Premier Hospitality Scotland

Contini Caffe

Contini Cafe, Edinburgh
Written by Roma Publications

Contini Cafe, Edinburgh

Contini Caffe is a brand new restaurant, bar and café situated along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

The venue showcases a mix of Italian and Scottish cuisine, with an interior to match, and boasts an artisan ice cream parlour and a traditional porridge bar.

Housed within Cannonball House, one of the Royal Mile’s most historic buildings, Contini Caffe opened its doors for the first time in July following a sensitive remodelling programme. Originally a private home the building has also housed a school and a logistical base for the Edinburgh Tattoo, before taking on its new role as a key hospitality venue for the people of Edinburgh.

Contini Caffe is owned by Victor and Carina Contini, owners of Contini Ristorante on George Street and The Scottish Café & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound. The venue is split across three floors and benefits from spectacular views of both the city and Edinburgh Castle.

Carina Contini, said:

“The caffe is our third venture in Edinburgh and it will have something for everyone. This is a prime location on the tourism map, so we want it to showcase the very best Scotland has to offer.

“We are working with the best Scottish suppliers to ensure visitors get a taste of Scotland they will remember for the right reasons. During the day we expect it to be a tourist destination but the top floor will make the most spectacular evening venue for corporate events and private parties. The mix of iconic views, historical location married with our food and drink heritage will create something totally new and very exciting.”

Morgan McDonnell was the architect on the project at Cannonball House, whilst the interiors were completed by Ampersand. The interior design takes inspiration from the Contini family’s business heritage, whilst at the same time adds in dashes of tartan and Italian finishes, giving it a fresh look.

Contini Cafe, Edinburgh

The creation of the new venue was achieved through a partnership between the Continis and the building’s owners, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Each year, the Tattoo, through its assorted activities, distributes a significant proportion of its surplus funds to charitable arts and service benevolent organisations.

Tattoo Chief Executive Brigadier, David Allfrey MBE, welcomed the partnership announcement, which is an operational first for the organisation.

Brigadier Allfrey MBE, said:

“We are proud and privileged to have worked with the Continis on this project. We started work on the concept nearly 18 months ago and it was wonderful to see it progressing, for the ideas for the internal layout to come together and, of course, the prospect of great food and drink.

“From my perspective, this partnership represents another wonderful opportunity to offer visitors to Edinburgh a rich and varied choice. This is all to the good for the City and for Scotland.”

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Roma Publications