Valvona & Crolla Caffè Bar

Scotland's oldest deli also has a café - a good spot for unhurried meals with quality ingredients, big Italian flavours and hand-picked wines.

The 2017 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

The story of the Italian immigrant family who arrived in Edinburgh in 1934 then made an indelible stamp on the city’s food scene remains a classic for food fans – co-owner Mary Contini’s recipe book/memoir, Dear Francesca, will tell you more. Their success lies in a blend of empire-building business savvy and passion for the best ingredients; deliveries drop in weekly from Italy, and it’s survived as Scotland’s oldest delicatessen for good reason. Behind the deli counter and wine shop, there’s a relaxed dining room for meals at a gloriously unhurried, Italian pace. Panini, salty Italian sausage, fresh pastries and strong, excellent coffee are among the breakfast options, and at lunchtime there are pizzas from the V&C bakery, vegetarian frittatas, hearty soups or generous bowls of pasta (gluten free if you so desire) with a heap of memorably good James Dickson smoked salmon or garlicky tomato sugo. The caffè caters to a well-heeled, discerning crowd made up of older diners, family groups and tourists, and it’s a good place to catch up over an antipasti platter and special bottle of wine (buy a bottle from their shop, and they’ll add a corkage fee of £10). Leave space for an affogato – with ice-cream from another famous East Lothian Italian family, the Lucas.

• High point: Carefully chosen produce, and big flavours from Italy and Scotland
• Low point: Beware of over-ordering, the portions are sturdy
• Notable dish: Melanzane alla parmigiana