We’ve been long-standing fans of Origano, regularly sending people in its direction when the request was for the best pizza in the city. Having tracked progress on their new expanded premises, just over the road on Leith Walk from their compact previous place, we made a note to give it an early inspection.

I was joined on this expedition by the Beer Team both of whom are now Leith residents and who most recently joined on our second Leith grubcrawl.

On the drinks front, after a pre-prandial pint in nearby Woodland Creatures we settled in for more of a wine-based evening with a rather nice drop of red the order of the day.

For food we started with one of their large sharing antipasti platters then followed with an examination of one each of their three sizes of pizza – 11″, 14″ and 16″. The toppings were spinacio (spinach, egg, grana padano), Napoli (olives, capers, anchovies) and calabrese (nduja, basil, mascarpone).

The starter brought together a lovely selection of meats, cheese and bread. It was very well judged and deeply satisfying. It met with complete approval.

The pizzas were, if anything, even better. The mascarpone on the calabrese was singled out for particular praise but it proved hard to agree on which was the best one. As the size got bigger the base got even thinner and crisper so don’t be intimidated by the 16 incher, as we managed to pack it away without too much trouble at all.

Over cups of decent espresso and the remnants of the second wine bottle we were left to reflect on a stellar meal in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

So overall, Origano continues to sit atop of the Edinburgh pizza tree with magnificent quality and really winning flavour combinations. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Make sure to visit next time you’re looking for cracking pizza at the core of a delicious evening.

Scores
Blythe scores Origano
5/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 17/20

Today’s questers were: Beer Team, Blythe

We ate: sharing antipasti platter; calabrese, Napoli and spinacio pizzas

We drank: red wine, water, espresso (2)

We wore: official Lunchquest Beer Team sock flashes

Total bill: £94