Have walked passed this place many times however visited for lunch on Wednesday and was not disappointed. Ordered a Panini which was not only homemade and generously sized but tasted absolutely delicious. Would recommend that you also ask for a side salad (dressed with balsamic) which for only an additional 80p is an great accompaniment. Great place and look forward to my next visit.
One of the cutest Italian deli I have visited in a long time. The place is run by a family full of happy and friendly faces. The place is famous for their varied selection of panini's and salads. We ended up visiting this place twice in 3 days. I tried their selection of homemade fresh pasta dish with mixed meat mince, red pepper and tomato soup, grilled aubergine and courgette and bell pepper salad with fresh mozzarella and salumi vadi. Everything was just amazing and i will also very highly recommend their coffee and tiramisu.
Food - 5/5
Service - 5/5
Ambience - 4/5
Value for money - 5/5
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Although this is right next door to the CastleFM studio
where I have my radio show, it's only recently that I've ventured across the portal, all
thanks to the guys from Enroot.
This small Italian emporium offers a great selection of deli goods including
imported speck, guanciale, Parma ham and various cheeses. I eschewed the menu
and went straight for the Pizzaiola panini; I'm a sucker for porchetta and,
along with salami, Emmental and mozzarella this toasted snack was packed full
of flavour. The woman at the table next to me had the soup and arancini. If I
had realised (or read the menu), my choice may have been different; I adore
these stuffed risotto rice balls, they remind me of lunch in Rome, sitting by a
fountain, people watching.
Kimbo are the coffee roasters they use and the cappuccino is good. The chiller
is full of homemade pasta dishes ready to take away if you are feeling lazy.
They also hold Sicilian evenings.
Shelves are stocked with all things Italian, as you'd expect; from
cantuccini, olive oils, pasta sauces and dried porcini. They guys behind the
counter are more than happy to chat about the food they serve and where they
source their products.
Next time I nip in, I'll definitely have the arancini!
Fantastic place for lunch or coffee and pastries. We went twice in two days whilst visiting Edinburgh. The specials change every day, and there's lots of fresh produce to buy in store too
I visited two days in a row. Friendly staff and great pasta specials every day. Oh, and great coffee!
Gaia is a cozy place to have an intimate lunch with your partner, parents or friends. It radiates the Italian way of life with friendly staff, aesthetic design and amazing food.
Great prices for the quality and quantity.
Delicious vegan option too.
10/10
I recommend 110%
Easily the best value for quality menu in any cafe in leith. Top, family run business with superb service, excellent quality food and coffee. There's really no comparison elsewhere in Edinburgh. 5 stars.
Some time ago in a seafood restaurant a waiter recommended Gaia to me, and I am grateful to that coz the food and coffee in Gaia were amazing.
We had two different pasta dishes, a salmon linguine and a fusilli in tomato sauce with aubergines. And they are done AL DENTE! The pasta was both tender and chewy, a texture I have long missed! This was a huge surprise indeed.
And we had the mixed bruschettas as starter, which served 3 different types – green pesto with mozzarella, olive and aubergines in tomato sauce, and spinach on melted cheese. All tasted very great with a generous amount of fillings.
And the cappuccino served there was great - it was a dry one with a thicker layer of foamed milk.
Amazing little Italian deli that serves food too. Wonderful people hosting. The place is a little small and fills up very quick, but if you get a spot you are in for a treat. Definitely recommend any of the specials they have. Loved the arancinis
Wow so beautifully Italian and authentic. Menu with a few options which changes regularly, everything is super fresh and traditional. The folks who run it are so wonderful, especially the nonna through the back. Great ambience, and they even serve crodino!
O-là-là, what a place! From the sweet Italian interior to their local products, fresh pasta and nice staff, everything was perfect. And the prices are so reasonable! Try out their fizzy drinks, they’re made of different types of citrus fruits. Grazie!
Lovely place we had a late lunch in the other day. Staff really friendly and enjoyed the music too.
Wow, what a little gem! If you love Italian (and more specific Sicilian) food, then go to Gaia. The panini’s are delicious and the lasagna was fingerlicking good 😊 we even ordered a second plate of pasta. The service is fast and friendly. A must try in Edinburgh!
Just had the most delicious mortadella focaccia, and roast pepper mozzarella sarnie for £12. Got take-away but looks like they have lots of yummy Italian produce, juices, coffee etc. Will definitely try to sit in next time!
Delicious toasties, amazing owners. Always a pleasure. Shame not enough spaces inside, but lovely place.
Nice deli just around the corner from where we stayed. The food is delicious and cheap, the people (the owners, staff) are very friendly towards everyone. The soup of the day is made everyday, so its all fresh.
Gaia is the best Italian resturant in Edinburgh. The food is amazing and the people are beatiful. Is cozy place and rember me my home! Is something special for the city!!!!! You can try the genuine food from Italy, and you will remember for all life!!!!
Honestly this is one of my favourite spots in the world. Even when I’ve been having the worst time they’re always there slinging out absolutely sublime pasta and toasties and the staff are super lovely. I have absolutely nothing but praise if you aren’t going here already make sure you do!
Taste of Italy in heart of Leith.. best Italian food that we had in a long time..
A great place to eat with friends
What can I say about Gaia? The variety of dishes is small, there are a couple of regulars and a few that alter each day. The menu covers soup, choice of pasta dishes, filled paninis and desserts. Small, varied menus usually means fresh and homemade.
Lasagne is made each Saturday and arancini each Thursday.
This is a family run deli, each dish is lovingly prepared by Mum & Dad in a kitchen area that can be seen from the tables whilst son and daughter enthusiastically add support.
We have eaten here a few times and each occasion we have tried something different. And each time has been a success. And If you don’t fancy a full meal? We have popped in just for a coffee, or some coffees and cake and have always been welcomed.
Bravo !!!
A small family run Italian deli. Always busy, and that’s because the food is great, they have hot pasta, paninis, and some amazing nibbles. Be aware it goes from busy to very busy at lunch, so you might have a wait, but it’s worth it. Ask what’s good, they quite often have off the menu specials.
Seating available both inside and out, the coffee and salads here are delicious! I had the Mediterranea which was very filling and the freddo cappuccino (which is rare to find in Edinburgh).
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