Wow! What a great find. We happened to stay a few doors away @ Holiday Inn (which highly recommend). The restaurant started to get busy just as we walked in, I guess in time for the theater district time. Casual atmosphere, great service. We dined on rocket salad, 1/2 portion of tortellini and main of chicken, mushrooms in cream sauce with potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower. Everything was delicious and plentiful. Unfortunately, no room for dessert. Maybe next time. Enjoy!! read more

See all

Come before 7 PM and they will serve you right away. Have a wonderful meal, tried it out their three course deal and the portions were almost too big. Food was lovely read more

Very unfriendly service. I was just in Italy last week and I was surprised by their snooty and cold service here. I ordered a margarita pizza that is just a cheese pizza, no basil and tomatoes. I asked the waiter about it and told me that in fact this is their margarita pizza...a plain tasteless pizza. Even the Coke Zero tasted bitter like it was left in the sun. I didn't want to waste my energy complaining about that. The rest of group enjoyed their food, except one person didn't finish her food and without asking, took her plate away. I felt like they just wanted us to leave. It was not crowded so.... I'm sure there are other Italian restaurants in the area so my suggestion is to go anywhere but here. I must say the crust on the pizza was good. read more

I tried this place cause the reviews were hit and miss and I wanted to try the rice balls.. but this day wasn't a home run for them. I was the only person in there and you would had through more time to prep but the rice balls were over fried and didn't have much flavor, the garlic bread seem like it was the frozen kind. The one thing that was decent but I would not come back just for it was the carbonara. Very creamy and rich. The service was lacking. I wasn't even offered dessert. Pretty much they were closing in 30-45 mins and looked like the dessert area was already done. Remember I'm the only customer there... I was just shocked at that. The waiter didn't seem concerned at all about if my food was ok or if I needed more water. I would not go back or recommend to this place. read more

See all

Food was delicious. The restaurant was beautiful and much larger than expected when you see it from the outside. Service was good. It would have been a five star review, if we hadn't had to ask twice where our entrees were. We ordered pizza and it seemed that everyone around us with more variety of entrees received their food before ours came. But the food was good. read more

Outstanding spot in Edinburgh for Italian food! I had the lasagne, which was delicious. The servers are friendly and attentive. There's surprisingly much more room in the place than first appears from the outside. Next time I'm in Edinburgh, I'll be sure to come back! read more

This place is outstanding! The pizza is a must! I happened to just walk in; but absolutely see myself coming back.

The pizza (take away) was disappointing. Good spicy pepperoni but bland sauce and tasteless crust. Some Italian spices like an oregano would have helped. Edible but not memorable. I would not recommend. Sorry. read more

I've dined here over three decades, scary to think that but it's consistently good and delivers every time. Giuliano still walks the floor, still passionate about his restaurant/food/team. Testimony to their dedication is the fact the place is always packed. Try the Ham Hock & Italian Bean Stew, phenomenal read more

Ordered the house specialty meatballs with tagliatelle pasta. I was expecting something awesome since it was listed on the menu as one of the specialties. It was a solid dish with three good sized and tasty meatballs in a light tomato and mushroom sauce but the pasta was a bit soggy. The service was fine, not overly friendly and eager to please like in the U.S. but then again you're not expected to tip as much here either. Overall, it was on the expensive side which also drags the rating down by a star. read more

Giuliano's - House Special Meatballs! - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Giuliano's is another Italian restaurant on Leith Walk and this one is probably the most popular. I'm not too sure why, however, as my experience in this place didn't really stand up to that of the others in the area. It looks inviting and stylish from the outside, and the interior decor is also contemporary and comfortable. The menu has the usual pizzas, bruschettas and pasta dishes as well as some tempting deserts like their homemade tiramisu. I went for the pepperoni pizza which tasted pretty good when it arrived some forty mintues after I ordered it. Also, it was barely warm when it arrived and the last few mouthfuls were cold. The place is virtually always busy, but even so the staff just don't seem to care. I douibt I'll be back here again, but plenty of locals seem to visit reguarly so it must be doing something right. read more

Giuliano's - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

You really can't go wrong with Giuliano's if you're looking for some hearty Italian scran, or a pre theatre munch. This used to be our port of call when me and my friends were coming through to see Edinburgh shows. I first experienced this place in early 2003, which is becoming a terrifyingly long time ago now. However, this place hasn't changed a bit in that time. Rather than seem old, it's rather comforting that it has largely remained the same- why fix it if it ain't broke? Anyway, I've always had tasty snacks in here. We have always been caught on the hop when seeing a show but takeaway service was prompt. It looks like an equally nice place to sit in, and the quality of food and service is great. Like Dino's in Glasgow, it manages to fill the position of both a place to get a quick bite to eat and a full blown place to sit down and have a meal. I have never been disappointed and I daresay I'll be back next time I'm seeing a show at the Playhouse. read more

Giuliano's - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The bread/dough is so fresh! Located in the theatre district this Italian restaurant plays to the stereotype. The wait staff is dressed up in red white and green uniforms and very friendly. They have a 3 course meal catering to those waiting to see a show at the theatre. read more

Giuliano's - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Delicious freshly made pasta, everything we ordered was delicious and well balanced in flavours! I was surprised by how large the interior was - at least 4 sections of seating, including the large dining area in the back with skylight-domed roof! Staff were lovely and friendly, offering great recommendations. read more

Giuliano's is centrally located and practically begs you to come in before going to a show across the street. The place is huge but was somehow full on our first night in Edinburgh, a true feat given the size of the place. We went back the second night because we were craving Italian food, and I have nothing bad to say about the place. The staff were warm and attentive, the menu was extensive, and the food was good. I'm giving it three stars because it wasn't particularly memorable. We tried gnocchi, pizza, and pasta. Of the three, I liked the gnocchi best--they had a melt in your mouth quality that I enjoyed--but the pizza was pretty forgettable. read more

I absolutely love the story behind Giuliano's! It all started when a group of friends who had worked together for a decade decided that they should open a business of their own, and that brain child was the Giuliano's partnership. The first restaurant opened up in 1990, and since then, the group have went on to open up 4 seperate restaurants in total, with the newest addition in the Playhouse building. I have to say that Giuliano's on Union Street was a really great dining experience for me and my family. We decided to come here after hearing only great reviews from our neighbours who seem to go here all the time, so we expected great things from the place. The food did not disappoint! My camembert fritto was to die for, the cheese was so hot and gooey and the accompanying tomato sauce was just perfect. My main of Penne Trevi, a creamy sauce with sausage and broccoli was delicious too, and the portion size was just right. It isn't the most cost effective restaurant, but it really is worth a wee bit extra for the experience. Hats off to the chefs here, and kudos to the lovely waiting staff who really made us feel part of the Giuliano's family! read more

Giuliano's - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

What really stood out to me about Guilianos was the amazing service, the waiters were so friendly, polite, funny, accommodating, helpful, attentive and so and so on, I can't praise them enough and the food wasn't bad either lol, I had the best banoffee pie ever. Seriously if you haven't been yet, go now, go on go, go go, go!!!!! Have you been yet? read more

Mmmm, real gorgeous Italian food. Colin and I went in here for a late night dinner one night after seeing Monty Python's Spamalot in the playhouse (an amazing show may I add!) and before heading back to our hotel ('twas our anniversary, decided to make a weekend of it!) It was about 10pm when we got out of the theatre, and decided that absolutely nowhere would still be serving food at this time, until Colin remembered he and his dad had went here for a late night meal once, so we popped over, were warmly welcomed, and taken to our table (which, as you can imagine at this time, there was an abundance of). Service was impeccable, food was impeccable (how can you beat some good Italian pasta?!) (I've used so many parentheses in this review). Great place to eat if you're down at the theatre and needing a late night place for some great food, and I do mean good food! read more

I remember this place used to always be really busy, I don't know what's happened. Nothing has really changed. As usual, the staff are great. A few authentic Italian voices are a welcome change. They are very attentive and the waiter that we had last time (didn't catch the name, very tall, can't miss) was cracking jokes all night. Time to get back here people, don't let this place go down! read more

Giuliano's - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

We went to see Oliver while we in Edinburgh but did not dine before the show. We walked out of the playhouse and directly across the street was Giuliano's. At first, it looked like any pizza parlor but after getting thru the front and seated we discovered it was a full fledge restaurant. We had pizza anyway. It was very good. The menu looked great, the other diners appeared to be regulars who were enjoying themselves. I would go back if I was ever in Edinburgh. read more

I love going to Guilianos when dining in town. It is one of those Italian run restaurants that is hard to find these days. The waiters are Italian, the chefs are Italian and it just adds to that quality dining experience. When you visit Guiliano's you walk in to a long restaurant which goes round a corner. I would imagine it seats around 100 people, and all tables are normally filled, especially at the weekend! The menu is extensive and full of quality Italian food, it is a warm and friendly atmosphere and great value for money. Although not as cheap as pub chain food, but you wouldn't expect that. Service is fast, you're not always sitting there waiting, if you signal for a waiter, one will be by your side within seconds. Attached to the restaurant is a chip shop, which you find is always busy, especially at the weekends. In my Opinion, the chip shop, isn't as good as the restaurant, but when you're coming out of a pub/club and absolutely revonous, it is the place to go. Down sides - You do need to book well in advance for a table as the restaurant gets booked up quickly. The decor could be a bit better than it is. Although modern, I feel it would add to that Italian experience for a bit more Italian in the decor. read more

Great experience here. Reasonable pricing, good service, and tasty food. Highly recommend. Can get a bit noisy, but that's not the restaurant's fault. read more

An excellent place to go for a bite to eat.. had the minestrone soup, spaghetti bolognese, and veal parmigiana.. service was great.. crowd was fun with lots of Italians (in Scotland!!).. all round good night. read more

Just lucked into this wonderful, family owned Italian. Very extensive menu, very reasonably priced. The restaurant is much larger than it appears from the street. Most of the waiters are hospitable Scotsmen, but the Italians are in control of the kitchen. We tried more selections than we should have but were pleased with the pizza, mushroom pasta and lemon shrimp appetizer. If you want a pleasant Italian night out ; this spot will not disappoint! read more

Best restaurant in Edinburgh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot recommend enough!!!! Try the chilli chicken breast! OMG!! And the banoffe pie!!!! Proper Mazing Italian food! read more

This is a great little Italian with a good choice of pasta and pizza. Perfect for post or pre theatre meal or even a quick place to get a bite after a hard days shopping. Very friendly staff. Have been many times and would recommend. read more

We had a delicious dinner at 10:30 pm just as we arrived in town. Went again last night for sea bass and was again delighted. Good food, fair prices and good service. They did correct our bill when they "accidentally" added a bottle of wine to our bill. read more

Mediocre rather forgettable food. So forgettable that I reminded myself to keep it in mind how forgettable it was, a year ago. Now I can finally tell you all how forgettable it was. I came here with a group, it was all paid for by my University department, so I shouldn't really complain.... Difficult not to though, noticing the lack of ambiance when walking in and the high prices. I wouldn't have entered of my own accord. We were allowed wine and three courses off the set menu. Minestrone-lacking in flavour, overcooked vegetables, obviously this had been hanging around for a bit in a pot. Pizza-Marginally better than frozen pizza? I'm not even convinced of that. Very little in the way of toppings, soft base. Flavour definitely lacking. Pudding-lemon sorbet. Clearly bought in (that generic type which is served in a lemon and surprises those who have never tried it). Overall, not something I would pay for, especially considering that taste Italy is just across the road, which is cheaper, less pretentious, and offers tastier and fresher food. read more

Fantistic visit! We stayed across the street at The Glasshouse Hotel, and the hotel recommended this restaurant for our family dinner. The restaurant was quite busy, and for a busy Saturday night, they were able to get us a table with no waiting! The food is fantastic. I expected good Italian, but got extraordinary Italian! This family-run business prides on service and good food made with quality ingredients. We enjoyed our meal and the stellar service. We would come back again! read more

All I can say is yuck! We wanted an easy dinner but not sandwiches. Veal parm was heavily battered, deep fried, no sauce, no cheese. Chicken fra diablo had minimal seasoning, veggies mushy. Wine was warm, my rose undrinkable. No bread served. It was the worst meal we had in 5 days in Edinburgh. Service was non-engaging. Credit card blue tooth not working, interesting that the receipt said 'service charge not included' hint? Tacky. read more

I love Italian food and there is plenty to be had in Edinburgh. When I heard Giuliano's did gluten-free pizza, I thought it would be a great opportunity to try it as I had a friend visiting from Canada with gluten allergies. So, four of us went, were greeted by friendly staff and were promptly shown to our table. The restaurant itself has a pleasantly tacky decor, trying to emulate what I would imagine to be Italian sculptures, photos of Italian scenery and copious vine leaves. Despite the cheese, I did enjoy it for what it was. They have a pretty extensive menu with a variety of salads, antipasto, pasta, pizza and traditional Italian dishes. My friend and I decided on the red house wine and our partners got glasses of Peroni. This was when our waiter eventually decided to come over. The service, from our experience, is what really let this place down. While there were a number of servers there that seemed keen and attentive, our waiter was the better part of uninterested in us. While we were pouring over the menu, another couple sat down beside us. After waiting for about 5-10 minutes without having even been greeted at their table, they left. The front of house could not understand why they left and I felt like telling him it was because the waiter they had on our particular section was rubbish. He finally came to our table to take our drink orders, and when we eventually got to put in our food order, it was very promptly brought to the table. However, he did not once check if we needed anything else, or if we even wanted water and we found it difficult to get his attention. Now I am not the type of person that expects a waiter to be at your table every 5 seconds asking if things are OK because that is also undesirable. However, when they take ages just to even acknowledge you are there or offer a drink, then don't even check later on to see how your meal is doing I think it's unacceptable. On to the food! Our guests raved about the Caesar salad, and it did look quite nice so I did wish that I tried it. For my main I had a mushroom ravioli. While you got a big portion and it was nice enough, it was slightly mushy and not hot, just kind of luke warm. But it was fine and I ate it all. My friend's gluten-free pizza looked nice, as did the lasagne and canalonni type dish my partner had. The food overall was fine, not excellent but certainly satisfactory even though I've had much better. Giuliano's is fine if you are looking for a quick Italian meal with a bit of Italian cheese-factor thrown in in terms of the decor, the happy birthday shenanegins (they dim the lights and play music, then sing) and the overall atmosphere. The prices aren't too bad and the house red is nice. In terms of Italian restaurants overall in Edinburgh though, this is not one I would hurry back to. I found the food to be slightly sub-par although edible and the fact that our waiter could just not be bothered are deterrents. But I would recommend people try it for themselves if they are remotely interested in going. I would probably suggest Vittoria's or La Favourita as excellent alternatives though. read more

I went to this place with my family while vacationing in Scotland. I ordered a margarita pizza. I thought it would be like blotches of mozzarella cheese and basil sprinkled all over the sauce. Nope, I got just a cheese pizza that was not fresh as if they pulled it out of the freezer and threw it into a quick heat oven. The setting of the restaurant was great and is why I am giving this one star. We ordered our food and they gave it to us in less than 2 minutes. They rushed with the cooking as if they want us to get out of here as fast as possible. My pizza did not taste well and not fresh, the order was rushed, and they kept turning off the lights for anyone's birthday. read more

One of its newest places, the restaurant is a famous brand for excellence in food and service. This restaurant won't disappoint a bit. Most famous for its pre-theatre three course meals between 17 and 19 pounds, real value for money and lots of Italian mood and a real passion for life as their motto states. read more

I'm from Glasgow but I make a point of travelling all the way to Edinburgh just to savour the taste of the Pizza at this place. Just a plain Margarita Pizza with Onion but they have these special unique Chillis on the side that are just Wow And the Prawn starters are amazing too As for the other food I cannot comment as I have the same thing every time, lol Service is excellent read more

Loved our first meal at Guilliani's while visiting Edinburgh from the US so much that we had to go a second time. Although a large restaurant, it is very Italian and everyone is hustling and bustling but still very friendly. They made me gluten free focaccia (GF pizza dough with herbs and olive oil) which was a real treat to have with the pate, salad and risotto. The avocado and shrimp salad was great and my husband loved the meat balls. They also have GF pasta. Large menu. In talking with our waiter, Bruno, we said we loved chicken livers in spaghetti sauce, which was not even on their menu. He was off the only night we could return but Bruno made sure to get fresh chicken liver for the kitchen to cook for us. Then they fixed them special for us in three GF sauces which were all fantastic. We had such a great time there which was the last night of a great trip. Thanks to Angelo, his wife, and their darling son and daughter who played the clarinet and piano that evening, and, of course, Bruno. read more