A trendy new Tuscan-inspired cocktail bar has today opened in Edinburgh.
Ciao, a stand-alone cicchetti & cocktail bar within the chic Rico's Ristorante on North Castle Street, celebrates Italy's iconic cocktail - The Negroni - as well as Italy's more informal dining style with Cicchetti served all day with an affordable lunch menu. The stunning new venue serves an array of Italian aperitivo style and crafted cocktails, including a full Negroni list with a variety of options from £8.
Ciao's lunch and light bites menu is more casual and affordable, with two courses for £15 and three courses for £20. There is a full bar menu available all day, giving diners more options while Rico's serves more formal refined fine-dining Italian cuisine. Dishes on the menu include Puliga Buratta with Nduja with Fennel Crackers, Croquettes with Chilli & Leek and Tuscan liver Pate with Preserved Fruit Puree and mains include italian classics - Beef Barolo Lasagna, Carbonara and Mushroom Risotto.
The North Castle street venue breathes new life into the capital's food and cocktail scene by welcoming a new generation of cocktail drinkers. The 30-seat cocktail and cicchetti bar is open five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday aiming to attract city centre workers, the New Town community, and international visitors. The intimate and charming bar is the ideal stop for lunch, pre-dinner drinks or a laid-back date night in the city.
The look of design and interiors is timeless and chic. Decor is centred on rich brown tones with terracotta fabrics to create a sense of sunny Tuscan warmth, with decor on the slightly darker shade, reminiscent of seeking shade from the Italian heat.
Ciao is part of young restaurant entrepreneur Stefano Pieraccini's (27) Rocca Group, which includes Rico's Ristorante, The Broughton on Edinburgh's Broughton Street, and The Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews. The group has become known for its dedication to quality and long tradition of great cooking, award wins, and delivering great cuisine in a refined, relaxed but professional environment. All three of Rocca's restaurants are included in this year's Michelin Guide.
Stefano Pieraccini said:
"Ciao's arrival elevates our offering on North Castle Street. Our extensive negroni and cocktail menu is ideal for a romantic after-work drink, a romantic date, a birthday, an intimate festive celebration, or a late-night cocktail. Our lunch and cicchetti menu features well-known meat and pasta dishes and celebrates the flavour of Tuscany".
Stefano and his team combine an eye for new trends with an unwavering commitment to quality, building on the high standards he grew up with. Each venue has its own distinct personality and is united by a shared passion for the best food and drink, professional service, and overall excellence.
Bookings are open and the menus can be viewed here
Ciao at Rico's | 58A North Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3LU | Follow @ciaoatricos on instagram for further details
Visit www.ciaoatricos.co.uk for all menus and bookings. Open Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 11pm.