C.E. C.

Giuseppe Arcimboldo's work decorates CIAO ROMA, an Italian cafe that was perfect for getting dessert for the kiddo on a frosty night in Edinburgh. My daughter loved choosing an authentic Italian dessert and I loved the art. A memorable mural wraps around the restaurant. The food options served looked delicious. This little taste of Italy in Scotland was relaxing and fun.

Harriet E.

Apparently, Robert Louis Stevenson, used to visit a bar on this property. As a result, the whole restaurant has a Treasure Island/pirate theme. Also, the Italian food is surprisingly good! We had bruschetta, burrata, chicken diavolo, and several pasta dishes. It was all good. Desserts were also a highlight and interesting the the reviews photos are all about the desserts! They make a big deal about birthdays, so the atmosphere is warm and fun. We were expecting a weird theme restaurant with crappy food. Instead, we got a theme restaurant with solidly good and authentic food. I would definitely return with a group for another fun night.

The food is amazing and the restaurant is lovely. It was one of the top places we dined at. I highly recommend it!

Michael M.

First timer (Edinburgh, Scotland). A-M-A-Z-I-N-G I forgot the name of what I had (look at the pics) but I asked if all the ice cream could be rum-raisin and they said YES!!! I have never called a pastry this before but it was sultry. Also, the sell code with liquor. And I had the one with rum. I am not a coffee person but I will start doing it if I get the recipe!!! The service was great as well.

Emilie A.

I'm surprised that Ciao Roma doesn't have better reviews. The sticky toffee pudding I had here was probably one of my favorite things I ate in my five days in Edinburgh, and they had hands-down the best latte out of the many coffees I drank while I was there. The sticky toffee pudding is amazing, perfectly sweet with not too much overpowering flavor. The caramel and the ice cream complement it perfectly and I wish I could eat it more often. We also got the Oreo Delight, which is a parfait/sundae with chocolate and vanilla ice cream and an Oreo-like cookie. It was also great - I loved the Belgian chocolate ice cream especially. As mentioned above, I got a latte that was wonderful. The milk was steamed just right and the coffee ended up being a perfect complement to the sweet desserts we got. Service was a little slow, I will say that, but overall I had a great experience at Ciao Roma.

Francesca S.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! We booked an apartment across the street and stopped in for dinner. We were a party of 6 and they were very accommodating and friendly. Every staff member was straight from Italy. This place has won awards for being the best Italian in Edinburgh and they certainly deserve all the awards. We have tried several items on their menu and everything was delicious and made perfectly! And please do not skip their desserts!

Dorothy B.

Orders: pasta& pineapple juice Fee: £ 10.57 Waiting time: 5mins Taste: it was my birthday. In China, eating noodle is a traditional celebration,which signs healthy and live longer. I intended to have a sitting dinner. Because of the next music show, I have to take away and got changes. Thus, it took 2 hours that I had my pasta. I forgot the pasta's name, but it was a long and flat form. It was not too soft or hard to chew. I think it looks like north Chinese noodle. Then, I choose tomato source , which totally mixed into the pasta. The taste is fresh for me , cuz it different other pasta. Sorry I don't know why. I guess it is because of the source. Atmosphere: I got there early, so only me sitting there for dinner. The tablecloth is yellow and red spot on it. I celebrated my birthday alone and waited my dinner. A guy was painting on the wall. Suddenly, I thought I was just like carrier( the role of sex and the city) who was waiting her friend to come that Italian restaurant for celebrating her 35th birthday. You know, that feeling. Hoping someone can show up but finally not. Then, I felt happy. Cuz I maybe act my favorite book ' s main role. I think this experience will leave in the mind.cuz it was movie style and special. Marks: I gave 5 star. Cuz that day was meaning to me. So I have to do good to my day. BTW, love the Italian style. Ciao, ciao. My last me!

Jonny L.

Around Southbridge can seem like Italian restaurant central. However this isn't a bad thing at all. Edinburgh might not be as well known for its Italians, compared to the likes of Glasgow, but it still has a few gems. They might not be world renowned but some remain very memorable. Keep this in mind when you visit Ciao Roma. Ciao Roma is decorated in a pseudo classical motif. "Roman" statues and figures adorn the walls and corners of this large restaurant. Whilst not original, this theme does give the restaurant a distinct aesthetic, if not somewhat taken away by some more out of place paintings and wall decorations. Despite its size Ciao Roma is a touch crowded, with a lot of tables packed in. This reveals what is at its heart, a reasonable, family friendly, unpretentious restaurant. The staff are typically not only friendly but carry a chatty Italian charm. It's sometimes hard to tell whether they are genuine or if they are in fact displaying well develop stage personas! One of the restaraunt's greatest charms is the upper level, called the Hispania. This part of the restaraunt is no different in what its serves but is decorated differently. Instead of the naked classical forms displayed in the main part, this section of the restaurant has a seven-seas, 18thc century pirate theme (presumably Spanish). It's really quite odd, but all the better for it. Pirate skeletons sit at tables and gazing sinisterly over the land lubber diners. Hanging up above you notice a cage, imprisoned inside another skeleton, peering down. This is clearly a favourite for children and those with child at heart. Keeping with its less flashy feel, Ciao Roma sells Italian standards, with a range of pasta and pizzas, as well as a few more original dishes. Prices are reasonable and a student discount is offered. A distinct restaurant, great for a family meal, student treat or just for some comforting Italian food.

Lauren G.

I Love Ciao Roma!! I have been coming here for years with my family, and most recently came here last month for my graduation meal. There is always a really great atmosphere inside the restaurant, with really authentic Italian decor inside, and Italian music playing in the background. Ciao Roma's menu offers a huge selection of authentic Italian meals including pizzas, pastas, risotto and meat dishes. I really adore their pizzas as they have a super thin base that is always perfectly cooked with no burnt bits, and they are a really good size and will fill you up. They offer a huge selection of different pizza toppings, and they don't skimp on the toppings or cheese which is always a bonus. The last time I came here I ordered a pasta dish, gnocchi with pesto and asparagus, and it was utterly beautiful - really well cooked and there was plenty of it, but not too much to make you feel stodgy. Ciao Roma also serves delicious starters, their roasted peppers are especially amazing, and their desert menu looks very mouth watering and enticing. The prices are really reasonable here, with most main meals costing around £8. The staff are all Italian and highly friendly and welcoming. If you are in the mood for a great Italian meal, Ciao Roma is the place to go.

Fiona H.

I have to confess, I'm still on a hunt for that perfect local Italian restaurant that everyone has - the one you go to when you can't be bothered to cook but can't justify going out for a swanky meal, or just where you go because you know it's always so good. Although I haven't found it yet in Edinburgh, Ciao Roma is definitely leading the pack after 4 years of living here. I ate here for a friend's birthday recently and I'd absolutely recommend it. For one thing, the service was excellent. You got the impression from the efficiency of it that they are used to handling big groups of girls with copious amounts of wine, and yet they were also very patient with us and didn't rush us at all. The menu isn't just the usual tired pizza/pasta list that you so often see; obviously they do offer all of these things but what struck me was how many risotto dishes on offer, as well and chicken/steak-based dishes. I went for a risotto with scallops, brandy, a good helping of garlic and roast peppers (£9.95), and it really was lovely. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the price of the house wine, although it wasn't by any means extortionate it was more than you'd expect in a cheap-and-cheerful italian. That said, if you're looking for an Italian place in this neck of the woods, then you could do an awful lot worse than go here.