If there were a prize for the most pleasantly surprising restaurant in the city, which there should be, Positano would have solid claims on the trophy.

Exterior

On premises previously occupied, until around a decade ago by Brattisani’s, an age-old Edinburgh fish n chip purveyor, the shop front still retains that chip shop feel. The interior is somewhat like a place where you’d eat a fish tea, also. However, a quick look at the menu reveals this is very much a fully-fledged Italian, serving a wide range of classic dishes.

The undoubted star of the show was the head waiter, who turned out to be something of a jack of all trades. He firstly ensured that the welcome was warm, then left me to contemplate their extensive menu.

Vongole Positano

My eye was immediately caught by a mussel and chickpea soup, but I was denied by a lack of mussels, today. Instead, the waiter recommended the house clam dish. Actually, he went a bit further than recommending it: he went and cooked it for me, himself! A bloody impressive dish it was, too. A generous portion of clams were mixed through with borlotti beans, chunks of garlic bread, and salad leaves for some crunch. It was beautifully seasoned and made for very satisfying eating.

My pizza main course was rather anodyne by comparison, but that’s not to say it wasn’t good, as it featured very good sausage, and a good soft base that leant itself to the slice/fold/shove-faceward method of eating. I enjoyed it, but regretted not giving the kitchen a better opportunity to showcase the type of flair on offer with my starter.

Pizza salsiccia piccante

I was left to ponder a very enjoyable meal, as the waiter went to work with his chefs making another fresh dish.

So overall, I was really impressed with Positano. I’ll definitely be back for another visit, and look forward to letting the kitchen exercise their considerable talents. I suggest you visit, at your earliest convenient opportunity.

Scores
Blythe scores Positano
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4.5/5 for service
3/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20

I ate: vongole positano, pizza salsiccia piccante

I drank: water, house white, espresso

I wore: brogues

Total bill £22.10