Locanda de Gusti

Chef proprietor Rosario Sartore and wife Maria have created a relaxed and welcoming restaurant where they serve their authentic southern Italian food.

The couple, renowned for their genuine Italian hospitality and respect for traditional recipes and techniques, have been part of the Edinburgh dining scene for almost 30 years. Edinburgh-born Maria hails from a family of restaurant owners whilst Rosario, who was born and raised in Naples, started his culinary career in the capital in 1986 aged just 15.

Chef Rosario imports Denominazione di Origine Protetta (D.O.P) artisan produce from Italy, combining them with prime Scottish ingredients to recreate authentic dishes from southern Italy. The menu changes daily and includes fresh fish and seafood, hand-made pasta and cakes, with gluten-free options always available.

As well as an a la carte offering, Locanda serves a tasting menu starting from £27 per person, featuring a variety of traditional Italian dishes such as linguine à pescatora, provola dei poveri and babà salsiccia e friarielli that will differ during each service depending on what’s available, and incorporating ‘specialties of the day’. The tasting menus can be tailored to diners’ appetites and budgets.

In October 2013 Rosario was presented with a prestigious Ospitalita’ Italiana Ristoranti nel Mondo award by the Italian Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Federation of Italian Chefs.