An Edinburgh insitution - visit the cafe! (Valvona and Crolla)

Member Name: Penny_Wise

Product:	Valvona and Crolla
Date:	13/09/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Something a little different

Disadvantages: A little more costly than other cafe's, though brekkie is cheaper than many hotels

Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities in the whole world in which to spend a long weekend. Any self respecting Scot knows the name Valvona and Crolla the historic Italian Deli and Cafe. This family run Edinburgh institution is just a short stroll beyond the eastern end of Edinburgh's Princes Street, in the shadow of Calton Hill; the one with the faux greek pillared ruin atop.

On a recent visit to Scotland's Capital city (a designated World Heritage site), I indulged my long time curiosity and took the plunge with my first visit to Valvona and Crolla. The occasion was Sunday brunch. The diners were one vegetarian (moi) and one carnivore with a hearty appetite. Decent preserves and croissants arrived after a short wait along with a selection of freshly baked italian breads, a 'jolly good' bacon butty, and a very tasty vegetarian breakfast (which included grilled polenta, roasted and grilled italian veggies topped off with a fried egg). Twas a wee bit more expensive than the usual cafe fare, but it was all well prepared, served with a smile and felt like a nice treat. The extended family run a number of excellent Italian restaurants throughout the city including Vittoria close to the Royal Mile which I love!

I didn't have much time to peruse the deli on the way out, but caught a fleeting glance at what looked like a well stocked Italian food emporium of the sort I would love to linger longer in. Unfortunately hotel check-out was beckoning, so I have to leave that pleasure for another day!

Summary: Historic Italian Deli and cafe. Well worth the detour from Princes Street.