Restaurants in the Grassmarket have a somewhat complex identity maze to navigate. At the same time as maintaining a broad appeal for incoming revellers, they need to attract a returning crowd of local patrons to remain sustainable.

Exterior

Gennaro’s has been negotiating this space for many years, with Ewan McGregor a notable ex-employee. I’d visited many years ago, but hadn’t been served by Obi-Wan, Christian or Renton.

The interior is nothing remarkable, but things are comfortable and welcoming.

The menu is typically broad with pizza and pasta to the fore. I was pleased to see melanzane on the starter optionsso opted for that then followed with the pizza San Gennaro.

Pizza

Melanzane is a great favourite of mine and this was an excellent example. The one from the Italian Kitchen was bonnier, Piatto Verde and Domenico’s was just a little tastier, but this very good rendition was worthy of its place towards the top-end of consideration.

The pizza was notable for the excellently chunky bacon that formed part of the topping. The base was good, too, and lent itself to the fold-and-shove-faceward method of eating.

So overall, Gennaro’s served me two good dishes that pleased me very much. What they do they do well and the service is quite charming, so I was impressed. You’ll enjoy your visit, too, I reckon.

Scores
Blythe scores Gennaro’s
3.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 14/20

I ate: melanzane parmigiana, pizza San Gennaro

I drank: white wine, red wine, espresso, water

I wore: blue and red

Total bill: £30.45