Pretty in pink

MANY OF US SEEK a New year makeover but The Crolla Group decided to give their well established La Favorita restaurant on Leith Walk a pre-Christmas one and Antonietta was born. My oh my, have they gone for it - Antonietta ain’t a shy lass. With orange and pink tones just about everywhere you look, Mediterranean tiles and prints, it’s the Amalfi Coast on acid.

That said, we are in Scotland and I don’t fancy some of the upholstery’s chances with the eventual onslaught of the summer fake tan brigade. It’s all practically a public service as nothing could be more of an antidote to the dreary and frustrating sight of Leith Walk in the winter. It’s the sort of thing I’d often dislike but what makes the décor work is the tableware.

The ceramics put in front of you are simply joyful. No two are alike and the vibrancy of colour and detail celebrate the food rather than distract from it. And what food it is! A fiesta of flavour. We started with Carpaccio Cipriani and a Mozzarella in Carrozza.

The beef was meltingly tender and the accompanying Rocket, Parmesan and Cipriani sauce, zingily fresh.

The mozzarella was served like a deep fried toastie and all the better for that, with plenty of house sugo to dunk it in. Although these are classed as small plates, either could have served as a main course for me.

Main courses included Sole Mezze Mafaldine. The rich blush tomato cream and basil sauce with tasty pancetta enveloped the pasta, and When Two Romans Meet Pizza, cacio and pepe sauce topped with delightful pancetta and creamy deep fried egg yolks. Once again excellent cooking and with a modern twist. The emphasis is certainly on flavour and quality.

Stuffed though we were, we managed to force over a couple of scoops of Salted Caramel and Hazelnut Chocolate ice cream, both of which tasted like proper high end gelato. The portions are more than generous, or in common parlance: ‘you won’t be needing a chippy on the way home’. I’m sure all the lovely ceramics must be paid for but it doesn’t seem to be hidden in the price: Antonietta is a reasonable date and ought to put that on her Tinder profile. With pasta dishes starting at £9.50 and Pizzas, £10, something special doesn’t break the bank. The service is young and whilst efficient, carefree. I enjoyed the pop music too, it’s all designed to be happy.

Sadly Hogmanay welcomes in the worst part of winter in Scotland so if you fancy a dose of sunshine Anonietta will deliver.