Tony Macaroni

Tucked away in the Omni Centre’s mall, this friendly, family-oriented venue is perfectly placed for a Playhouse pre-theatre fuel-up.

The 2018 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £7.95 (+p&p).

Tony Macaroni sounds like the sort of mafia boss you’d find in black comedy box-office hit. Picture it: ten-year-old Tony, fed up of being teased about his cheesy surname, vows to turn the tables on his tormentors and open a successful chain of family friendly restaurants. Who’s laughing now, eh? Well, Tony, if we believe that tall tale. Still, the name has not held this chain back from Scottish pizza-place domination. With its massive menu, neon-lit signage and bright classically modern interior, the Edinburgh Omni Centre branch bustles with pre-cinema goers, families, young couples and folk looking for a huge blockbuster menu of simple, traditional grub. As well as sourdough focaccia and pizzas, Tony’s offers burgers, meat dishes, pasta and risotto. Starters include all the big names from mozzarella cheese sticks to meatballs or deep-fried calamari. Brownie, sticky toffee pudding and tiramisu fans will find them all present and correct on the dessert menu. Don’t expect any plot twists – Tony is the ultimate people pleaser, presenting his customers with exactly what they want in a no-nonsense way.