Review: Amarone, a city centre pizzeria

Amarone sits on the corner of St Andrew Square and George Street, occupying the ground floor of what was once the grand Capital Building. With two statues on plinths flanking the entrance, the venue makes a bold first impression that blends historic Edinburgh architecture with a flash of modern glass. It is a site that commands attention, positioned perfectly for the footfall of the New Town.

Inside, the atmosphere shifts toward a 1920s New York aesthetic. The Art Deco influence is palpable, suggesting a time of speakeasies and grand brasseries, though here the bar is very much a central, legal, and impressive feature. Despite the high ceilings and the scale of the room, the layout is surprisingly dense. The rows of two-seater tables feel somewhat cramped, and while the restaurant handles large parties of ten or more with ease, solo diners might find themselves wishing for a few inches more of personal breathing room.

A Versatile Italian Menu

The menu at Amarone is designed for utility and broad appeal. It covers almost every conceivable dining scenario, from a dedicated kids’ menu to pre-theatre options and a Sunday selection. The a la carte menu provides the backbone of the experience, featuring reliable Italian staples including bruschetta, pasta, and risotto.

While the kitchen offers a range of fish and meat courses, the pizzas are a notable draw. The Pepperoni Picante, topped with spicy pepperoni and red chilli, delivers a consistent kick, while the Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi offers a more earthy, traditional profile. For those looking to impress a client or seeking something slightly more refined, the Pinsa Romana, a thinly stretched rectangular base, is available for a small premium. It provides a lighter, crispier alternative to the standard sourdough found in many nearby boutiques.

Grand Architecture and Service

There is a professional efficiency to the service. The staff are smartly dressed to match the Art Deco surroundings and move with a pace that suggests they are used to the pre-theatre rush and the post-work crowd. It is the kind of place where things happen relatively quickly, even when the floor is busy.

One of the more interesting quirks of the venue is the journey to the facilities. A trip to the toilets requires navigating a set of twisty stairs that lead down into what appears to be the building’s former life as a bank. You pass heavy safes along the way, adding a layer of historical character to the subterranean level. It is a minor trek, but it reinforces the sense of scale that the building provides.

Things to do in City Centre

Amarone is situated in the heart of the New Town, making it an ideal base for exploring the capital. Just across the square, you can find the Harvey Nichols department store for high-end shopping or head down to Princes Street. The Scott Monument and the National Gallery are within easy walking distance for those seeking culture.

For those travelling from further afield, Waverley Station is a five-minute walk away, providing easy access to Trainline for national rail links. If you are staying overnight, the area is packed with luxury accommodation, which can be booked through Booking.com or explored via Lastminute.com for late deals. If you prefer to stay in and have the pizza come to you, the restaurant often features on Uber Eats.

Overall

Amarone is a highly competent, versatile restaurant that functions as a reliable rendezvous point in the city centre. While the food is perfectly acceptable rather than groundbreaking, its price point remains competitive against the smaller Neapolitan boutiques nearby. It is a “superpower” of a venue in terms of flexibility, capable of hosting a business lunch, a family dinner, or a quick pre-show meal with equal poise.