Café Calton Edinburgh: Italian-inspired dining with panoramic views

Epic views await

Perched in a striking glass box atop Calton Hill, Café Calton offers one of the most scenic dining experiences in Edinburgh. This summer, Stefano Pieraccini, Managing Director of The Rocca Group—known for The Broughton and Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews—took the reins, bringing fresh energy and a refined Italian touch to the venue.

When Café Calton opened I went along and tried the Italian-inspired small plates including a Tomato Salad with Burrata, Broad Bean and Feta Bruschetta on sourdough, and Smoked Salmon on crumpets and loved the simple, seasonal, tasty food. Read the review here

A wildflower-lined path leads you to the venue, where epic views of Edinburgh await. The outdoor seating area is perfect for daytime visitors enjoying coffee and pastries, and the space transforms for evening events, including DJ nights and themed gatherings. This month’s highlight is the Mystical Masquerade Halloween Dinner Party on Friday 31st October, featuring a welcome cocktail, three-course dinner, DJ set, and exclusive views of the Samhuinn Fire Festival.

I was invited along to sample the new evening menu launched for Autumn. Small plates still tempt and narrowing the list down to just four was challenging. We plump for Fennel Salami with al dente pickled vegetables. My dining partner Eleonora tells me that this is called "alla giardiniera" – which literally means "in the gardener's style" or "with mixed vegetables" in Italy. We also have a fruity, heritage beet salad with whipped goats cheese, glazed mushrooms with pesto on focaccia and fried chicken with hot honey. Go drool. 

A choice of three mains, Steak Frites, Tagliatella pasta with mushrooms, and Sea Bream with Fregola keeps things simple; expect heaps of aged Parmesan with everything (no complaints here!). We share the fish and the Sardinian fregola (pasta) has been cooked with leeks and in the style of a risotto. It’s creamy and luscious and perfect for Autumn. We pair it with crispy Koffman fries and a white wine from Lugana which is fresh and clean tasting. 

No room for Chocolate Tart unfortunately but that remains a good excuse for another visit to be paired with a good coffee in hand. 

Given its prime location and beautifully crafted plates, Café Calton offers surprisingly reasonable prices, making it one of Edinburgh’s best-value dining spots with a view.

Café Calton:  38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA, Scotland - 0131 322 1247

Opening hours: Breakfast: 08:30–11:45, Lunch: 12:00–15:45, Dinner: 16:30–20:30