Some days, we’re fortunate to quest for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Such was the case today, with a trip to Papilio rounding out a busy day.
Exterior
Papilio is a maroon Italian place in Bruntsfield. I’ve walked past it on many occasions and noted its lunchtime deal offering three courses for £8.95. I’ve always instinctively been cautious, but this evening I was in full embrace mode, so popped in to sample the extent of its delights.
Their menu is quite typically Italian, in its all-encompassing nature. I was delighted to see melanzane alla parmegiana on their starter list. I chose to follow this with their house pizza, which promised meaty delights.
Melanzane
The starter, a real favourite of mine, had good flavour, but the aubergine was rather spongey, giving a very curious texture to the dish. This was a shame as the tomato-based sauce was quite accomplished.
The main was a similar blend of strong and weak elements. The pizza base trod a good middle ground between chewy and crisp, and the porky topping was suitably flavourful, but the overall effect wasn’t quite completely satisfying. It was just a bit unremarkable; good, but little beyond that.
Pizza
So overall, Papilio was decent, without being earth-shattering. Both courses were good, and hinted at promise, without excelling. If you happen to be passing, do pop in, but there are better opportunities to explore, if you’re looking for Italian food in Edinburgh.
Scorers
Blythe scores Papilio
3/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3/5 for setting
3/5 for service
giving an overall 12/20
Today’s quester was: Blythe
I ate; melanzane alla parmegiana; pizza papilio
I drank: water, house red, espresso
I wore: three piece suit
Total bill: £27.50
