Meet the local: Gino Stornaiuolo
As part of our Insider's Guide series, we caught up with Gino Stornaiuolo - a restaurateur and Edinburgh local to discuss his favourite spots, restaurants and things to do in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, so next time you are here you can explore like a local.
1. Tell us a bit about your restaurant and what makes it unique in Edinburgh?
Our restaurant is a collaboration by two local, family businesses - Edinburgh Beer Factory run by the Dunsmore family, who make the award winning Paolozzi helles-style lager and my family, who have brought two much loved restaurants to the people of Edinburgh (namely the Patio Restaurant, opened by my grandfather in 1968, and Nonna’s Kitchen). We have a long history of hospitality in Edinburgh and this is the latest iteration of that.
The new restaurant Paolozzi shares the same core values and principles as the brewery and we are also proud to champion the sometimes forgotten about, local hero, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi who has to be one of (if not THE) most important Italo Scots. Look him up.
Having had lots of experiences in Edinburgh’s social scene as a DJ from an early age, I feel like this place truly represents who I am as an Edinburgh local. I curate everything in here from the playlists to the pizza.
2. Besides your own, which restaurants in the Old Town would you recommend for an authentic dining experience?
For super fresh fish and seafood it has to be Ondine on the corner of George IV bridge and the High Street. For original small plates, fantastic wines and great times you’ll find me in the Black Grape.
3. What do you love most about running a restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh?
I have been involved in all three of my family's restaurants, each in different locations. Being on the corner of Lauriston place and Forrest Road is by far my favourite location of the three.
This area feels like the most diverse and forward thinking part of the city and with the opening of the Futures Institute in the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and also being so close to the art school and Edinburgh Uni, this truly feels like the right place for us to trade from. Being next to the meadows and so close to a huge chunk of what goes on at the fringe/jazz/film/international festivals is also a huge plus point about this location, in a business and cultural sense.
4. Are there any new or upcoming restaurants that you think people should know about?
Montrose, which is ran by the same family as the Michelin-starred Timberyard is great. You can also watch out for a new neighbourhood Italian restaurant in Slateford called Gio’s which will open later this year, conceived by the big man, Gio Pia!
5. Which bars in Old Town do you think offer the best experience for tourists both tourists and locals alike?
Ahhhh bars, now you’re talking… Ok… Old town bars… Well, we are a Bar and a Restaurant so clearly Paolozzi’s Bar has lots to offer as we have a great range of cocktails, spritz and aperitivi, as well as the award winning beer that we sell which of course is made locally. I feel like we can offer both locals and tourists an experience like no other that draws from both Italian and Scottish culture. Boom!
6. Do you have a favourite bar that captures the essence of Edinburgh’s nightlife?
Hey Palu makes fantastic drinks. I also like an after work drink at the Black Grape on the Royal Mile.
7. Describe your perfect day in the Old Town?
Yesterday, I I parked up at Quartermile with my two boys and we went to the Meadows where they had lots of fun next to the biggest play park in the city and got involved in some footie games there. We then went to Considerit to have a plant based doughnut, followed by a plate of hand-made ricotta gnocchi and a fantastic Naples style pizza at Paolozzi. Finally, we’re off home for bath time and a viewing of the next instalment in the Rocky trilogy which my boys and I are currently working through! Love some summer family time with the boys.
8. Are there any hidden activities in the Old Town that you recommend?
Tall Paul’s record stall right at the very top of Middle Meadow Walk is good for a browse and a music chat. Also, right next to it and behind the much loved Tupiniquim Brazilian food box is a community garden where Fernando curates various small and interesting creative events. He’s just installed a piano hut where you can tinkle away to your hearts content, not that I can as I never got past Grade 1 in piano forte!
You can follow Paolozzi on Instagram HERE and visit Gino for his playlists and pizzas at:
59-61 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QP
