'Can't wait to try soon,' cry locals as new Italian restaurant opens in major Scots city

A NEW Italian restaurant has opened its doors in a major Scots city – and locals are buzzing.

Scarpetta, situated in Edinburgh, is a family-run establishment that promises to serve up “simple, honest Italian food” in the heart of the capital.

Owner Antonio Crolla and wife Carmen have opened up the new Edinburgh eateryCredit: Scarpetta Edinburgh / Facebook

Scarpetta has taken over the former Caffe Centro and completely revamped itCredit: Scarpetta Edinburgh / Facebook

The menu boasts an array of authentic Italian pizzas and pastasCredit: Scarpetta Edinburgh / Facebook

The newly launched eatery is welcoming diners in the former Caffe Centro premises on George Street.

The venue was first opened in 2005 by Ascenza and her late husband, Elio Crolla, and has been passed down through the generations.

Ascenza’s son, Antonio, has now rebranded and modernised the restaurant, giving it a fresh lease of life.

The name, Scarpetta, is inspired by the Italian term for using a piece of bread to mop up the last remnants of sauce from a plate.

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Antonio Crolla told Edinburgh Live: “My family was running Caffe Centro at this location for more than 20 years, so I’d like to thank all of our previous customers and hope that they’ll come and see what Scarpetta has to offer.

“When I took over the business, I wanted to change the name and the concept of the restaurant. We’ve given the place a full makeover and it has an exciting, fun retro feel, with lots of very old family photographs my wife and I have gathered over the years.

“The food is very authentic. We’re using a lot of recipes that have been passed down through the family over the years.

“I want to share with the people of Edinburgh the food I grew up with – which is essentially my Nonni’s cooking! So, expect some traditional, hearty, flavoursome Italian cuisine.”

Antonio’s wife, Carmen Crolla, said: “I have been helping Antonio with the set up of Scarpetta. We had a very clear idea of how we wanted the restaurant to look and I feel we have achieved this vision.

“We can’t wait to show everyone the place and I hope that Scarpetta will become well loved on the Edinburgh restaurant scene.”

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Locals are buzzing to try out the newly revamped eatery and its “family recipes and proper food”.

One wrote on social media: “Looking forward to visiting you guys.”

Another said: “Can’t wait to try soon.”