Little Capo: Edinburgh’s Little Slice of Italian Soul
Step inside, and the space wraps around you like a warm hug from your most stylish friend. It is cosy, never cramped, and only warm wood tones, gentle lighting, a cheeky bit of exposed brick, and just enough leafy greenery to make the whole place feel alive. Every detail feels thoughtfully placed, yet nothing screams “try hard.” It’s giving café meets casual cool, like it just rolled out of bed looking fabulous.
The big front windows? Prime real estate for a lazy round of people-watching. Meanwhile, a jazzy soundtrack hums along in the background— smooth, mellow, never overpowering. My top pick “Okay Okay” by Pino D’Angiò, pure funk jazz.
Over by the counter, it’s all friendly buzz: someone agonising over which pastry to pick, another regular ordering “the usual,” and always a smiling staff member ready with a warm hello! Whether you are grabbing a quick espresso and a pastry or settling in for a sandwich and a cheeky glass of wine (as you should), Little Capo always makes you feel like you belong (okay cheesy, but true!).
Now, let’s talk about that food. The sausage ragù? Absolutely outrageous, in the best, most comforting way. It is slow-cooked and deeply savoury, with all the right notes: saffron, fennel seeds, tomato… warmth, richness, love. It tastes like something an Italian nonna would make if she had a soft spot for Edinburgh drizzle and a flair for spice. A little heat, a lot of heart. It is truly what you need on a cloudy day in the city!
To the side, the salumi plate was a total showstopper in its own minimalist way, which is a true ode to balance, texture, and serious flavour! Paper-thin slices of silky mortadella, punchy salami, and prosciutto that also melts on your tongue, all arranged beside a golden, crisp grissini stick that snaps like a dream. Salty, savoury, elegant and the kind of plate that makes you slow down and appreciate each bite.
And of course, a chilled Bellini to wash it all down. It was light, peachy, and not too syrupy. It is true sunshine in a glass, the perfect counterpoint to the savoury richness of the food. Even under Edinburgh’s signature grey skies, one sip and suddenly you are in a sun-drenched Tuscan vineyard (minus the flight and the fuss).
Little Capo isn’t just a café; it is a little pocket of joy. The charm is in the details: handwritten chalkboard menus and wine bottles stacked behind the counter. It has got that magic mix of laid back and full of life, like the kind of place that feels like a local secret, even if half of Edinburgh already knows about it!