Review: Origano, a serious contender for Leith’s best pizza

Origano on Leith Walk was recommended to me with a bold claim: it’s the best place for pizza in Edinburgh. In a city full of fantastic pizzerias, this seemed unlikely. I was sceptical, but I am happy to report that after multiple visits, Origano genuinely has a claim to that top spot.

From the moment you walk in, you understand this is a place that takes food seriously. It is a bustling, multi-room cafe and restaurant with a fantastic, lively atmosphere. It is a must-visit.

The Food: An Authentic Pizza Experience

The heart of the restaurant is the magnificent wood-fired oven, which you can see from your table. Watching the chefs operate it is part of the charm, knowing your food is being made fresh, right in front of you.

The pizzas themselves, available in 12 or 14-inch, are sensational. I have tried several and have always been impressed. The Caprino, with goat’s cheese, chicken, mixed peppers, garlic, and parsley, is a delicious combination. For those who prefer a white base, the Bianca with béchamel is rich and satisfying.

While they offer pasta and other dishes, I have never been able to resist the pizza. The Polpette Piccante is a standout, featuring meatballs, ‘nduja, green chillies, roquito peppers, and San Marzano tomatoes. It is a perfect balance of heat and flavour.

They also provide a gluten-free option for their 14-inch pizzas, which, while costing a little more, makes a huge difference for those who need it. Even the starters, especially the tasty meatballs, are worth your time. The dessert menu, with Tiramisu, Banoffee Pie, and Lemon Cheesecake, is dangerously tempting. This is not a place to eat light; you will end up ordering more than you thought.

The Atmosphere: Busy, Welcoming and Full of Life

Origano is almost always busy, and for good reason. It feels like most of Leith knows how good this place is. Booking in advance is highly recommended, though you might get lucky with a walk-in on a weekday.

The service is swift and the staff are plentiful. You will see at least two chefs, a kitchen hand, and several waiting staff working efficiently to keep things moving. Even when busy, you will not have to wait long for your food.

It is a restaurant for all occasions. It is both a perfect family restaurant and an impressive date-night spot. Taking a loved one, or a potential loved one, here shows you have good taste and you know the Edinburgh food scene.

Things to do in Leith

Leith Walk, where Origano is located, is a vibrant destination in itself, connecting the city centre to the historic port of Leith.

It is an area brimming with independent shops, bars, and cafes. After your meal, you can take a stroll down to the beautiful Shore area or visit the nearby Royal Yacht Britannia.

Leith is perfectly connected. The new tram line links you directly to the city centre in one direction and Newhaven in the other, and also provides a simple connection to Edinburgh Airport. For a different kind of entertainment, the Vue Cinema at the Omni Centre is just a short bus or tram ride away.

If you are planning a longer stay, Leith offers everything from boutique hotels to stunning holiday homes. You can find some of the city’s most beautiful rental properties on Plum Guide for a truly memorable visit.

Overall

Origano is a must-visit. It’s a fantastic, buzzing pizzeria that lives up to the hype. This is a restaurant that clearly cares about its food and customers, and it shows in every delicious, fresh pizza they serve. Strongly recommended.