Café Marina
61 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, 0131 622 7447. Open Mon–Sat 8am–4pm; Mar–Oct Mon–Sun 8am–6pm. Average two-course a la carte lunch for one (excluding drinks) £8
There’s something of an equal opportunity vibe about this buzzy Italian cafe tucked in to the curve of Cockburn Street. From the lawyers in double-breasted pin stripes to the twentysomething’s in baseball caps, no one is immune to chef and owner Marina Crolla’s devastating home cooking nor her brusquely affectionate charm. Wedge yourself a space in front of the crowded counter and let Crolla guide you on a tour of the day’s specials. How about piquant, lemony fishcakes coated in fresh breadcrumbs, or lasagne made with sheets of homemade pasta? There’s always a great risotto on hand, but you will have to get in early to snare a serve of her ever-popular meatballs or chicken escalope. Panini stuffed with sharp Italian cheeses, Milano salami, or a thick slab of frittata are also good contenders. San Pellegrino fills the drink case and Italian Bei & Nannini coffee is some of the best in town — the ultimate morning pick-me-up when paired with free-range eggs and grilled bacon in a soft Italian roll. Service is as fast as it is personable and though take away is an easy option, fight for a stool in the coolly casual interior and lap up the friendly banter.
High point: Like lunching with a big Italian family
Low point: A small selection of homemade Italian sweets would complete the picture