From arrival to departure this was a very pleasant experience. Fantastic Pizza discs of tasty perfection, really attentive and very friendly waiting folks and a relaxed, comfortable restaurant. I agree with JoeC4082 'Best Pizza in Edinburgh'. Three hours well spent. One piece of advice - laminate the paper menus you have for posterity. There's a lot of character in them that's worth keeping.
WITH RECENT VISITS to the superb East Pizzas and Pizzeria 1926 still fresh in the mind from recent blog outings, it seemed only natural to try out one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated pizza establishments. Origano has long enjoyed a sterling reputation when it comes to the renowned Italian staple and was in fact adjudged to “sit atop the Edinburgh pizza tree” by the ever-trustworthy Blythe over at Lunchquest.co.uk.
After a long day we arrived at the restaurant a little late. The only places available were on bar like tables, but we didn't mind. I had the pompei pizza which was nice and spicy with the perfect crust. Staff was working hard, but stayed friendly and didn't forget about us though we were seated near the door in an odd corner. The ambiance was great and the prices right. The middle sized pizza was even a little bit too much for us and we are big eaters. We kinda regretted that we had not ordered the anti pasti. The table next to us ordered it and it looked amazing.
Went here after lots of good recommendations and I love Italian food! This pizza was honestly the best I've had in Edinburgh! We had a courgette and ricotta pizza and then a pancetta and chilli. The quality of ingredients and taste of the really crispy crust from the amazing old fashioned pizza oven they use was incredible. Only thing I could say is I would have loved more pasta options but you cant criticise because everything I tried was perfect! Staff were friendly and attentive, already ready to go back again! 🤤
Dropped in for a quick bite to eat on a sat afternoon. Have been informed that this is the place to be for the best pizza in town. So prosciutto pizza was what I ordered. And I must say I wasn't disappointed. The flavour of the tomato sauce and dough made for a tasty combination. If I was going to be critical, I would have said that another two minutes in the oven would have made it the prefect pizza in town.
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I had never visited Origano when it was in the smaller premises but had heard that it was THE place to visit in the Burgh for the best pizza; so took up the opportunity now that they have relocated to a larger premises across the Walk.
My initial thoughts on entering - its smells absolutely lip-smacking delicious. If you love the smell of Basil, warm bread/dough and cheese, then this is the place that will set your senses alight.
We never booked. We thought as its a Thursday at 630pm we should be fine to just walk-in. How wrong we were. This restaurant is busy.
Luckily the manager was on hand to find us a table and we were given one of the built in 'breakfast bar' tables right at the entrance. These tables are narrow but we were just thankful to get a table. Unfortunately the stools are very high and I really battled to climb up on it (getting off was just as bad). Not sure if they were made for giants! The interior of the main restaurant is open with the pizza prep and oven area open for all to see. Beautiful large vases with white lilies and plenty of candles makes for a very welcoming relaxed atmosphere.
It took a good 15 minutes before we were even given a menu and asked if we wanted something to drink. A little bit of a disappointing start. Our waitress, once appointed to our table was super friendly but unfortunately you always remember the bad before the good; the restaurant manager was quite rude and very grumpy - he really needs to brush up on his social skills. Service blew hot and cold throughout our meal but the food certainly made up for it.
We ordered the Cheese Garlic Bread to share for a starter. Mmmmm. Imagine thick soft warm slices of bread smothered in blue cheese and mozzarella, grilled and then sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Lush!
Next it was time to order pizza. I ordered the Origano 14" pizza with mozzarella, tomato, onion, mushroom, red pepper, black olives, garlic and parsley. My dining partner ordered the Calabrese 14" with tomato, mozzarella, marscapone, spicy sausage, nduja, garlic and basil.
Gosh these were absolutely without a doubt, delicious. The pizza dough is thin and crispy with the occasional air pocket on the crust making it even crispier. All the toppings were generous and just enough of each element to give you a different bite each time. The 14" pizzas are big but we managed to finish them off. We left here very full and very happy. This is the BEST PLACE in Edinburgh for pizza (hopefully they were just having a super busy night when we visited and service in general is good).
TheHannarchistCookbook
+4
Origano April 2016
Origano is a stalwart of the Edinburgh restaurant realm, and one of those places that elicit raised eyebrows and dropped jaws if you admit you haven't visited. A bit like admitting you have never watched The Great Escape or Die Hard.
Thankfully occasion called upon us that required a quick, simple dinner in the area and I couldn't think of anywhere better.
I was in the mood for something rustic and filling and that was exactly what we got. A huge slice of lasagne just like Mum used to make (pardon the cliche) There really is nothing better than the mozzarella melting with the warmth of the tomato, all soaked into the lasagne. And a think sauce filled to the brim with mince. I struggled to eat both accompanying slices of garlic bread, it really was very generous! My one comment is that I would have preferred to apply my own parmesan or have it applied at the table, as there was quite a bit of it and it was overpowering at times.
The pizza was equally as good, and good value. A crisp flavourful base and classic but thoughtful toppings. I'll need to go back to make absolutely certain, but this might be a rival for my favourite pizzeria!
For the evening, it was everything it needed to be. Comfortable, cosy with few frills. A step away from breadsticks, but not too far gone to forget the dripping candles. Everything you'd expect from a traditional Italian restaurant.
We’ve been long-standing fans of Origano, regularly sending people in its direction when the request was for the best pizza in the city. Having tracked progress on their new expanded premises, just over the road on Leith Walk from their compact previous place, we made a note to give it an early inspection.
If you’re looking for a cosy dining experience, then you should definitely consider booking a table at Origano. The food is great and the atmosphere is truly unique. Remember that it is a small place though, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Fantastic little place with superb friendly service and probably one of the greatest pizzas I have ever tasted!! Couldnt recommend this place enough!!
Origano is an excellent addition to Leith’s dining scene, it’s cosy and intimate with fantastic food and service. It’s a strong contender for Edinburgh’s best pizzeria, although we may have to go back a few more times prior to making this decision just to make sure.
Origano is an outstanding little place, serving the best pizza that we’ve found in the city, so far
...not quite ready to pass judgement and say that it’s THE best pizza in Edinburgh yet- I think I’ll need to visit again and sample some more- I can definitely say that it’s well up there. It’s certainly different to La Favorita in terms of the dough (their bases are thinner and crisper) and there’s a really nice cosiness about the place that makes it the perfect place for a quick bite to eat on a miserable Autumn evening. Or a lovely place to take someone for a romantic meal.
Oh, but I love Origano!
The restaurant itself is tiny, which allows a sense of intimacy and cosy atmosphere to flourish. It's laid back and unpretentious, but they REALLY know their food. I've been to Italy many times (and eaten my way through most of Italy...) and the offerings in Origano genuinely match up to the authentic Italian cuisine. The ingredients are fresh, imaginative and perfectly cooked. I've indulged in a sharing platter or two in my time, and the pizzas are perfect... So crispy, fresh and inventive. The staff are super helpful but relaxed.
I'd recommend time and again. And they deliver!
Origano is an excellent addition to Leith’s dining scene, it’s cosy and intimate with fantastic food and service. It’s a strong contender for Edinburgh’s best pizzeria, although we may have to go back a few more times prior to making this decision just to make sure.
Read our full review here:
http://www.edinblogger.com/2014/origano/
Went with a few friends and my goodness this place's pizza is unreal.
We ordered starters and arrived extremely quick. The pizza were done perfectly and felt like a proper Italian pizza style.
Service quick and people super friendly.
Will definitely come back as there were too many option that I wish I could try.
Ended up ordering an ice cream at the end. And that's was the cherry on top for this lovely dinner.
Visiting Edinburgh for the weekend and made a last minute booking here as we’re staying local. Didn’t disappoint.
Visited with my wife and kids and the pizzas are some of the best we had in a long time - there is also an option for a kids Margherita. We also had a lasagna and two other pizzas.
Service was perfect, staff are really welcoming and looked after us. we weren’t rushed despite them making an effort to fit us in at last minute.
There is a really good atmosphere here and although we visited early in the evening, the place was full quickly so obviously very popular.
If i could pick this place up and put in York closer to me i would 😃 - we all agreed that it was one the best meals we’ve had together.
Amazing pizzas, Italian style thin crust. Great atmosphere. As a French, the cheese was good, and the tiramisu was great!
Reservation recommended for dinner. Nice ambience and music. Pizza is very fragrant 🍕 Friendly and efficient staff.
It was my first time here but had heard good things. The food and atmosphere were absolutely lovely, we shared 3 different pizzas among us and couldn't pick a favourite. The staff were very welcoming - Grace was so attentive throughout the evening and I felt she went above and beyond with her service and recommendations. Will be back :)
I went there 2 years ago, still remember it! Food memories I keep, and this is one of the highlights of my trip to Edinburgh. The pizza's we had there were so tasty!
We just loved this restaurant!!
The food is amazing, there are many vegetarian options. They have a pizza oven where they freshly make it.
Also, the desert was amazing. We had Banoffee and Tiramisu.
The staff is extremely friendly and the ambiente is so lovely!! Totally recommend.
Fantastic authentic Italian pizzas. Love the quirky, relaxing decor inside. The staff members were really friendly and helpful. Can recommend the sharing platter, spicy salami nduja pizza and the Malbec!!
Amazing food, amazing place, amazing staff. We came here on our first visit to Edinburgh with some local friends who’d never been to this place before. We were all in awe. “You used to not be able to get good pizza in Scotland forty years ago,” remarked one friend. Well, Origano proved us all wrong. Everyone ordered a different pizza, and they were all delicious. Still good as leftovers in the car the next day, too. Our server was lovely, so polite and personable. The atmosphere was perfect for a hip pizza place: cozy, colorful, and clean. We loved it!
They were able to seat me at the bar without reservation which was very nice considering how busy they are. Staff were really kind, food was great- it’s tough finding good gluten free options. Would recommend!
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