MJ and I visited Nonna’s Kitchen absolutely ages ago, but had a bit of a peculiar experience. A warmly friendly family run place, service that day drifted into the realms of the family bust-up, which whilst in some ways quite entertaining did have a negative impact on the overall experience. We made a note to visit again, and today I finally got round to making good on that.

I was joined by Colin, who had previously quested at Jake’s Place, and Jonathan, who was joining for the first time.

Jonathan has recently started a new business, the Edinburgh Watch Company, and taking his lead from those enterprising chaps at www.tieclub.co.uk, who provide ties to Lunchquest, had asked whether we might consider something similar to showcase his watches. Always happy to help out emerging local businesses, we chatted about how this might work as lunch progressed.

Jonathan was wearing a rather fine item called a Zenith, which apparently involved a chronometer mechanism of frightening accuracy (99.994% I believe). The dollar figure for a purchase is in the thousands, so bear it in mind for next time you’re looking for some serious wrist bling or when your kith and kin are approaching milestone occasions.

From the extensive menu of Italian classics, with specials recounted to us by waiter stalwart Jimmy, we settled upon scallops and aubergine to start, followed by fettucini and pizzas to follow.

As the flawless mechanism of the Zenith, long favoured by the folks at Rolex, whisked its way round, our starters arrived. I was really pleased with my aubergine dish, which hit all the right notes. Jonathan’s scallop dish looked plenty bonnie enough, too.

Colin was more than delighted to see main courses arrive. Our pizzas were of the light and crisp variety, with the toppings of sausage and pepper providing all the necessary pop. The fettucini proved overwhelmingly good. When Jonathan didn’t lick the plate, Jimmy enquired whether all was well. Simply it was too big and rich a portion but a lovely dish, nevertheless.

So overall, Nonna’s Kitchen served us very nicely. It’s the premier Italian location in Morningside, so has a strong and loyal following. I’d be happy to visit this smart and friendly place, again.

Scores
Blythe scores Nonna’s Kitchen
3.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 14.5/20

Today’s questers were: Colin, Jonathan, Blythe

We ate: melanzane, scallops, pizza piccante (2), fettucine al salmone

We drank: trebbiano, water, coffees

We wore: stiped shirt, watches by the Edinburgh Watch Company including a beautiful 18k rose gold El Primero Chronomaster Moonphase by Zenith of Switzerland, and a rather lovely Rolex.

Total bill: £65.20