cafe Artista is one of my favourite places to go for a 12 o'clock coffee and bacon roll, and as you may have guessed from other reviews not just the food. I'm never in there for that long really but invariably some minor drama will unfold. I've never seen anyone one go totally schiz at someone leaning there bike against the side of the building then rush outside and greet them with a smile and handshake. Failing this you can usually rely on a family argument! There pizzas and meze etc are also very yummy. To those of you doubting out there, then consider this, for the price nowhere else do you get such good food and free theatre..... And I have a funny feeling that if you take your children in there and act like a self important arse then you deserve to be taken down a peg or two. Great fun place. read more

It's difficult to know whether it's the busy, bustling atmosphere or simply the good, comforting food that's so appealing about Cafe Artista. I had never experienced anything like it before I moved to Marchmont and there is something about the place that keeps me going back time after time. Run by the Bova family, it caters for breakfast, lunchtime and dinner customers. The menu is very simple, offering the usual favourites including baked potatos, pizzas, paninis, sandwiches, and a great selection of cakes, all served in a no-fuss manner. I've never had a problem with the efficiency of the staff here, although they do get stressed sometimes. On many occasions I have found myself in the middle of an unfolding Italian family drama going on around me! However, far from detracting from the atmosphere, in my opinion this adds some comedy value and gives the place a bit of personality! I would highly recommend Cafe Artista - it doesnt try to be something it is not and if you're looking for a good, no-fuss family-run cafe, this is well worth a visit. read more

Interesting owner, makes the whole experience a hit or a miss. Not for the faint hearted. Pizza nice but expensive. read more

This is the nearest eatery to my house and I am so happy about that. The owner is indeed a character but for me that adds to the Italien experience. I have always found the staff polite and helpful,especially as I have special dietary requirements and they often have to make meals that are not quite on the menu. The food is always delicious. The ambience is a little crazy but its a nice evening out, not expensive good quality and excellent value. read more

Amazed by the other reviews commenting on the bad service. They must either be from a long time ago or written by folks who only ever go to Starbucks and are used to being fawned at in return for overpriced watery coffee. Sure, the owner here is an individual. But he's a decent human being and the service is excellent. We took five grown ups and four preteen kids, and the waitress handled our complicated needs with impeccable grace and efficiency. More to the point, the food and coffee are top quality. So if the other reviews keep snooty people out, I'm happy! read more

I ate here on a weeknight with a group of eight, including small children, and it was a very pleasant experience. Our waitress was very friendly, especially with the kids, and our pizzas, focaccia, and pasta were delicious. We had no interaction with the owner, which seems a lucky thing since reading other reviews. However, we only drank water with our meal, as one of our party had been previously appalled by a £3 per bottle corkage charge for BYOB. read more

If you go to this cafe be prepared to be treated rudely by Bruno and his staff. One reviewer defends Bruno's rudeness part of "Italian culture". Try chatting to the Italian staff who run the take away further down Marchmont road and you'll see the way Bruno behaves has nothing to do Italian culture. read more