Valvona & Crolla

Fantastic - the deli is full of delightful delicacies and indulgent treats … but we were flying do we stuck to the restaurant. Good menu, range of choices to suit all. Nothing disappointed.

This was a new find for me and I think I’ll be going here every trip to Edinburgh from now. So much to browse through, hard choices to be made on what to purchase cos everything looks so good! The deli selection is amazing - in fact, every section is packed with beautiful, extra special items. We had a coffee and dessert at the cafe too, which was delicious.

What a true gem of a restaurant in the back of what can only be described as the beating Italian heart of Edinburgh (Scotland, even, if you read up on their history). Friendly service, warm, comfortable and very spacious seating in the upstairs restaurant / cafe, which serves up THE tastiest 'Scottish' fried breakfast in all of the City. Every element is cooked to perfection, polenta replacing the tattie is a welcome change, and the ingredients down to the tomatoes were all of the highest quality, truly, so tasty! Make a trip here when you want to get away from the beaten path of cafes in town to savour breakfast done the Italian way, you wont be disappointed, and the stunning deli downstairs will give you food for thought on the way out too. I look forward to returning to this charming Italian institution. Grazie!

The menu here is seasonal, which can be a hit or miss depending on what you’re expecting. The restaurant is tucked away at the back of the deli and was fairly quiet during our lunchtime visit. We had come based on the menu we saw online, only to find that it had completely changed - not a problem at all but something to be aware of before visiting. We ordered a range of dishes to sample a bit of everything: Salmone to start, Crab Linguine, Mushroom Tagliolini, Mozzarella Penetella (toasted sandwich), Torta di Polenta and Torta di Limone. Unfortunately, the Crab Linguine was underwhelming - the flavours didn’t come through and it had very little crab. The Torta di Limone also felt overpriced for the portion size. In contrast, the Torta di Polenta offered much better value, both in taste and size. The highlights for us were the Mushroom Tagliolini and the Mozzarella Penetella, both full of flavour and well-executed. That said, while there were a couple of standout dishes, I wouldn’t go out of my way to return

just an absolute delight to wander around picking up the perfect present or an indulgent treat for yourself , a foodie area crammed with so many goodies it can be a bit intimidating but the staff helped when we were lookiong for the perfect cheese to go with the ham we had just picked up and finished off with an astonishing Sicilian red , didnt try the cafe as it was fully booked so you may need to plan this one but this is a place to definitely visit

3 stars for the food. We also got meats and cheeses from the deli. Robiola tre latti is a 3 milk cheese which is super creamy, very mild with the teeniest sourness. Salami Milano was alright, quite waxy texture so a lot of bite. The salami finocchio is better, and we are super lucky to get that on discount, with umami and aroma from the fennel seeds. Food from restaurant: Cantaloupe w prosciutto was alright, both ingredients were not top tier but serviceable Crab linguine was alright as well, I can see why some people say it's not good, but portions were generous and it wasn't bad by any means, but definitely not superb either. What's superb is torta di polenta, with such an incredible depth of flavour and a pleasant texture that I cannot believe it was made with so few ingredients. This is a must try

Very enjoyable lunch in this delicatesen, which belies it's unassuming exterior. Worth a visit.

Wonderful Italian food and drink shop. We loved browsing through the unusual flavours and tastes of the many different condiments, oils, chutneys, pastas, fresh foods, etc...etc. We didn't eat here but that is an option to consider. We definitely recommend a visit.

This review is for the cafe in the back of the deli, I did not know of this gem. Food and service was excellent. I ate there 2 times, but shopped the front 3 time for fresh cut salami. Place is clean and well stocked with Italian of everything.

The service here is always impeccable, meaning I was happy to wait 10 mins for a table, as they worked through their busy lunch rush. On this occasion I went for their special 'Taliere di Formaggi' with a glass of the recommended white. After getting over the initial shock that this wasn't tagliatelle but a cheese board (I misread the menu, in what can only be described as an extreme, post-yoga, hunger frenzy!!), I tucked in and it was delicious! So good in fact that I was prompted to buy some cheese from their deli counter on the way out. Once again visiting here was a resounding success, I would definitely rate it with 5 stars!

WOW. Now this is what I call a deli! They have so much on offer, I can barely contain myself. All I can say is, cheese of the week, shit hot salami, anchovy paste, homebaked bread, Italian biscuits and chocolate; fine wines and beers from around the world. The shelves in here are tall and packed full of food that's rich, fresh, delicious but also really good for you! Kicks Peckhams in the butt, and I never thought I'd say that. It feels like a betrayal, but it has to be said. Never seen a deli like this. The biggest dill pickles I've ever seen, and the chocolate treats! There are no words. Just go and see for yourself. As good as the food is, it's so healthy you'll probably win back ten years of your lifespan.

Foodgasm is all I can say about this deli, which I've discovered is just across the street from where I live! In business since 1934, this is by far the most impressive Italian deli I've ever been to! It was quite busy when I ventured in, after having walked past several times over the last few weeks. I have the feeling valvona and crolla has a loyal clientele, which would explain the lack of an interesting exterior; if I stocked half of what they did, I would be advertising in every corner of Edinburgh! My friend and I were bamboozled by the amount of cheese, pasta, cold meat, desserts, chocolate, oil, wine, and many other fantastic things. For the free samples of olive oil and parmesan we picked up to taste, we held a moment of silence. I'd rejoiced, bitter-sweetly, about not having a Peckhams nearby to drain my bank account, but I think this place is even worse!

It's so nice to walk through their amazing shop on the way to the cafe as it gets you really excited about good food in general. Went there on a recommendation of a friend and it did not disappoint. Delicious wine too... and courgette flowers in a starter is cool :) Loved the olive oil and balsamic so you should def get bread if you're eating there- it doesn't come automatically, but is delicious

Recently had a lunch there, I ordered the scallops which was brilliant! Since I took a late lunch at six o'clock, I didn't try other dishes.

What a great find. It's a traditional Italian deli in front and a restaurant in back. On our second visit in two days, today we shared the eggplant Parmesan and bruschetta. Both were soooo good. My wife said it was best meal of our four week trip so far. Prices are fair. Yesterday we shared the cheese plate and loved it because our favorite (and expensive) cheese was included as one of three. Definitely consider this one if near The Playhouse.

Watch out for the low flying cheeses and sausages. Im not sure Health & Safety would approve !!! ;-P

Had a lovely lunch today at Elm Row. Really impressed with the aftercare. Had two waiters who had style and grace. They both had well groomed breads. I was hungry after my mains and had a roast potatoes side at the end of the meals! Completely back to front! They didn't skip a beat. They were delicious as was the polenta, rocket and pine nuts mains I had before. The sauce on my dish was gorgeous. Can't place it, love the mystery. It didn't matter as I nearly wanted to lick the plate! My friend had a aubergine dish. She loved hers. Thankyou. Happy New Year!

Valvona and Crolla is definitely all about the space - or lack thereof. As you walk through the door, you gasp with surprise as you take in the shelves stuffed up to the ceiling, and everything else that is suspended from the sky. Deli counters about, and after winding your way around the counters, looking at frou frou oil, frou frou jam, frou frou chutney, frou frou... you get the picture, you find yourself in a lighter, brighter space, ready for eating. It's perfect, you have been lured into the lair of the coffee woman. It's not cheap, but it's delicious, we shared an antipasti dish complete with char grilled vegetables, mozzarella and olives, fat and juicy. We drank from Italian soda cans. We ate some lovely orange semolina cake. We paid the high prices, and didn't regret it. So it's not an every day kinda place, and the setting in the cafe is spartan, we did still have a lovely time there, so I'm perfectly happy to recommend it.

Was delighted to get gift vouchers for here for my birthday and had so much fun spending them :0) I bought their own brand prosecco which is delicious and highly recommended. Also stocked up on pasta, olive oil and chocolate. The shop is so nice to just have a wander around.

Extensive. That's the word I would use here. Expensive would be another one... The shop reaches all the way down and around the corner. The walls are laden, fit to burst with all manner of things from cheese to cakes to whisky to chocolates. There's sausages hanging from the ceiling and a wonderful selection of those fancy Italian cakey things! I came in here recently, needing decorative edible flowers (aw yeah, dinner parties in my gaff are all about class) and fully expecting not to find any. Low and behold, there they were, in the exact shade of blue I needed. 5 stars for serendipity!

Mortadella, arancini, pecorino ... boy, this shop is amazing. Don't go when you're feeling skint, though - its pretty expensive! Fabulous, and worth the money, but I have come out a bit shell shocked after everything got added up at the till... There's every type of pasta, meat, cheese or Italian liqueur you could ask for, and some nice pre-made quiches and sandwiches too. And if you're peckish there's always a range of olive oils out for tasting, with little bits of bread to dip. That's where you'll find me, oil dribbling down my chin...

I went here with a couple of Italians (they're like accessories, you should always bring them to a deli), and had an absolutely amazing time. The cafe, all the way in the back of the deli serves delicious sweets and cafe. No, not coffee, vero cafe, espresso, cappuccino and all the way they should be. The deli-meats were delicious. I miss my mortadela something awful when I'm not in Italy (unfortunately that's most of the year) so coming here and seeing this beautiful meat displayed, well, I simply couldn't resist. I batted my eyes at the meat-counter man a couple of times and hey presto, mortadela slices to taste for me and my friends. (Italians, I love them). This is the type of deli that I've come to know and love back in the Northern part of Italy. I've missed it, as we don't really have that many of them in the Netherlands, but finding one here was like finding the One Ring. (Only, maybe a little less .. orcy). I highly recommend you go here, I also highly recommend you leave your credit card at home. Otherwise your rent-money may just end up as mortadele-meat.

My wonderful Grandmother often hops on the train to Edinburgh to take her poor student granddaughter (me) out for lunch. Valvona and Crolla is the top of our list for an afternoon of playing ladies who lunch. The menu covers a range of Italian dishes that are far more exciting than your average pizza and pasta affair, the range is so vast that it will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The food is fresh, delicious and well priced. But the real icing on the cake at Valvona and Crolla is the desserts. You must save room in that already satisfied belly as you will not be disappointed. I insist you try the Chocolate Torte, which is in fact a little slice of heaven served beautifully on your plate. The last time we visited my dear old Grandmother charmed the young waiter into giving us the most gigantic slices of Chocolate Torte I've ever seen, I swear my thighs are still carrying it around. But it is so worth it. The combination of the great service and fantastic food make Valvona and Crolla well worth the visit (and the calories).

I used to come in here when I was but a small slip of a thing (and I'm still vertically challenged to this day), and survey with roving, greedy, wee eyes all the delightful edible Italian delicacies. Valvona & Crolla seemed neverendingly big and full of everything then, and I think to an extent it still feels that way now. My family still come here to buy their pasta and parmesan, and have been doing so for more years than they probably want to be reminded of. To summarise all my nostalgic warbling, this Italian deli is absolutely legendary, and has that comforting, family run atmosphere to it that makes you come back again and again. The tall shelves behind the long counter display a vision boggling array of goodies, and give V&C that feel of tradition and a long history of successful business. Choose from every pasta under the sun, amazing bread, cheese galore, coffee, salamis and meats, and of course, a brilliant selection of wine. Friendly Italian banter, plus every Italian culinary product you could wish for, make this deli just awesome.

AMERICANS and ITALIANS who appreciate lasagne that has not been pre-cooked... this is your savior. Not even Lupe Pinto's my favorite little shop in the universe has lasagne that has not been pre-cooked. I will not explain myself to you UKers who say "But who cares if it's pre-cooked"? "It's the meat and cheese that matter""What is the difference?" or my favorite, "I can't taste any difference". You and your bad opinions are wrong. You know what? I feel the same way about instant mashed potatoes (not true, but using for effect) - how do you like THAT? Valvona and Crolla has many, many good attributes, which everyone else has already written about. So I am here to tell you about Valvona and Crolla... the only place in Edinburgh to get un-pre-cooked lasagne.

A cute little Italian gourmet shop. Totally unexpected to find in Scotland. Good variety of wines and beer too. Cheeses, meets, pasta, sauces. They have it all. With a little bistro in the back. Outside of the more touristy areas and not as easy to find but definitely worth a visit!

The first time I entered in the shop, I did not expect to find all these products and such a big space. Outside, it seems like a regular Italian grocery shop. Inside, it is a shop full of products from Italy, a bit from France and Spain, which seems so delicious. The café in the bottom is quite pleasant, with some organic drinks. Their breakfast is really good, the toasted bread and the scone with the jam were delicious ! I recommend that place, full of promises !

I have only been here about 2 times in a year and a half, but it's not hard to tell that Valvona and Crolla have something special and different than other stores don't have. Thumbs up for providing good produce that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere in Edinburgh. There is a range of different wines in the back, and more meats/cheeses type thing in the front. Not to mention, baskets full of delicious pastries and breads. So, I obviously had to get an Almond Croissant. ...It was delicious. If I lived closer, I know I would have a peek in more often, but it's great to go into, especially if you love cooking and italian food. You might find that special ingredient you're looking for! I know that there is an upstairs caffe as well, but so far I haven't managed to eat there. Next time!

Overpriced but interesting shop. Things to buy here - chocolate donuts, they use a real ganache and they are only £1.25, rest of the pastries are crappy italian versions of french things. - some of the fresh vegetable can be a real steal, sometimes they have purple sprouting broccoli for like £2.50 a kilo! Edinburgh institution so probably worth a visit. I feel lucky Edinburgh has this but hardly shop here apart from the aforementioned products.

An absolutely outstanding deli, I would go as far to say probably the best I have been to in Edinburgh (and even Glasgow), and I just wish that I lived closer so I could eat from here every day. Every meat and cheese variety you can imagine packed into this wee treasure trove of a store. I particularly love the front window which is covered in miniature bottles of alcohol, every single thing you can think of, it's so cute. You could spend an hour in here picking and choosing food, but you would maybe have to have a few extra quid in the back pocket to fund your meat and cheese habit!

This has to be Edinburgh's number one deli. This little place is absolutely packed with sauces, wines, cheeses and meats. The front of the shop is quite narrow and is filled with Italian foods and has fresh meats and cheeses on offer at the deli. Behind the deli the high wall is dominated by a whole range of bottles. Indeed, it is so high that the staff don't use a ladder to get a bottle down, but instead use a gripping device....I would be very nervous indeed using that, many bottles would end up smashed on the floor if it was me! The shop is full of tempting smells and the smell of fresh bread always leads you to the back of the shop. And there you find a large selection of Italian wines, a lot of very good red wines. A good bottle of red, with some fresh bread and cheese...I would say that's a good shop!

A longstanding Edinburgh tradition, Valvona and Crolla is an awesome delicatessen, with an amazing array of food and drink. From gorgeous cheeses and cold meats to rare Greek brandies that you can't buy anywhere else in Edinburgh, the experience of V&C is one to savour, slowly. And keep your eye on how much you're spending - you get what you pay for, which is reliable quality in every purchase.

Walking into Valvona & Crolla is like walking into the Tardis: the store looks tiny from the outside, and I'm sure there are thousands of people who walk past without even noticing the place. Once inside it's you'll be amazed at the quantity and quality of fare on offer. The shelves are packed from floor to (very high) ceiling with delights from all over Italy. Be careful at the deli counter, the very reasonably priced meats are right next to the very expensive fresh pastas. Try to get in early if you're visiting at Festival time or around Christmas as the store becomes almost as packed with customers as it is with goods.

I went there for brunch on Sunday and it was really rather good. In fact, I don't think I can really say anything that hasn't already been covered in the other reviews so I won't waffle on! 4 badger stars.

I had a pasta dish in the caffe bar for lunch when I met an old friend with whom I used to work in San Francisco before she moved back to Edinburgh. Valvona & Crolla was someplace I had on my Edinburgh food list to try not only for its caffe bar, and wonderous selection of deli meats, cheeses, and wines but because it was mentioned in one of Andrew McCall Smith's Isabel Dahousie novels. The fact that it was 2 blocks from the B&B I was staying in was also a factor. Good meal, good company, and I'll have to return one day to pick up some picnic supplies.

On first glance it looks like a delicatessen. However if you walk all the way through there is a hidden cafe at the back. Went there for brunch and it was lovely. The coffee was delicious and they come in really large cups which is always a winner for me. Food is a bit pricey but was lovely. Service was also really good, they made my own type of continental breakfast for me!

One of the must visit places of the city. It's about a 20min walk from mid-point of Princes Street. An old favourite, it's popular with tourists and locals alike. Not the cheapest of places but you are paying for quality and authentic Italian products. Full of atmosphere with a great selection of foodstuff and a delicounter with amazing selection of cheeses, not just Italian, but from all over Scotland. It's like an aladdin's cave for foodies/gourmets! There's a cafe which isnt massive so expect to queue when it get's busy. Of course it does fantastic coffee and cake! If you are a first time visitor to Edinburgh I recommend you make this one of your stop offs.

Valvona and Crolla is a real Edinburgh institution. I can remember visiting with my parents when I was little and being fascinated with the sites and smells inside this place. This a a real old school delicatessan selling a huge variety of stock and anything you could possibly want from Italy. Their cured meats and cheeses are mouth watering stuff, but do expect to pay for the priviliege. They also do freshly baked breads and rolls which are so lovely. Then there's their fantastic selection of alcohols and liqueurs, if you're looking for something obscure you'll definitely find it here. I can understand other posters when they suggest it's crampt and busy, but i think this adds to it's charm and makes it a perfect place for people watching.

This was one place I wanted to visit on my trip to Edinburgh so that I could compare it with my local Deli's. Whilst it is impressive it wasn't as bit as I'd imagined so didn't stock the range of goods I'd expected. The bread was very fresh so we treated ourselves to a mini packed lunch to take ont he train home, this we managed to do for less than £8 for two people which wasn't bad. One thing I did notice was that the brand of cream they sell is the same as my local Lidl's. I'm sure while we were in there Clarissa Dickson Wright was there too so nice to see the owners pop in.

This deli is really a very special place in the hearts of many in Edinburgh. Going since around 1934 , it is a little island of Italy in the capital. It has an outstanding range of all kinds of italian produce, olive oils, vinegars, wines , pastas , chocolates at the rear. A section with delicious italian bread and bakery including italian doughnuts and fabulous meringues. Also a section for fresh fruit and veg including some otherwise hard to find items. At the front of the shop a very extensive deli counter with all kinds of cheeses and salamis. Also a range of ready prepared sauces and things like mini quiches to take away. Very delicious. ! In season a christmas shop at the back with is a good place for foodie presents, including cookery books, some written by one of the owners. Also a cafe/resaurant at the back. Not the cheapest place but with great quality and attention to detail. I have always enjoyed what I have eaten there.

One of the oldest Italian Delis in Edinburgh, if not the oldest, Valvona and Crolla hides a pleasant surprise if you walk through to the back of the shop. Tucked away at the rear is a surprisingly large bright and modern looking cafe. All light wood and roof windows, it's a very pleasant space that seems popular with locals and savvy visitors; it's a bit off the beaten track tourist wise, but just a few minutes walk down the road from the Omni Centre which is itself just beyond Princes Street down. Had a pleasant enough brunch in the cafei. Lovely croissant, great breads, good bacon butty, and tasty vegetarian breakfast which included grilled polenta, roasted and grilled italian veggies topped off with a fried egg. Mmmmm. Bit more expensive than the usual cafe fare, but a nice treat.

An amazing find! It was clearly our favorite place to eat while on vacation in Edinburgh for a few days. I did not realize how much of an institution Valvona & Crolla was. We were so excited to see , that we ended up visiting two other locations and ended up eating at Valvona & Crolla 4 times in 8 days! I had a meat and cheese plate for breakfast and it was incredible. I also had the Papardelle Ragu (at the Multrees location) which was also very good. The service at all locations was outstanding. I've seen some notes about the service being slow and I don't know if that's an American thing. Most times I've visited Europe, every restaurant let's you sit and enjoy rather than having you feel like they're pushing you out the door to seat the next set of patrons. Similar to other restaurants, the only time it is "slow" is when it comes to the check. I would highly recommend Valvona & Crolla to anyone visitng Edinburgh.

If the house in Hansel and Gretal really existed and it was made out of Italian meat and cheese rather than sweets and chocolate- Valvona and Crolla would be it. I bet you even the wallpaper in this place tastes good. Valvona and Crolla deserves its reputation as a landmark in Edinburgh with produce this good. The cafe area upstairs is great if you're looking for some crostini or a nice salad but I'd recommend you just spend your money on tasty treats to take home. More than just a deli, this place is really special. Just read 'Dear Olivia' if you're looking to be sucked in even more. I love it here.

Fancy a treat? Get yourself in here and indulge! The deli is a true feast for the senses ... then go round the corner for the fresh bakery and the bottle shop, then up some steps for the kitchenware shop and the cafe. My Grandma shopped here in the 1930s and always sang its praises - and I can see why!

I really like this place. Great variety of cheese and deli meats. A little pricey but good quality foods!

The best deli in Edinburgh! I live around the corner and only allow myself in once a month or I'd be fat and poor. It's got a real family feel. The cheese counter is mouth-watering. The staff are very knowledgeable and will help you choose the right thing. Also it's a great opportunity to sample lots of different kinds of cheese. I've also ordered hampers from there for Christmas. They are always really well presented.

If you like eating Italian then this is the place for you. More so if you like browsing Italian, then get right down here. What a range of food and wine. If you cant find what you are looking for here then forget it. Apart from Rome airport, I have not been able to find my favourite desert wine anywhere but here. they were selling imported Polish vodka before all the local polish shops opened. bread with rosemary and sun dried tomatoes topped with an excellent olive oil and accompanied by antipasta and cheese from the deli counter. Just one of the treats I look forward to after a visit to this institution.

valvona & crolla on elm row (top of leith walk) is the flagship shop for this long-established, edinburgh-based italian family business. they have one of edinburgh's finest selections of italian groceries, cheeses, antipasto, oils and wines. plus a whole lot more yummy stuff too long to list. there is no doubt that shopping here will bring you great foodie joy (including great wine joy). sadly this passion doesn't seem to extend to coffee. at the back of the store is quite a large and pleasant cafe that does alcohol as well as food. i had a flat white which was too hot and weak. you know this also means that the milk texture was non-existent. i've had this same experience several times such a shame when the food and wine is so great. i continue to be amazed by folk who clearly know what they're doing with food and wine but who don't consider coffee with the same rigour. this isn't confined to v&c by any means. plenty of excellent, well-reviewed and highly regarded restaurants are the same. much coffee evolution yet to occur in our tea-loving part of the world! http://edinburghcoffeelovers.blogspot.com/ twitter: @edinburghcoffee

V&C is a lovely italian, family run, delicatessen. The branch at Leith walk has a large selection of food and drink, as well as a bright, comfortable coffee shop. I believe that they also serve food in the evening. Freshly made bread and sandwiches can be taken away, and there is a counter with a selection of meat, olives, cheese and baked goods. The other outlet at Multrees walk also has a smaller shop and a coffee shop with an outdoor seating area for the summer months.

Valvona & Crolla is an absolute delight, it's a throwback to the past in quality and variety of products including freshly made breads and sweet baked goods, organic veg, an impressive wines and spirits selection, specialist cheeses and home made take away food such as soups and ravioli. There's also a lovely cafe (with stunning carrot cake) and a gift shop selling a variety of luxury and kitchen and household goods as well as a book section. V&C is a very pleasant assault on the senses, the best deli in town and it also doubles as a Fringe venue in the Festival, it's well worth a visit for any visitors to town.

I am originally from Edinburgh and when I visit Scotland it's almost essential that I visit Valvona and Crolla. It's a tradition. This place has been around longer than I, and I have a great respect for Italian produce because if the upmarket V&C. The selection of olive oils, the selection of coffee, the selection of red wine, the selection of quality pastas, the fresh counter with the most mouth-watering anti-pasti's, cheeses, fine Italian hams.I could and do spend a small fortune when visiting, but one thing I'm always sure of is quality and pure delight! Do visit if you're in town, it's a true gem and a magnificient piece of culture within Edinburgh. They also do wonderful hampers - great Christmas gifts and you can order online!!!....

This is a definitve Edinburgh experience, and if your a foodie, absolute heaven. Old fashioned, expensive, passionate. I love it, it's pointless writing a long review- just go, but go early, the closer it gets to Christmas, the busier it gets.

Located at the 2nd floor of Jenners. This place is massive! There are lots of different wines and spirits, chocolates, health food, organic food, spices and herbs, and lots, lots more! You can find some of Nando's sauces there, too. There is a coffee shop facing Princes Street and the Restaurant (well, serving breakfast at the time we were there) on the other end. There were also lots of food from different countries available. We tasted the fruitcake and it was splendid. Good shopping for christmas prezzies. It's on the pricey side but the quality is superb. One thing though, there was no one really available to ask about some stuff. Had to ask help from the lady behind the coffee counter who went searching for the one in charge. After which, she did help us with our questions. I'll come back.

As The unimpressive Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter hides a magnificent and bustling street of magical activity, so a small, unobtrusive shop front in Leith Walk can conceal an Italian cavern of such wonders that even Rowling would be hard pressed to dream up. Valvona and Crolla is a huge, cavernous shop with walls lined to the ceiling with Giant pasta, herbs, sauces and everything imaginable relating to Italian cuisine. Now, cooking for me is a simple, economic exercise. I have only ever once bought brie, and that was because, weirdly, it was cheaper than the cheddar. The cheese counter in this lovely shop, however, is enchanting, and does not need to be seen by a hungry or culinary adventurous eye. It just needs to be seen. Winding deep into the shop, you will come across baskets of succulent muffins and pastries, glistening with divinity, and a café, whose hot chocolate is exactly that: chocolate warmed and melted, served with milk. Heaven.

Valvona & Crolla has two stores in Edinburgh I think 1 is at the top of Leith Walk and the other is next to Harvey Nicols. I have only been to the one at the top of Leith Walk and love the selection of Italian goods on offer in their deli section. It also has a café however I don't think this offers good value. While I love the selection of stuff in their deli, I have to say the prices they charge are way over the top. All in all it is a great delicatessen but FAR too expensive for what you get.

I love this shop! There's not much else I can say... I just love it!! It is exciting and fun to shop there - I always find something new to try. It's beautiful!

Like stepping into a deli in the heart of the Italian countryside! The cured meats melt in your mouth...