In the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town sits a restaurant that has rapidly become the talk of the town: Little Capo. This compact yet stylish eatery has managed to blend vibrant design, a playful atmosphere, and an irresistible food and drink offering that draws diners from across the city. While Edinburgh boasts an impressive dining scene filled with everything from Michelin-starred establishments to cosy local favourites, Little Capo has carved a niche for itself as one of the most exciting and accessible places to eat.
The name itself carries charm. In Italian, capo translates to “boss” or “chief,” and the affectionate “little capo” suggests both personality and approachability. This combination is reflected in the restaurant’s ethos: small but mighty, bold yet welcoming, chic but never intimidating.
In this detailed exploration, we will uncover what makes Little Capo stand out. From the ambience and design through to the menu highlights, cocktail creativity, and customer feedback, this article will paint a vivid picture of why this restaurant is considered one of Edinburgh’s hottest dining spots. Along the way, we will also look at Little Capo reviews, which reveal why it has garnered such a strong reputation in such a short span of time.
Location and First Impressions
Situated at 18 Howe Street in Edinburgh’s elegant New Town, Little Capo occupies a prime location. Its striking salmon-orange frontage ensures that it does not blend into the Georgian stone architecture that surrounds it. Instead, it proudly announces itself as something different, fresh, and full of character.
On entering, visitors immediately notice the contrast between the exterior boldness and the interior warmth. The restaurant is compact in size, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in atmosphere. Cosy corners, a beautifully tiled bar, and an aperitivo counter set the tone for an evening that feels lively yet intimate.
Unlike many larger restaurants that can sometimes feel impersonal, Little Capo thrives on its scale. With a limited number of tables and bar seats, the venue exudes exclusivity without being pretentious. Guests often describe the experience as if they are stepping into a carefully curated party, with music, chatter, and the clinking of glasses forming the perfect backdrop.
The Concept: Italian-Ish with a Twist
Little Capo proudly describes itself as “Italian-ish.” This phrase reflects both respect for Italy’s culinary traditions and a willingness to experiment. Rather than offering a standard Italian menu of pizza and pasta, the chefs reinterpret classics with creativity and flair.
The result is a series of small plates and sharing options that encourage diners to taste widely and enjoy variety. Dishes such as burrata with fennel and citrus, ox cheek ragù, zucchini fritti, and ricotta gnudi showcase both traditional influences and contemporary innovation. Hearty yet elegant, rustic yet refined, the menu appeals to casual diners as well as food enthusiasts seeking something distinctive.
Importantly, the restaurant does not restrict itself to rigid Italian rules. While Italy is the inspiration, the dishes often incorporate seasonal Scottish produce or international techniques, creating a fusion that feels authentic to Edinburgh’s cosmopolitan dining culture.
Drinks and the Aperitivo Experience
One of the standout features of Little Capo is its aperitivo bar. Here, cocktails are more than just drinks—they are expressions of creativity. Popular choices include the Negroni Sbagliato Bianco garnished with smoked rosemary, the Spritz Framboise with raspberry lambic, and the Amaro Sour that balances sweetness with bitterness.
These drinks embody the relaxed Italian tradition of aperitivo: a pre-dinner ritual where friends gather to sip, snack, and socialise. By transplanting this concept into the Scottish capital, Little Capo offers something fresh to the city’s nightlife while simultaneously tapping into timeless Mediterranean culture.
Alongside cocktails, the wine list continues to evolve. Guests can explore a range of Italian varieties as well as hand-picked European bottles, ensuring that both casual drinkers and seasoned wine lovers find something to enjoy. The balance between quality and affordability has been particularly praised in many Little Capo reviews, with critics noting that the drinks are thoughtfully curated without carrying excessive price tags.
The Ambience and Design
Atmosphere is often what transforms a good restaurant into a memorable one. At Little Capo, the design plays a central role in creating an environment that diners remember long after their visit.
The interior is colourful and eclectic, blending retro artwork with modern design touches. The bold colour palette mirrors the striking exterior, while intimate lighting ensures that the space feels cosy rather than overwhelming. The tiled bar acts as both a focal point and a functional centrepiece, where bartenders craft drinks in full view of guests.
Reviews frequently highlight the energy of the space. Even on typically quiet nights such as Mondays, Little Capo manages to maintain a lively buzz. This is no accident—it is the product of thoughtful design, excellent staff training, and a clear understanding of what makes diners feel welcome.
Little Capo Reviews: What People Are Saying
No exploration of a restaurant is complete without hearing what diners and critics think. Fortunately for Little Capo, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Professional food writers have described it as “seductive,” “energetic,” and “one of the best value restaurants in Edinburgh.” One critic awarded it an 8/10 rating, singling out the ox cheek ragù and the inventive Spritz Framboise as highlights. Another publication praised the fact that a group of friends could enjoy a buzzing night with drinks and food for “barely £20 per head”—a rarity in the current dining climate.
Customer reviews echo these sentiments. Many remark on the warm service, noting that staff members strike the right balance between attentiveness and relaxed friendliness. Others highlight the Instagrammable setting, calling it an ideal venue for dates, celebrations, or simply catching up with friends.
Perhaps the most telling review came from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who visited with his son and described the food as “very tasty.” Such endorsements from well-known figures only add to the restaurant’s reputation.
Value for Money
In an era where dining out is becoming increasingly expensive, Little Capo’s ability to combine quality with accessibility has not gone unnoticed. While it delivers high-end design and carefully crafted dishes, it avoids the sky-high prices often associated with trendy venues.
Guests often leave surprised at how affordable their evening has been, especially when factoring in the ambience and level of service. This value-for-money factor has been central to the restaurant’s popularity, as reflected in countless Little Capo reviews praising both the food and the final bill.
Why Little Capo Stands Out in Edinburgh’s Food Scene
Edinburgh is no stranger to great restaurants, but Little Capo distinguishes itself in several key ways:
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Unique Concept: By calling itself Italian-ish rather than strictly Italian, it allows for creativity while maintaining a clear culinary identity.
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Atmosphere: The combination of striking design and lively energy ensures every visit feels special.
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Drinks Offering: The aperitivo bar introduces an authentic Italian tradition to Edinburgh’s nightlife, with cocktails that are as inventive as they are delicious.
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Value: High quality does not come at an extortionate cost, making it accessible to a wide range of diners.
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Positive Reviews: From professional critics to everyday guests, the consensus is clear: Little Capo is a hit.
Who Should Visit Little Capo?
Little Capo appeals to a wide audience. Couples find it perfect for date nights thanks to its romantic lighting and intimate scale. Groups of friends enjoy the sharing plates and buzzy vibe. Solo diners feel at ease sitting at the counter, sipping cocktails while watching the world go by. Even families, as Jamie Oliver’s visit proved, are welcomed with warmth and hospitality.
Whether you are a local looking to try something new or a visitor exploring Edinburgh’s culinary landscape, Little Capo deserves a spot on your list.
The Future of Little Capo
Given the strength of its early reception, the future looks bright. Its blend of creativity, value, and atmosphere suggests it will continue to thrive as word of mouth spreads. In a city where restaurants come and go, Little Capo appears to have the staying power required to become a long-term fixture of Edinburgh’s dining culture.
It also sets an example for other small restaurants, proving that size does not determine success. With thoughtful design, a clear concept, and a commitment to quality, even the tiniest venues can make a big impact.
Conclusion
Little Capo has rapidly earned a reputation as one of Edinburgh’s must-visit restaurants. From its bold exterior to its intimate interior, from its inventive menu to its lively aperitivo bar, everything about it has been designed to create memorable experiences. Diners consistently leave positive feedback, and critics highlight its unique approach to Italian-inspired dining.
The phrase “little boss” captures it perfectly: compact yet commanding, playful yet powerful. With glowing Little Capo reviews, celebrity endorsements, and a loyal following of regular customers, it is no exaggeration to say that Little Capo has become a leader in Edinburgh’s buzzing food scene.
