We’re going back about 6 months to when we visited Edinburgh for the first time. We stayed from Monday to Friday and managed to cram in so much! We made sure to visit a different restaurant each evening; however, there was one exception, and that was Mamma Roma. We visited here on the Wednesday evening, and ended up coming back again on the Friday lunchtime before we left. Scroll on down to check out our review.
Our Review:
Sometimes the best dining experiences are the ones you don’t plan. We had set our sights on the lively Edinburgh Food Market, but the sheer bustle — too many people, too many options, nowhere to sit — sent us in search of something calmer. A quick scan of Google Maps led us to Mamma Roma, where a cosy table for two awaited and the welcome was as warm as a Mediterranean breeze.
Our first visit began with a shared bruschetta — slices of toasted bread crowned with sweet, fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and fragrant basil. It was fresh, vibrant, and exactly the kind of appetiser that whets your appetite for what’s to come.
For mains, I went for the Penne Amatriciana, a bold and savoury tomato-based pasta with a gentle kick, while my husband chose his Italian go-to: Spaghetti Carbonara. He declared it one of the best he’s ever had — silky, rich, and perfectly balanced. Both dishes arrived beautifully presented, plates wiped clean, and portioned generously for the price (around £14 each).
Even though we were comfortably full after exploring the Scottish Highlands all day, dessert was non-negotiable. The Cheesecake of the Day turned out to be a Biscoff cheesecake — and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s the best I’ve ever eaten. Silky smooth, indulgent without being heavy, and with just the right hit of biscoffy sweetness, it was a flawless finale.
On our return visit, we started with pillowy garlic bread, my husband couldn’t resist ordering the Carbonara again, and I opted for Penne Capricciose. The consistency was impressive — every bite just as delicious as the first time.
Mamma Roma delivers exactly what you want from a rustic Italian spot — warm earth tones, charming decor, and gentle background music that adds to the atmosphere without overpowering conversation. It feels relaxed yet special, making it as fitting for a date night as it is for a casual dinner.
From the moment we walked in, the staff were attentive without hovering, making us feel instantly comfortable. Service was swift, friendly, and filled with genuine warmth — the kind that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.
For central Edinburgh, the pricing feels refreshingly reasonable, especially given the quality, presentation, and portion sizes. It’s a place where you leave feeling you’ve had not just a meal, but an experience — and one that didn’t break the bank.
Pros & Cons:
- Consistently delicious pasta dishes✅
- Warm, welcoming service✅
- Excellent value for central Edinburgh✅
- Busy during peak hours❌
- Small dessert menu❌
Gourmet Gauge:
Mamma Roma combines rustic Italian cooking, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere into an experience that’s hard to beat in the heart of Edinburgh. From flawless pasta to the best cheesecake I’ve ever had, it’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back for more.
Taste: 9/10 🥄
Presentation: 9/10 🍽️
Ambience: 8/10 🕯️
Service: 9/10 🧑🍳
Value for Money: 9/10💰
Total: 44/50 Highly Recommend!
You can find “Mamma Roma” at the following location:
4-7 Antigua Street
Edinburgh
EH1 3NH
You can find their website and social media down below:
http://www.mamma-roma.net/index.html
🌍 Over to You, Fellow Taste Trekkers!
Have you ever found yourself exploring Edinburgh with a craving for good food? Or maybe you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem during your own travels through a different city? We’d love to hear your foodie adventures and recommendations—drop us a comment below and let’s swap stories!
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